A life-changing 5K race will soon fill the streets of downtown Newnan with the sound of runners and walkers of all ages. RACE for the Orphans, a non-profit organization based in Newnan, is holding its 13^th Annual 5K on Saturday, May 3rd, and they are inviting individuals and groups to enjoy this family friendly event. The 5K RACE is also an official qualifying event for the AJC Peachtree Road Race. The ongoing mission of RACE for the Orphans is Raising Awareness, Compassion and Education about the needs of the 150+ million orphans around the world. All funds that are raised are given to Georgia families who are adopting children either domestically or internationally. Running and adoption came together in 2013 when Jason and Kelly Preston of Newnan were in the process of adopting their daughter from China. “We chose to do a 5K as a fundraiser since we were collegiate runners and certainly didn’t have an extra $35,000 in the bank” Kelly shares. “We were not a non-profit at the time, so we didn’t make much money for our personal fundraiser, but it was so well received by our community that we decided to continue doing the RACE every year to help raise funds for other adopting families. Since 2013, the RACE has grown exponentially to 1,000 participants and volunteers annually and more than $550,000 raised, all to help bring children home to their forever families through the miracle of adoption.” The annual RACE relies heavily on sponsors from businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals.  The Presenting Sponsors of the 2025 RACE are White Oak Pediatric Dentistry and Mahaffey Linkous Orthodontics. According to Dr. Eric Linkous of Mahaffey Linkous Orthodontics in Peachtree City, “Adoption is one of the most practical ways of changing a life and reflecting God’s heart to the world. As a runner and now a Board member, I’ve repeatedly seen how RACE for the Orphans effectively raises and directly connects funds with loving, local families who are opening up their lives to kids in need. It’s easy to say yes to support RACE when you see all the kids that have been adopted into their forever families through the help of this organization.” There will be a Tot Trot for ages 5 and under ($10.00), “Mia’s Mile” fun run/walk ($20.00), and a 5K which is a USATF Certified Course and AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier ($30.00). Prices increase by $5.00 on April 28^th. Cash prizes are awarded to overall male and female 5K winners ($500 first place, $250 second place, $100 third place), and Amazon gift cards are awarded to the top three participating schools. In addition, Dragonfly Running Company in Newnan is giving overall male and female 5K winners a free pair of shoes, as well gift certificates to male and female 5K winners in the Masters division (40+ years). Those who want to support the cause virtually can do so by ordering shirts or making a donation. 2018 RACE Grant Recipients Nick and Kate Hayes of Sharpsburg state, “We will always be so very grateful to RACE for the Orphans for the support they gave us to bring our girl home! We’ve had ups-and-downs in our journey, but the Lord has been good and provided for us through it all. He is faithful!” The Hayes adopted their daughter, Melanie, from the Philippines when she was almost 11 years old. Born without hands and feet and with her mouth fused shut, Melanie has undergone multiple corrective surgeries and is now a healthy teenager that thrives on being around others and loves a good laugh. The 2025 RACE Grant Recipients were recently announced by the RACE Board of Directors. Eight Georgia families will be recipients of grants from funds raised by the RACE. Three of these families are from Coweta and Fayette Counties: the Cudsik family is adopting from America, the Owens family is adopting from Colombia, and the Staples family is also adopting from America. You can learn more about all of these families by visiting the RACE website. White Oak Pediatric Dentistry of Newnan and Carrollton has been a sponsor of the RACE for almost 10 years. What started out as a base level sponsorship has grown more each year as the community has continued to support them.  According to Dr. Ben Popple, “Anyone who chooses to attend the RACE will experience a really fun event for a great cause. If you look closely while you’re there, you’ll start to realize that you’re surrounded by dozens of children who have amazing families in large part because of the financial support the RACE has been able to offer them. And as a participant, you are actively part of that incredible act.” Popple encourages everyone to join us at the RACE to help the adopting families finish the long journey they have been on to bring their children home. “There is no better way to spend a Saturday!” At its core, RACE for the Orphans is a much more than a 5K. RACE is a ministry. “Our heart’s desire is to bring glory to God who has adopted us as His children,” says Kelly. “We strive to minister to those who are adopting by helping decrease the financial burden so that they can fulfill the mission of providing children with forever families.” Registration details and more information can be found at www.racefortheorphans.org