The Road to Hope 5K, the opening event of the 7th Inning
Stretch Festival each August, is moving to Saturday, April 29. Participants will traverse
the USA Track & Field-certified course that begins on West Graham Steet, loops around
Shelby High School’s football stadium and ends on South Lafayette Street.
The race will be the 10th annual 5K affiliated with the Festival and The American Legion
World Series (ALWS). Power Up Nutrition Club, an independent distributor of nutrition
products in Uptown Shelby, is the sponsor for the race. to register click here.
The race day was moved from August to April because of the difference in the weather,
says Kim Davis of Dragonfly Marketing. Davis is Media Director for the festival, related
events, and the ALWS.
“The heat and humidity in August are oppressive and can be dangerous,” Davis says.
“We’re hoping the April date will draw more runners and therefore, more contributions
to Road to Hope Shelby. The proceeds from the race go to the programs Road to Hope
Shelby sponsors, programs that honor fallen officers and provide for their survivors.”
All race supplies and costs are covered by sponsors; race sponsorships are still available.
Road to Hope Shelby is a 529-mile bike ride to Washington, D.C., each May; riders
convene from across the country to kick off Police Week.
In addition to the proceeds from registration fees for the Road to Hope 5K, the ALWS
organization collects contributions at its planning meetings and special events.
April 29 is also the weekend of the Merry Go Round Festival. The 5K participants and
their fans can head for Shelby City Park for the festival with rides, carnival food and
music.

The 7th Inning Stretch Festival, August 5, 2023 event that kicks off the ALWS national baseball tournament, scheduled for Aug. 10-15 this year. The Little Miss ALWS Pageant will continue to be part of the 7th Inning Stretch Festival. Other details about the festival will be released later.