FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
INAUGURAL ORION 5K SUCCESS
MEMPHIS, TN (June 14, 2018) — Orion Federal Credit Union https://orionfcu.com/ picks up the baton and carries forward a great Memphis running tradition that has filled downtown streets for 21 consecutive years.
2,000 runners and walkers from across the Mid-South lined up at 7 o’clock on Saturday evening, June 9th, for the inaugural Orion 5K benefitting Memphis hometown nonprofit St. Patrick Community Outreach. Runners started on iconic Beale Street and ran through the “Boulevard of the Blues” and alongside the mighty Mississippi River before crossing the finish line near St. Patrick Church to attend a post-race party. Local band Marcella and Her Lovers welcomed participants to a lively, family-friendly celebration featuring delicious food, cold beer and an energetic awards ceremony.
“The Orion 5K race has a rich history in the Memphis community. We invited all from the Mid-South to participate in this fun, family-friendly event that shows off our city from Beale Street, to the river, and down South Main. It’s a unique race that celebrates our city’s culture and hospitality,” stated Daniel Weickenand, Orion CEO.
Formerly known as the Gibson Guitar 5K, the all-new Orion 5K continues the race’s tradition of benefitting St. Patrick Community Outreach, Inc., a Memphis-based 501 © 3 nonprofit that carries fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods to parts of the community that don’t have easy access to affordable, nutritious foods. Through the Green Machine Mobile Food Market, a MATA city bus renovated to serve as a rolling farmer’s market, St. Patrick’s is able to bring healthy foods to food deserts around the city. It also operates the city’s largest emergency food pantry in Memphis’ most economically challenged zip code.
All participants were awarded a finishing medal, and the male and female Grand Champions were awarded a commemorative Orion 5K “wrestling” belt. A kid’s fun zone provided entertainment for families and a local artist painted a graffiti mural in honor of the event.
ABOUT Orion FCU
Founded in Memphis in 1957, Orion FCU has grown to become the largest credit union in west Tennessee, with over 65,000 members and nearly $775 million in assets. Orion offers a full spectrum of banking options ranging from savings and checking accounts to home, auto, commercial, and personal loans. For more information on Orion FCU, go to https://orionfcu.com/
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Contact: Casey Condra
Director of Marketing
Orion Federal Credit Union
