In my mind today, I am still exhausted from last Saturday. It was the annual Autumn March for ALS. This was the 9th year for the race and my 13th year of living with ALS. I am so, so blessed to have been given longer than the average 3-5 years. I have tried my very best to do as much good as possible before my number is up. That has been my focus since ALS came to town. Guess what happened? Grace went into overdrive. Every year it happens. I started very early on organizing the race, reaching out for sponsors, and recruiting volunteers to have action other than the race for adults and children: face-painting, cake walk, and silent auction. Then there are the race specifics: water station, racers’ food table, timer, shirts, registration table, making the route, marking the routes, marketing the race, flyers, reaching out for door prizes, waters, updating the website, fielding questions, logistics, MC, packet T-SHIRT pick up, starting the races, and awards. It is just so much.
Let’s talk about Grace Operation Overload. That wonderful Grace shows up and out for this broken girl in a wheelchair every third weekend of October and turns her into Wonder Woman with multiple minds, hearts, hands, and feet. This year was new everything from routes to venue. It was a new venture with the Chamber and local governments. Several churches became involved (Holy Angels, McCullough’s Chapel, and Hillcrest Baptist) and other individuals filled the cake walk items. Holy Cow, Copper Lane, Sunpoint, and many individuals created silent auction prizes. The cake walk and Silent Auction started off then Derrick and Matthew 25:40 got on a roll they had people singing with praise to God above for the treats people made. The Bona Bunch made a splash at the water station. Amazing daughter, daughter in law, and Aunt Marge handled packet pick up, late registration, marking routes, and day of registration making it smooth. Last minute sponsors, Baptist Hospice and Extend-a-care provided the food while Sonic and Burks Beverages provided water. MC Master with an Umbrella and a plan helped the logistics of the safest start and finish along with Golf cart driving, cowbell clanging Charlie and Animal directing the River Trail helped racers 3-70+ find the way to the finish line. The total amount of racers was 139 with only 1 complaint the whole race day. Both mayors shook their heads saying, “Wow! What a Wonderful Day!” The Chamber CEO was so proud as all the people milled around looking at what an Autumn Festival she had helped found for our small town. Last but not least, Awards were given in record time by the Queen of Tennessee and the Queen of Dyersburg no less! A very Philanthropic fellow let the money flow. Each top 5K racer, M & F was given a Benjamin to blow while in the 1 MILE 14 years and below top M & F were handed two Old Hickorys each to take down to the Auto Show dancing in the streets. Grace Overload.
God willing I will make number 10 and see that Grace take over again.
See you October 17th 2026!
Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Autumn March for ALS Gal
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