Laurel Memorial Run/Walk

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk - Celebrating people with Down syndrome & other developmental disabilities!

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

Event Overview

• Friday, July 17: Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run (free, but participants are encouraged to raise donations)
• Saturday, July 18: Silver Creek, NY - 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Fun Walk, Children's Runs, Laurel's Legacy Lap
• Proceeds: Go to Filling the Gap, Inc., to support services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities at The Resource Center.
• Funds: Money raised supports the Laurel Run Fund and the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund.

Laurel Run Fund

• Support: Employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Initiatives: Advocacy & awareness initiatives.

Dr. John Vona Smile Fund

• Services: Supports the delivery of dental services to people with disabilities.
• Donation: Click here to make a donation to support people with disabilities.

Event Details

Friday, July 17

• Time: Gather at The Resource Center at 8:00 a.m. for kickoff ceremony.
• Relay Start: 8:30 a.m. - Laurel Memorial Relay Run begins.
• Location: Ends at The Resource Center's location at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk.
• T-shirts: All relay participants are encouraged to register online for waivers and shirt sizes.

Saturday, July 18 - Silver Creek, NY

• Parking: Available in the Rite Aid lot across the street.
• Check-in: 7:00 a.m. - Participant check-in and late registration begins.
• Start Times: 8:30 a.m. - 5K Run, 5K Walk, and 1K Walk: 9:00 a.m. - 8K Run.
• Awards: 10:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony and Basket Raffle winners announced.

Prizes

• 8K Run: Cash prizes ($100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third).
• Medals: Given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group for the 8K Run and 5K Run/Walk.
• Finishers: Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal.
• Team Awards: Based on the combined times of each team's first four finishers.

Virtual Events

• Participation: Sign up to do a virtual run, walk, or other activity.
• Spiritual Support: A way to show support for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Registration Deadlines

• Fees: $25 for adults, $20 for children (17 and younger).
• Combo Fee: $35 for adults and $30 for children tackling both 5K and 8K Runs.
• Registration: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.
• T-shirt: Register by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, to receive your T-shirt.

Event Background

• History: Created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome.
• Inaugural Event: Launched in 1997 with Wayne running over 400 miles across New York State.
• Annual Tradition: Turned into an annual event in Silver Creek.
• Legacy: Laurel was the Grand Marshal until her passing in 2017.

Legacy of Compassion

• Dr. John Vona: Served as a compassionate dentist for over six decades.
• Smile Fund: Created after his passing to continue his legacy of helping others.

Membership Opportunity

• Organization: The Resource Center is a membership organization open to anyone 18 or older.
• Membership Types: Associate Member (free), Annual Member ($10), Lifetime Member ($100).
• Benefits: Annual and Lifetime Members receive a Membership Card for discounts at many businesses.
• Join: Become a member during online registration to strengthen our mission.

If you're unable to join us, please consider making a donation to the Laurel Run Fund or the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund in order to show your support for people with disabilities.