Falcons fans of all ages were up before the sun on Saturday to participate in the Rise Up and Run 5k / Walk like MADD, presented by Northside Hospital. Proceeds from the race benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
On Saturday morning, the Falcons, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Atlanta Track Club held the 2016 Rise Up and Run 5K/Walk Like MADD, presented by Northside Hospital. The event consists of a 5K run/walk, a one mile fun run and a 50-meter dash.
The 5K track began at International Boulevard next to Falcons Landing, continued through the streets of Downtown Atlanta, through the Falcons' player tunnel and finished on the 50-yard-line of the Georgia Dome.
All proceeds went to MADD, "the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving, drugged driving and underage drinking." According to MADD CEO Debbie Weir, the walk raised more money than any other in the organization's 36-year history.
"It really is due to Mr. (Arthur) Blank and the Falcons," Weir said.
Weir teamed up with the Falcons four years ago when she spoke at an NFL owners meeting. There, Blank introduced himself and asked how the Falcons could help MADD's cause.
His staff got to work on forming a partnership the next day.
"We're just thrilled to be able to put on an event like today for such a worthy cause," Falcons Director of Community Relations Chris Millman said. "Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a huge issue here in our local community, and the fact that we could be a part of this event here today, to create awareness, is something that's very important to this organization."
