On February 28, the three Rotary Clubs in Columbus came together as one to host the Run for MercyMed 5K, raising more than $50,000 to support the mission of MercyMed and to benefit Georgia Rotary Student Program (GSRP).

This marked the first time the Rotary Club of Muscogee-Columbus , Rotary Club of Columbus , and the Rotary Club of North Columbus partnered together to lead the event. Through this unified effort, the clubs more than doubled the funds raised in previous years.

The event welcomed more than 200 registered runners, along with volunteers, organizers, sponsors, and community supporters who contributed to a successful and high-energy morning in downtown Columbus. The race began at Iron Bank Coffee , bringing together participants from across the region in support of a shared cause.

This collaborative effort was led by Rotary leadership across the three clubs, including Alan Harkness , Sara Jewell , and Mac Cantrell , whose shared vision helped bring this impactful event to life.

The success of this year’s event reflects the strength of collaboration and a shared commitment to service. By focusing on a common purpose—supporting MercyMed and GSRP—the Rotary clubs demonstrated the power of working together to expand impact, increase participation, and strengthen community connections. While each club has its own identity, the broader community experiences Rotary as one unified force for good.

The Run for MercyMed 5K stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when organizations come together in service of others. MercyMed provides high-quality, compassionate healthcare to uninsured and underserved individuals in the Columbus region, ensuring access to care for those who need it most.

The Rotary Clubs of Columbus look forward to continuing this collaborative approach in future initiatives that benefit both local healthcare access and global education initiatives.