Clemson Triathlon

Subject: Join Us for the Annual Abraham Balawi Memorial 5K - Honoring a Legacy

We are excited to invite you to participate in the Annual Abraham Balawi Memorial 5K on June 28th, an event that holds special significance for our community. This race, started in 2018, was created to support the Abraham Balawi Memorial Scholarship Fund. The annual scholarships are awarded to at least two deserving Pickens County seniors, chosen by the Awards Committee, to continue Abe’s legacy of excellence, dedication, and perseverance.

About the Event: This 5K race is not just about running—it's about honoring the memory of an extraordinary individual. Abraham “Abe” Balawi, a gifted athlete and student, was tragically taken from us on August 6, 2017, in a car accident. A 2015 graduate of Liberty High School, Abe won the AA State 1600m race in 2014 and went on to run at Mercer University. He was recently awarded a posthumous degree for his achievements. This race helps us keep Abe’s spirit alive through the scholarship fund and annually during the Pickens County Cross Country and Track & Field Meets. The Pickens County Track & Field Meet also hosts the Abraham Balawi Mile Run, which was renamed in his honor.

Why You Should Participate:

Support Local Students: The funds raised from the 5K go directly to the Abraham Balawi Memorial Scholarship, which has allowed us to award local student scholarships since 2017.

Honoring Abe’s Memory: This race is a tribute to Abe’s incredible impact on our community and to remember his legacy as a dedicated runner and student-athlete.

Community Impact: The event also helps fund awards, medals, and t-shirts for local runners. It also supports the Pickens County Cross Country and Track & Field Meet, supporting local XC, track and field athletes.

Past Scholarship Recipients Include:

Keyshawn King (Stanford)

Adam Balawi (Citadel)

Cal Finley (Clemson)

Ally Wilson (USC)

Eric Baldwin (Clemson)

Will Herden (USC)

Hannah Brown (Duke)

Issac Esuary (Clemson)

Ella Harned (Southern Wesleyan)

Noah King (Clemson)

Ashby Williams (Appalachian State)

Event Details:

Date: June 28th

Time: 8:00 am

Location: Liberty High School (Hosted by Liberty High School)

This is a walk/run 5K event that’s open to the public, and we encourage runners of all levels to join us. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply want to show your support for a great cause, we welcome you to participate.

How to Register: To sign up, please visit the link on this website.

Your participation helps ensure we continue to provide scholarships and honor Abe’s legacy. Together, we can make this year’s race a meaningful celebration of his life and contributions.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. We hope to see you there, running or walking in Abe’s honor.

Best regards,

Shannon Balawi

Abe’s Mom

Get ready to kick off 4th of July with a bang at the Firecracker 5K at Chickasaw Point! Whether you are a seasoned runner or a leisurely stroller, you can enjoy a picturesque tree-lined route featuring Lake Hartwell and Chickasaw Point Golf Course. Your friends and family can join you on the course or celebrate with the 4th of July morning festivities!

Hosted by Chickasaw Point community and open to the public this is a fun way locals and visitors in Upstate South Carolina can enjoy Independence Day together.

Something for Everyone: Kids, Family, Friends: Walk, Run

Kids can also showcase their skills in the Kids and Little Tikes Fun Run.

Chickasaw Point's Southern Hospitality

What sets this event apart is the warm southern hospitality extended by the hosts of the Firecracker 5K; Chickasaw Point's residents. Discover the hidden gem that is Chickasaw Point, boasting a 500-home community that offers open to the public amenities like the Chickasaw Point Golf Course and The Overlook restaurant and bar. For those considering a move to this unique lake front community, don't miss the chance to preview available homes and lots for sale, as real estate moves quickly in this coveted location.

Packet Pickup:

July 3rd 4pm-8pm at The Overlook Restaurant

July 4 7am-8am at the race start location (entrance of Chickasaw Point community)

Race Day Registration:

July 4 7am-8am at Chickasaw Point entrance greens near balloon arch.

Event Schedule:

• 7:45am: Opening Prayer, National Anthem

• 8:00am: 5K Start

• 8:15am: 1-Miler Start

• 9:00am: Little Tikes (2-3 year olds), Kids Fun Run (4 year olds and up). Parents choose which is best for child.

• 10:00am: 5K Top Finisher Awards, Oldest & Youngest runner recognition

Fundraiser

All proceeds and donations will go towards covering the cost of the Firecracker 5K event and to fundraising efforts to support the amenities of Chickasaw Point. All staff associated with producing this event are volunteers from the Chickasaw Point community.

Join us for a day of fitness, fun, and community support!

This is a 5K run or walk. It is an evening glow run and participants have the option of running or walking virtually. The purpose is to raise money and awareness for nursing students at the Wesleyan University of Haiti School of Nursing. All proceeds will go to the Wesleyan University of Haiti School of Nursing. Global Partners, which is the mission arm of the Wesleyan Church, manages this fund. The School of Nursing fund supports student tuition, staff and instructor salaries, and a student lunch program.

You're invited to Oconee Humane Society's 2nd annual Paws in the Park 5k run & 1 mile walk. Join us and help raise funds to support the awesome programs offered and supported by Oconee Humane Society.

Bring your whole family (well behaved pups included) to one of Oconee's most scenic parks and enjoy a 3 mile run lakeside while supporting a great cause. Prefer a more leisurely walk? Sign up for the 1 mile walk and join the festivities!

RACE INFO:

DATE: Saturday, September 26

TIME: 8:30AM- 5k start /1 mile walk will start shortly after 5k

COST: $30 (includes a race packet with race T-shirt, music, refreshments and post race party all while supporting OHS)

** Must register by Sept. 10th to be guaranteed a shirt**

FAQs:

*Pets are welcome but must be on a short leash (no retractable leashes please for safety).

*Strollers and walkers are welcome, but we ask that they start at the back of the group for safety.

*Post race party will follow with awards, refreshments, and music to enjoy lakeside

*Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall male and 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall female for the 5k will be presented

*5k and 1 mile runners/walkers who register before the deadline will receive a race packet with tshirt and goodies (MUST REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 10TH TO BE GUARANTEED A TSHIRT)

*Packet Pick up will be Friday, September 25th at South Cove County Park from 3-6pm and Saturday, September 26th from 7-8am before the race

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors!!

(check out our sponsor page!)

Clemson Sunrise Rotary Club is a voluntary, member focused, service driven organization that creates lasting, positive change in the world, our community, & within ourselves. Participating in this event will provide funds for our community and surrounding area.

The Cupid Shuffle 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, February 13, 2027 is a great way to start your Valentines Day weekend. To keep registration prices low and maximize the philanthropic impact, we have decided to return to the beanie give-away this year, which will not be included in our very low-price the 14-under registration. There will, of course, be chocolate at the finish. Awards will be overall male and female as well as three deep in each age category. Race starts and finishes at Clemson Presbyterian Church and Gateway Park. Registrations received after January 15, 2027 will not be guaranteed swag.

• Registration fee is $25 for adults.

• Registration fee for ages 14 and under is $15.

Packet Pickup will be Friday, February 12, 2027 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at 304 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631 (First Citizens Bank). Packets will also be available the morning of the race.