ATLANTA, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power employees are continuing the fight to end cancer by running from St. Simons Island to the Georgia/Alabama state line as part of an annual 400-mile run to benefit the American Cancer Society. Since its inception 16 years ago, the two-and-a-half-day Georgia Power Run for the Reason has raised more than $1.4 million for the American Cancer Society.

Runners began their trek Friday at midnight from Georgia Power's offices on St. Simons Island. Over the course of more than two days, three teams of Georgia Power runners took turns running 40-minute relays. The relay teams passed through Brantley, Ware, Atkinson, Berrien and Tift counties before heading north through Houston, Bibb, Monroe and Lamar counties. Runners then made their way through Spalding, Henry, Clayton, Fulton, Cobb and Douglas counties before ending their journey at Georgia Power's Plant Wansley in Heard County.

"The dedication of Georgia Power employees to fighting cancer is clear through the incredible participation in this grueling 400-mile run," said Jimmy Zerkus, Georgia Power project manager and Run for the Reason chairman. "This run is a great way to kick off our yearlong support of Relay for Life and rally our state around this important cause."

Overall, this year's run is expected to raise more than $50,000 for the American Cancer Society chapters in Georgia. In addition, Georgia Power employees participate in multiple Relay for Life 24-hour fundraising walks across the state each year. Since 2000, Georgia Power has contributed $3.8 million to cancer research through the Run for the Reason and Relay for Life campaigns.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, advanced coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power