Last winter, while hiking with her dog Ella on a trail in the mountains of north Georgia, Meredith Emerson, was kidnapped and murdered. Emerson, 24 and a recent UGA graduate, loved the outdoors and getting away with Ella to enjoy the peace, quiet and solitude that the forest provided. That evil found her in the place she went to get away from the things we see on the evening news made the crime seem even worse.

In an effort to keep her memory alive, friends of Emerson have begun a non-profit group to promote causes she believed in, including hiker safety. Right to Hike is the name of the group, and they are planning a number of events to make people aware of what they are doing and to raise money to continue the effort.

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, Right to Hike is hosting the first “Ella’s 5k and Fun Run” at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, located near the Mall of Georgia. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a beautiful fall morning, get some fresh air and exercise, and help raise money for a good cause. Dogs are welcome, of course, and are invited to participate.
 
The 5k run will begin at 8:00am and the one-mile Fun Run for those who prefer a shorter run or just a leisurely stroll will follow. Everyone who participates will receive a t-shirt.

Donations to participate are:

• 5k early registration    $25
• 5k day of run             $30
• Fun Run                    $10
• Family Fun Run (4)    $30

For more information and online registration, as well as directions to the event, go to the Right to Hike website at www.righttohikeinc.com.

If you cannot attend but would like to donate directly to Right to Hike, Inc., contributions can be sent to the address below. Checks can be made out to Right to Hike, Inc. Online donations can be made at the Right to Hike website. Donations are tax deductible.

Right to Hike, Inc.
PO Box 1210
Duluth, GA 30096