Country's Midnight Express 5K is more than just a race

You do not have to be a runner to enjoy Country's Midnight Express 5K.

The 35th annual event is Saturday at the Mercury Drive location -- near Cross Country Plaza -- and it is quite a party.

Kelley Amon, chief financial officer for Country's Barbecue, said about 2,000 people are expected to participate in the run, but the crowd could hit 5,000.

The road race begins at midnight but festivities get underway at 7 p.m. There will be a rock climbing wall and kayakers will put on a demonstration in a pool. Numerous vendors will also be on hand.

Country recording artist Ricky Gunn will perform. Gunn, who recently released his debut album "King of This Town," won Georgia Music Awards in 2011 and 2012 as top male vocalist.

Classic Addict featuring lead singer Cale Dodds will also perform. Classic Addict is a rock 'n' roll band with influences ranging from Bon Jovi, Journey, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Third Eye Blind, Tom Petty and Thin Lizzy.

Of course, there will be plenty of barbecue and other items to eat.

And the event is all for a good cause.

Through the years, Country's Barbecue has collected more than $350,000 for the visually impaired. With new technology the restaurant donated a Giraffe Omni Bed to Children's Miracle Network. The bed helps prevent blindness in premature babies.

Equipment is also furnished to school teachers who work with visually impaired students and $100,000 worth of donations to provide scholarships to the visually impaired have been presented to Columbus State University and Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

All of the registered participants in the run receive a T-shirt, Country's Barbecue sandwich coupon, iced tea, popcorn and fruit.

Runners will travel along an illuminated course. There will be chronotrack timer by Event Tech.

Should I bring the children?

It is a family affair with many children participating and getting awards.

What time is the run?

It begins at midnight.

How much does it cost to run?

The race fee is $20 with an additional $2.50 sign-up fee. The cost increases to $25 on Friday.

How do I register?

You can go online to www.countrysbarbecue.com or pick up a form at one of the restaurant's locations. Registration will continue until close to race time.

What about awards?

There will be awards for the top three finishers, men and women, in the open division as well for the age groups 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 on up.

There will also be a first-, second- and third-place award for the visually impaired and a first-place award for wheelchair participants.

There will be a first and second award for masters (40 and over) and grand masters (50 and over).

Names of winners are posted and last year's winners can currently be found on the restaurant's website.

Where can I find more information?

Visit www.countrysbarbecue.com.

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Country's Midnight Express 5K is more than just a race ."