Tanners, Community Team Up

​“Karen and I had always really felt that we should be immersed in the community,” Ray Tanner has said. "This is where we live. It’s part of our world. Our foundation really is designed to give back 100 percent. And with events like the Ray Tanner Home Run, we can do more than serve one needy family."
​The Ray Tanner Home Run
The Ray Tanner Home Run, established in 2006, is a unique event presented by Strictly Running. The Home Run features a 12K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Run and a Kids’ Fun Run. The 12K event is certified by USA Track & Field and presented in conjunction with the Columbia Running Club. 
The Ray Tanner Home Run is presented as a community service by the all-volunteer Strictly Running Long Distance Team. The purpose of the group is to foster a fun and supportive environment for runners of all abilities. Through the support of Strictly Running, Columbia Running Club, and the Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation, the group has grown from a few members in 2005 to more than 400 today.
​Events
  • 12K Run - a scenic 7.5 mile course starting and finishing at Carolina Stadium
          - Course certification by USATF
          - Columbia Running Club Tour de Columbia
          - For runners capable of a 12 min/mile pace - course
            begins at 7:45 a.m. and closes at 9:15 a.m.
  • 5K Run and Walk - this  3.1 mile course starts at the entrance to Carolina Stadium and returns for your finish at Home Plate. Scenic, nearly all flat and fun.  Begins at 8:15 a.m.                                                          
  • 1 Mile Run for anyone over 10 years of age. For kids or beginning runners!
    •   Begins at 8:20 a.m.
  • Kids Fun Run is inside Carolina Stadium Field at 9:00 am. All kids receive a #1 Kids Run for Fun race bib, finisher's medal and refreshments.  Begins at 9:00 a.m.
In Memory of Leona Lavallee
Home Run Inspiration Station Director 2006-2009
If you've run the Home Run before, you've no doubt been cheered on and enjoyed a chuckle when you approached our featured water stop, the Inspiration Station. Our dedicated group of volunteers continues to carry on the hilarity in memory of our friend LL, who always had a smile to share and a passion for helping others.
All Volunteer Home Run 2016 Event Team Leaders

Selwyn Blake & Jordan Lybrand – Strictly Running Technical Directors

Liz Locke - Strictly Running - PR

Mike Hudgins – Course Logistics

Dale Stigamier - Volunteer Coordinator

Katherine Harris & Charley Adams -  Finish Line and Awards

Jennifer White – Kids Fun Run

Albert Rose & Karen Tanner – Sponsor Relations

Daniel Patrick & Kacey Friedman – Food Coordinators

Carol Wallace – Registration & Race Gear

Shirley Smith – Race Day Registration/Packet Pick up

Kyle Lipsey – Race Gear/Medals/Awards Coordinator

David Watkins – Director at Large

Coleen Strasburger – Registration

Karen and Ray Tanner – Ray Tanner Foundation
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Kristi Davis - Ray Tanner Foundation
The Ray Tanner Home Run is proudly associated with these organizations:
©TheRayTannerFoundation
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