6th Annual Speedy PD Race

on August 7, 2014

The 6th Annual Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease is drawing near and is shaping up to be the best year ever. Each year the race has grown from its original 100 runners to nearly 500 in 2013 and are easily on track to surpass that number of participants in 2014! There are many things that make Speedy PD a unique race such as cash prizes for overall winners, USA Track & Field Certified courses, fresh fruit, bbq, beer, massages, and a photo booth. Michelle Haub, Parkinson’s Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills Leader, points out that the Speedy PD is a great way to spread education, understanding and support to those in the Flint Hills affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Those individuals with PD are the highlight of the race. The money raised from this event supports the services that the Parkinson’s Program provides free of charge.

Gary Z. Sobol of the Parkinson’s Network will meet with people living with PD, their caregivers and those that want to learn more about PD to share his personal experiences on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Meadodwlark Hills Living Room. Gary is also presenting a Foundation Instructor Workshop on Friday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. This workshop is geared towards therapists, fitness instructors, nurses, family and individuals with PD. The class is free of charge, but space is limited so please leave a message at (785) 323-3899 to reserve a spot. 

Erika Wade, a Physician Assistant specializing  in PD and other motor-movement disorders, will present at the Holiday Inn Campus on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. This presentation is also free and open to the public. 

At packet pick-up and race registration on Friday, Aug. 22 at the Holiday Inn Campus from 4:30 to 7 p.m., you can also enjoy the art expressions of our VIPd group (Very Important people with Parkinson’s disease). VIPd artists will have woodworking, metal work, photography, drawings, quilting and knitting displayed.  While you are enjoying the displays, please join us for a Pasta Party. For $12/person you can ‘carbo-load’ before the Speedy PD race.  Tickets are available at www.runspeedypd.org and can also be purchased at packet pick-up and race registration. 

A new feature for this year’s race is the “Team Competition”. Registered teams of four or more will be eligible for awards in the following categories:  Most Donations Raised, Best Costumes, VIPd Enthusiast, and Fastest Team 5k. 

Race day, Saturday, Aug. 23 at Tuttle Creek State Park, will be kicked off by the VIPd group singing the National Anthem at 7:50 a.m. The 5k/10k races start at 8 a.m. with the ½ Mile Family Fun Run/Walk starting at 9:15am.  All the festivities run throughout the morning with the presentation of prizes and awards at 9:30am! Transportation to Tuttle Creek State Park will depart from the Park Entrance on Aug. 23 at 6:45 a.m. and from the Village Entrance at 7 a.m.  The cost is $3 per person.