Alpharetta Office Lays Down a Corporate Challenge

LexisNexis is putting on a race and has thrown down the challenge to other corporations in the Alpharetta-Milton area. The 2011 Windward Challenge 5K Run/Walk is now a corporate cup challenge as well.

Don Welsko of LexisNexis said the Windward Challenge has been a part of the North Fulton community for almost 11 years. It has raised almost a million dollars for local nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, the March of Dimes and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. This year the nonprofit to benefit will be KaBOOM!, a nationally-known nonprofit that builds and rebuilds playgrounds around the United States.

The race will be Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m. A Kids' Fun Run begins at 6 p.m.

"We're trying to raise money for a playground in the Atlanta area for children who don't have a place to play and don't have a safe playground," Welsko said.

This year corporations are getting a special invitation to compete in the first Windward Challenge Corporate Cup

"Our idea is that this cup would move from company to company [each year]," he said.

Businesses participating in the corporate cup need a minimum of five people for each team, and at least two female runners per team. Participants must be at least 18 on race date.

Welsko said it's a great family event with music, food and awards.

Last year, more than 725 people participated.

The race starts at the LexisNexis officers at 1000 Alderman Drive, Alpharetta. Parking will be in the LexisNexis lot or across the street.

Registration is open online. Cost is $25 per team member (or individual) until Sept. 14, and $30 on race day.