Event Description
This race was started in 2018 as a way to support The Abraham Balawi Memorial Scholarship fund. The $500 scholarship is given to a Pickens County Senior, who submits an application and is chosen by the Awards Committee. The event also helps to fund awards, medals, and t-shirts for the Abraham Balawi Mile Run, held annually during the Pickens County Track Meet. This race is held to honor Abraham Balawi, an outstanding student athlete who was taken from this world on August 6, 2017 in a tragic automobile accident. Abe was a graduate of Liberty High school in 2015. He won the AA State 1600m race in 2014. He continued his colligate running career at Mercer University, where he was a sophomore. We miss him greatly and honor him by keeping his name and memory alive with this race.
Past recipients of The Abraham Balawi Memorial Scholarship are: Keyshawn King (Stanford), Adam Balawi (Citadel), and Cal Finley (Clemson). Applications are open for the 20-21 award winner.
The race is a walk/run 5k event open to the public. A kids fun run (mile) will also be schedule. A raffle will be held after the race. Must be present to win, unless you are a virtual runner.
All events will follow Covid Guidelines.
T-Shirts will be part of the registration fee. A $5 donation will be taken up on race day for those who did not register online. T-Shirts may still be available for an additional cost. Teams are welcomed.
Location venue and timing are provided by Liberty High School.
This year will have an added feature of a clip board to write the name and a table to share photos of the person or persons you honor. Losing a loved hurts but speaking their name and telling their story keeps them alive. At the end of the race, you will have to the opportunity to honor your loved one by sharing their life with us.
A Virtual race, for those who want to participate but cannot make the physical event, will be held Friday July 16 and race times need to be submitted by 8 pm to enter for overall results and to be considered for raffle prices. Register online to secure your t-shirt. Shirts will be shipped to virtual runners on Monday, July 19.
