World’s Fair Park was home to the fourth annual Great Llama Race on Saturday, as thousands came out to experience this unusual and exciting event. Held by Casa de Sara, the foot race pits local celebrities against llamas for the international non-profit, with each being assigned to a local Knoxville school. The money raised from the event is split between the winning schools, Southeast Llama Rescue and Casa de Sara, said Lori Santoro, director of Casa de Sara.
Casa de Sara, with programs in Bolivia and the Knoxville area, provides education and opportunities for at-risk children and their families.
One of the racers, Josh Smith, a former Vols wide receiver who recently signed with the Saints, was racing a llama named Gigi to support Farragut Middle School. “I’ve had a chance to practice with my llama, and it has been fun so far. It is definitely going to be an adventure,” he said.
The winner of the Great Llama Race was Powell Middle School with Phillip Pardue as the runner with Tylee, a llama owned by Steve Garret of Smoky Mountain Llama Treks. This llama was sponsored by Dan Frye Design.
In addition to the llama race, there was a llama costume contest, live music and plenty of activities for the crowd to enjoy.
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