Head Over Teal raises over $56,000 for ovarian cancer

The damp grass of the Hoover Preserve Town Hall lawn was matted down as the feet of over 700 runners jogged in place as a warm up before the 10K and 5K races. Led by Meta Fitness owner Matt Crane, the runners did some classic stretches to get their muscles ready for the race.

The 10K and 5K races commenced at 8am as ovarian cancer survivor and Bumpus Middle School cross country runner Emily Knerr sounded the horn at the start line. Knerr also participated in the 5k race along with her team mates. 

Runners of all ages (and species) crossed the finish line and made their way back over to the town hall lawn to a series of vendors providing families with activities such as face painting, pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, corn hole and many others. Sponsors such as Newk's, Sprouts and Dominos provided food while Cahaba Brewing and Red Hills Brewing Company provided craft beers for adult runners. This was the first year the vendors had featured activities at their tents. The fall festival theme was created by the foundation as a way to host a family fun event for everyone.

As the event came to a close, runners received awards and ribbons from Knerr for finishing first, second and third in their age groups. 

After a few final checks came in at the closing of the event, it was determined that over $56,000 had been raised for the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation in order to raise awareness and fund research for gynecological cancers.