1,700 have really fun run

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Several participants of the Lake Burton Fun Run showed their patriotism by wearing red, white and blue, or by dressing up in costumes like the trio celebrating here as they cross the finish line. Despite the warm temperatures, thousands were in attendance on July 4 for the 42nd annual Lake Burton Fun Run from Moccasin Creek State Park to LaPrade’s Marina.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Runners of the 42nd Lake Burton Fun Run take off as the race begins at Moccasin Creek State Park on Saturday, July 4. All proceeds from the race benefitted the three Lake Burton volunteer fire departments – Lakes, Persimmon and Wildcat – Rabun County Search and Rescue and the Rabun County Sheriff K-9 Corps.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Jeffery Shelley, the overall winner and male winner of the 42nd Lake Burton Fun Run, receives a high-five as he approaches the finish line. Shelley, who is from Auburn, Ala., finished the two-mile run with a time of 11:32.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Over 1,700 runners occupied the streets near Lake Burton for the 42nd Lake Burton Fun Run on Saturday, July 4, as part of the several Fourth of July celebrations in Rabun County.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Eleven-year-old Hank Bramlett from Cornelia, Ga., sings The Star-Spangled Banner before the start of the Lake Burton Fun Run on July 4 at Moccasin Creek State Park.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Carol McPherson of Dahlonega, Ga., celebrates as she crosses the finish line of the 42nd Lake Burton Fun Run on July 4 at LaPrade’s Marina. McPherson, 69, finished the two-mile run with a time of 29:08.