This year marks the 30th anniversary the Franklin Classic, a race that began in 1979 as the “CPS Cancer Run.” CPS Printing sponsored the race and donated proceeds to cancer research. That first year fewer than 1,000 people participated in the 10K run and a 2-mile walk. Many Franklinites have fond memories of the Classic. Julian Bibb, our head enthusiast, remembers running in the Classic at age 10—his first BIG race!
Over the years, the Franklin Classic has continued to grow. It is now one of the most popular races in Middle Tennessee. Over 6,000 people participated last year. This year competitive runners can choose to run the 10K or 5K, families can walk, or stroll, together in the 4K walk and children 9 and under are welcome to participate in the Kid’s Kilometer. Runners and volunteers alike enjoy spending the morning in downtown Franklin supporting Mercy Children’s Clinic—the Classic’s benefactor for the past seven years.
Mercy Children’s Clinic is dedicated to providing health care for all children, with and without insurance, in Tennessee. I take my daughter to MCC and have been extremely impressed with the quality care and personal attention we receive from the doctors and staff. It truly is a ministry of love, and mercy.
I have never participated in a race in my 30 years and it’s time for that to change. On Labor Day, I plan to gather my family, throw on my sneakers, strap my daughter in the stroller and head down to the squircle to support a ministry I believe in, and have some fun in the process!
From what I hear, even people who aren’t “participating” in the actual race get involved. Residents who live on the race courses host breakfasts and set up chairs to cheer people on. The Franklin Classic sounds like just that—a tradition in this fabulous small town that shouldn’t be missed! Hope to see you there!