Scientologists Sponsor 24th Annual “Say No To Drugs” Holiday Classic Race
The Church of Scientology in Clearwater promotes drug-free living through annual race
The starting line of the 24th annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic in Clearwater, Florida
More than 1,550 runners competed in the 24th Annual “Say No to Drugs” Holiday Classic sponsored by the Church of Scientology in Clearwater December 15.
“We were pleased to see so many fine athletes come out again this year to compete in the ‘Say No To Drugs’ Holiday Classic and take a stand against substance abuse. These athletes are important role models for our youth, demonstrating that a drug-free life is fun,” said Chris Alexander, Race Director.
Sponsors included Einstein Bagels, Costco, Cliff Bar, Auto Loop, WQYK radio, Power Bar, Consumer Energy Solutions, American Running Company, Sports Authority, Nationwide Title, Java Planet, Natures Food Patch, Postcard Mania, and Botanica Day Spa.
Volunteers distributed the Truth About Drugs educational booklets to runners to use in educating others on the dangers inherent in illicit drug use.
Runners ages 6 to 84 ran in the 1-mile, 5K and 10K races, and 24 elite runners participated. The men’s overall 5K race winner was Nick Miehe at 16:25. The women’s overall 5K race winner was Kristen Tenaglia at 18:23. The men’s overall 10K race winner was Jon Mott at 32:23. The women’s overall 10K race winner was Sara Petrick at 37:25. Complete race results are posted at http://coolrunning.com/results/12/fl/Dec15_24thAn_set5.shtml.
All runners received gift bags and T-shirts, and they and their guests were invited to enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast after the race. Race winners won a $1,000 cash prize, and 225 plaques and trophies were awarded to winners and runners-up in various age categories.
All race proceeds over the cost of the race are donated to charitable and social betterment organizations, including Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, West Florida Y Runner’s Club, and the Narconon drug rehabilitation program.
For the past 24 years, parishioners of the Church of Scientology have supported and sponsored athletic events and teams in the Tampa Bay area in a variety of sports, including running, softball, basketball, swimming and sailing.
The Church of Scientology has published a new brochure, Scientology: How We Help—The Truth About Drugs, Creating a Drug-Free World, to meet requests for more information about the drug education and prevention initiative it supports. To learn more or to read a copy of the brochure, visit Scientology.org/antidrug.
Runners and their guests enjoyed a pancake breakfast after the race.
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “The planet has hit a barrier which prevents any widespread social progress—drugs and other biochemical substances. These can put people into a condition which not only prohibits and destroys physical health but which can prevent any stable advancement in mental or spiritual well-being.”
The Church of Scientology supports the Truth About Drugs, one of the world’s largest nongovernmental drug education and prevention campaigns. It has been conclusively proven that when young people are provided with the truth about drugs—factual information on what drugs are and what they do—usage rates drop commensurately.
Press Contact: Karin Pouw
Phone: (323) 960-3500
Email: mediarelations@ChurchofScientology.net
Church of Scientology International
6331 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 1-323-960-3500
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