Laurel Memorial Run/Walk

🏃‍♀️Laurel Memorial Run/Walk Overview

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place the third weekend in July each year. This two-day event offers several ways to participate:

• Friday, July 18: Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run (free, but participants are encouraged to raise donations)
• Saturday, July 19: 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Fun Walk, Children's Runs, Laurel's Legacy Lap
• Location: 19 Park Place, Silver Creek, NY
• Link: View Event Details

🎉Event Details

Day One consists of a 31-mile relay run, as well as "The Laurel-thon" for people who want to cover the entire relay route themselves. Day Two features an 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Disability Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Walk, and Children's Runs in Silver Creek, NY. We also offer paid and free virtual options for those unable to join us for the in-person events. Proceeds from the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk go to Filling the Gap, Inc., to support services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities at The Resource Center. Money raised through Laurel Run are directed to two funds:

• Laurel Run Fund: Supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities, plus advocacy & awareness initiatives.
• Dr. John Vona Smile Fund: Provides delivery of dental services to people with disabilities.
• Donation Link: Make a Donation
• Fun Fact: All funds raised go directly to benefit individuals with disabilities in the area.

🗓️Friday, July 18 - Relay Run Schedule

The first day is the traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk Laurel Memorial Relay Run. We will gather at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown, at 8:00 a.m. for the kickoff ceremony. At 8:30, representatives from The Resource Center, area schools and other organizations will take turns running legs of the relay.

• 8:00 a.m. - Opening ceremonies at The Resource Center, Jamestown, NY
• 8:30 a.m. - Laurel Memorial Relay Run begins
• 9:00 a.m. - Jamestown version of Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability)
• 12:30-2:00 p.m. - Victory celebration at The Resource Center, Dunkirk, NY

🏅Saturday, July 19 - Race Events

Events will take place in the village square. Parking is available in the Rite Aid lot across the street.

• 7:00 a.m. - Participant check-in and late registration begin: Basket Raffle opens
• 8:30 a.m. - 5K Run, 5K Walk and 1K Walk begin
• 9:00 a.m. - 8K Run begins
• 10:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony and Basket Raffle winners announced

🏆Awards and Prizes

For the 8K Run, cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. For the 8K Run and 5K Run/Walk, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.

• Cash Prizes: $100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third
• Participation Medal: Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Team Awards: Based on combined times of each team’s first four finishers.
• Encouragement: People are encouraged to create a personal fund-raising page to collect donations from family and friends.

🌐Virtual Events

If you can't make it to the actual Laurel Run/Walk events, you can sign up to do a virtual run, walk or other activity. This is a great way to be with us in spirit and show your support for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

⏰Registration Deadlines

• Registration Fees: $25 for adults, $20 for children
• Combination Registration: $35 for adults, $30 for children for both 5K Run and 8K Run
• Deadline: Online registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 17.
• Early Bird: Register by 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, to ensure T-shirt availability.

💖Background History

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their oldest daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome. For the inaugural event in 1997, Wayne set out to run more than 400 miles across New York State to spread the message that people with disabilities can accomplish great things, if they're given the chance to prove themselves.

• Laurel: Led the event as Grand Marshal for many years, now honored in memory.
• Community Support: Organized by a coalition of volunteers and local organizations.
• Impact: Proceeds enhance employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Donation Urge: Consider making a donation to support the cause.

👐Membership Opportunity

The Resource Center is a membership organization, and membership is open to anyone age 18 or older who believes in our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. One of The Resource Center's primary functions is to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and their families.

• Membership Options: Associate Member for free, Full Member for $10, Lifetime Member for $100.
• Benefits: Discounts at about 40 businesses available for Full and Lifetime Members.
• Registration: Become a member during the registration process.
• Link: See Membership Discounts