Get out those running shoes out and come join the fun at Johnson Park in Marble Falls on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the CASA “Speak Up For Kids” 5K and Fun Day at the Park. All proceeds benefit abused and neglected children in Blanco, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, and San Saba counties.

1976 Olympic Gold Medalist, UT football legend, and former New York Jets wide-receiver, Johnny “Lam” Jones, and former famed UT football wide-receiver, Johnny “Ham” Jones will meet on the same turf as Official Ribbon Cutters for the event.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) encourages adults, teens, and children to participate in this worthy cause. Proudly wear your school colors, business logo, club T-shirts, or church T’s. Running clubs, school track teams, coaches and athletic directors, church youth groups, and area businesses are urged to unite and participate.

Run the route, then, enjoy special performances from and classic rock and blues live music performed by Daniel Conti with Drawing Back at the Outdoor Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Johnny “Lam” Jones, a former Lampasas resident, was known as the “Lampasas Lightning Bolt” during his high school career. At age 17, he was an Olympic Gold medalist as 400 Meter Relay team member in Munich, and sixth place finalist in the 100 meter. “Lam” then became a football legend at University of Texas, setting eight records and tying two others.

He was named first Team All-American, AP Southwest All-Decade (1970’s) second Team, and Longhorns MVP in 1978. In 1980, New York Jets drafted “Lam” in second round, and he quickly made his mark as Jets third leading receiver as a rookie, and was ranked one of the fastest NFL players at the time.

Johnny “Ham” Jones, of Hamlin, a recent West Texas’ Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, was a football and track star at Hamlin High before lettering three years at UT.

In 1977, “Ham” combined with Earl Campbell, set the record for single season for running back duo. To date, that record still stands. “Ham” was a University of Texas Football Captain in 1978 and led all players at the 1978 Sun Bowl.

Great men do great things. Aside from their incredible accomplishments, we thank them for their support of Central Texas children. CASA looks forward to seeing you there! Visit www.casa5k.org or www.active.com for online registration, or call (325) 388-3440 for more info.