Who We Are

Published on Thursday, 25 August 2011 15:44

Written by Say No To Drugs

How We Started
The Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic was started 23 years ago by world class runner and local resident Sandra Johnson, member of the Dianetics Athletics Association of the Church of Scientology. The idea was to promote an anti-drug message by raising awareness through a road race. From there it has become one of the premier races in the Tampa Bay area, drawing up to 1,000 runners with Elite athletes competing from all over the world.

Top runners in prior years have included six-time World Ironman Triathlon Champion Mark Allen, Canadian Olympian Peter Maher, American Olympian Ronnie Holassie, Swiss Olympian Dan Otz as well as local Clearwater stars Mary Level-Menton and Judy Mercon-Maguire.

Our Purpose
Our goals are to spread the positive message "Say No To Drugs" to as many people as possible. It is especially important to us for this message to get to the younger generation - as they are the future - and we don't want our future on drugs.

Race proceeds are given each year to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, West Florida Y Runner's Club, Drug Free Marshals and other local charities including the Narconon Drug Rehab Program.

Other Drug Free Information
www.drugfreeworld.org

"Race officials present Boy & Girl Scout leaders with a portion of proceeds from the race."

The Say No To Drugs Team
This race takes place thanks to the effort of over 200 volunteers who work together in an organized and coordinated manner thoughout the year under the direction of the DianeticsAthletics Association and the Clearwater Community Volunteers. From executives to chiropractors, children to sponsors, all contribute with their individual abilities or resources for the purpose of a great race and the anti-drug message.