Go the Distance for People with Special Needs!
Laurel Run was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling of Silver Creek, NY, in honor of their oldest daughter. When Laurel was diagnosed with Down syndrome as a baby, Wayne and Elaine ignored a doctor's recommendation that they send Laurel to live in an institution, and instead they raised her at home. They gave Laurel the same opportunities as her siblings and the other children in the neighborhood - playing sports, taking piano lessons, participating in Girl Scouts. After graduating from high school, Laurel got a job at The Resource Center's manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, NY, where she worked for more than 30 years.
In 1997, Laurel's dad jogged and bicycled more than 400 miles across New York State to raise awareness about the potential that exists within people who have disabilities. This was supposed to be a one-time event, but it struck such a positive chord with people that Laurel Run turned into a yearly event. Our 23rd annual Laurel Memorial Run & Walk takes place July 19 & 20, 2019.
Friday, July 19
The first day of Laurel Run features a Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, as well as "The Laurel-thon" for people who want to tackle the entire 30-mile relay route.
Saturday, July 20
The second day of the Laurel Memorial Run & Walk takes place in Laurel's hometown of Silver Creek. There will be an 8-kilometer run, a 5K walk, a 1K walk, children's runs, and our signature event - Laurel's Legacy Lap, in which people with disabilities take a lap around the track. We call our 8K event "The Toughest Race You'll Love to Run" because of the 3 H's - heat, humidity and hills. The 8K course is a tough one, but those who accept the Laurel Run 8K Challenge know they only have to endure their discomfort for a little while - by contrast, people with disabilities live with their challenges every day.
For the 8K Run and 5K Walk, prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. We'll also award prizes to the fastest teams in each event. And everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative medal made by people with disabilities!
Who benefits
Money raised through Laurel Run benefits people with disabilities who receive supports through The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc.
We hope you'll join us for the 2019 Laurel Memorial Run & Walk. We invite you to create a fund-raising page and raise money, either on your own or as a member of a team.
NOTE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A TEAM FOR LAUREL RUN: Raising money is a great way to build team camaraderie.
To register to participate in one of the events, please visit www.laurel-run.com. If you can't join us for any of the actual events, we make it possible for you to participate in your own Virtual Laurel Run or Walk. Details can be found at the web site.
