Fur, Fun, and a Photo Worthy Finish at Fayette Cares High Cotton 5k and Fun Run
Spirits were high as the Fayette Cares High Cotton 5k medals were presented to runners and walkers of all ages at the Fayette Co. Chamber Cotton Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Two legged and four legged registrants united as smiles, sunshine, and care filled the air. Hundreds of participants, including those who brought their furry friends, showed up and showed love for the life changing services of Fayette Cares at this annual charity race.
The event, now in its 17th year, has become a staple for the community, combining fitness, fun, and philanthropy. The funds raised help support crucial services to end homelessness, break the chain of domestic violence, and aid those in financial crisis.
Thanks to the Pet Pass, furry friends were part of the fun too. Dogs proudly sported their Fayette Cares race bandanas while wagging their way along the course, and post-race they were treated to special pup peanut butter cups that were a hit among the canine crowd.
Every participant wins for caring but the competition for top times was intense. In one of the closest finishes in event history, Masam Akhavan of Memphis, Tennessee edged out his rival 15 year old Ian Dycus of Somerville, Tennessee by less than a second to become the Overall Male winner with a time of 19:48. Abby Hughes of Rossville, Tennessee, just 17 years old, was the first female to cross the finish line with a time of 20:30. Adam Tanielian of Ashland, Mississippi was the Overall Masters Male winner coming in at 20:15. Also celebrating victory were Overall Female Master Amy Anderson of Somerville, Tennessee at 25:51, Overall Male Grand Master David Luthe of Somerville, Tennessee at 26:42, and Overall Female Grand Master Jonna Danis of Memphis, Tennessee at 32:47.
This event would not be possible without caring volunteers, participants, and sponsors like Mercedes Benz of Collierville, Somerville Animal Hospital, Rehab World, David Kelley Jewelers, Tennessee Ivy, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, Somerville Methodist Church, Tribe Photography, Amazing Angles Photography, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Mu Zeta Zeta Chapter, Boy Scouts Pack 95, Corrections Management Corporation, Stylish Designs, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Somerville Police Department, and The Fayette Falcon.
Visit the Fayette Cares website to see event photos and race results or support the Fayette Cares mission with a donation.
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