Immanuel Baptist, The Temple, St. George's promote Boulevard Bolt's race for charity

BELLE MEADE—For many families, the itinerary at 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning includes mashing, basting and stuffing.

However, in Belle Meade, most people are stretching, focusing and bracing for a 5-kilometer trek to benefit Nashville's homeless.

"You feel a whole lot better when you run for five miles before Thanksgiving dinner rather than sitting down and watching a football game," said Diane Kuhn, an event coordinator for the Boulevard Bolt. "If you run or walk five miles you don't feel as guilty."

Last year, more than 7,000 people participated in the Boulevard Bolt, which has raised $745,000 for organizations benefiting the homeless in the past 12 years.

The Bolt, held on Nov. 23, is a 5K run/walk presented by Immanuel Baptist Church, The Temple and St. George's Episcopal Church.

"All of our religions promote giving to charity and helping people in need," said Kuhn, who attends The Temple. "This is a way for all of us to get together. We have a common cause."

Recently retired pastor, Dr. David George plans on helping this year as he has every year.

"It's an opportunity for us to cooperate with St. George's and The Temple," said George, who retired in October after serving as the pastor of Immanuel 30 years. "We saw that as an exciting interfaith opportunity, and raising funds to help the homeless interested us very much."

He has historically begun his Thanksgiving morning by arriving at Immanuel by 7 a.m. before the roads close for the 5K race.

"I am not a runner or athlete," he said. "I have helped and observed every year for the race. The three clergy from the different congregations take turns bringing an opening prayer before the race starts."

"I'll walk up to St. George's, where the race starts, and see if I can be any help," he said.

After the race, George watches the awards ceremony and snaps some pictures of the winners before returning home to eat Thanksgiving dinner.

Immanuel Baptist Church serves as the registration point for the race.

"We get people from all over the country," Kuhn said. "We have all levels. We have people who walk with their children and people who are competitive runners."

Kuhn said that this year some of the proceeds would fund a Habitat for Humanity house. Last year, $115,000 was given to Nashville organizations benefiting the homeless.