Laurel Memorial Run/Walk

🏃‍♂️ Laurel Memorial Run/Walk - Celebrating Individuals with 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 Schedule

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

💼 Proceeds and Support

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.

• Laurel Run Fund: Supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities, plus advocacy & awareness initiatives.
• Dr. John Vona Smile Fund: Supports delivery of dental services to people with disabilities.

Click here to make a donation to support people with disabilities through the Laurel Run Fund or the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

🏅 Event Details

🗓️ Friday, July 18

The first day features the traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk Laurel Memorial Relay Run. We will gather at The Resource Center, at 8:00 a.m. for the kickoff ceremony. Relay runners will receive a Laurel Run/Walk T-shirt, so all relay participants are encouraged to register online.

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

🗓️ Saturday, July 19 - Silver Creek, NY

• 7:00 a.m. - Participant check-in begins: 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

Everyone who pays the registration fee will receive a Laurel Memorial Run/Walk shirt and a commemorative medal.

🏆 Prizes

For the 8K Run, cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. For both the 8K and 5K events, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

🌐 Virtual Events

If you can’t make it to the actual Laurel Run/Walk events, you can sign up for a virtual run, walk or other activity.

📝 Registration Deadlines

Registration for the 8K Run, 5K Walk, 1K Walk, and Paid Virtual event is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Online registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Registration fees will increase by $5 on Friday, July 18.

🔍 Background

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their oldest daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome. The event has grown into an annual tradition that supports many causes for people with disabilities.

💌 Make a Donation

If you’re unable to join us, please consider making a donation to show your support for people with disabilities.

🤝 Membership Information

The Resource Center is a membership organization that advocates for people with disabilities. Details on membership options are provided during the registration process.

For more information, please visit the official race page at Laurel Memorial Run/Walk.