Life is good festival heats up
Races, contests appeal to all ages

Williamson A.M.
By BONNIE BURCH • Staff Writer • June 6, 2008 

FRANKLIN — Running a 5K in Tennessee summer weather can become a tricky proposition.

Heat avoidance and a later start for the Life is good Festival's runs, which meander through the Westhaven subdivision neighborhood, gives participants a jump on other activities pre-race.

"This year, we're moving around the scheduling a bit because we found that the runners didn't want to stick around for the festival after the race, and also it got really hot during the day," said event co-chair Melonee McKinney Hurt.

Last year, the morning 5K attracted almost 1,000 runners who raised about $30,000. Those funds were split evenly between the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin and Williamson County and the Life is good Kids Foundation, which distributes money to nonprofits that support children in need. This year's goal is $50,000.

For the 2008 edition, a race management company will provide accurate chip timing at the finish line rather than the previous hand timing system. But that doesn't mean that this race is only for the serious competitors.

"We're not designed to be strictly competitive, so you can walk it if you want. Last year, we had people walking their dogs and with baby strollers. It's just a really good way to see the neighborhood," Hurt said.

For younger athletes, two separate runs let kids take part in races designed to fit their age levels.

Although all activities take place inside the West Franklin neighborhood, participants don't have to have any connection to Westhaven.

The festival part, which came with a nod to watermelon last year, starts with free music, activities for children and games such as the World's Greatest Backyard Athlete competition, with competitors taking on a variety of silly tasks to receive top honors.

After the race, runners are invited to stay late, refuel with a cheeseburger and listen to live music by Jonell Mosser on the lawn of the Resident's Club.

Now in its second year, the event is a joint project between Westhaven developer Southern Land Company and Life is good, an apparel company that spreads positive messages with its iconic, smiling Jake character.