CANTON, GA (Oct. 27, 2025) – Cherokee Recreation and Parks raised more than $33,000 for the Laken Hope Foundation with the 2nd Annual Live Like Laken 5K held Saturday.
The event at Hobgood Park in Woodstock drew 806 in-person and virtual participants. Funds raised for the foundation will go to benefit organizations that promote women’s safety awareness, provide tuition assistance for nursing students, and improve children’s healthcare.
“It was a beautiful morning for the race, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, vendors and volunteers for making it all possible,” said Skyler Cox, senior recreation coordinator for Cherokee Recreation and Parks. “I also want to thank the Cherokee County community for coming out to support the Laken Hope Foundation and celebrate the wonderful life of Laken Hope Riley. As race director, I couldn’t imagine a better day. The support from our community was truly inspiring and I hope it will be a day we all remember in honoring Laken”
“The Live Like Laken 5K would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses and organizations that continue to make a difference in Cherokee County,” said Cherokee Recreation and Parks Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator Jessica Hallman.
This year’s sponsors included Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling, Chrisally Events–the event production partner, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire of Towne Lake, Hive Fitness Journey, Kim Dionne Real Estate, Servicewise Electric & Plumbing, Fleet Feet Canton Georgia, Roof It Forward, Zooming Room North Cobb, Corrective Chiropractic Woodstock, Hotworx Woodstock Towne Lake, Creative Awards & Promotions, and Orangetheory Fitness Canton / Holly Springs. Their contributions, ranging from financial support to in-kind donations, helped provide race day refreshments, signage, participant shirts, medals, and other event essentials.
Race winners included overall male winner Nathanael Spivey with a time of 17:46 and overall female winner Isabella Kennison with a time of 20:34
For more information on the foundation, visit lakenhopefoundation.com.
