The Speedy P.D. 5K/10K Race for Parkinson’s disease will be held at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas, on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013. The 5K Run/10K Run/Walk and Half-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk are presented by UMB Bank and proceeds benefit the Meadowlark Hills Parkinson Fund. The newest feature of the race is the certification of the 5K and 10K courses.

"If our team here at UMB can help raise awareness and funds through The Speedy P.D., then we have done a great thing for our community and for all of those affected by Parkinson's disease," said David Urban, president at UMB Bank, the presenting sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year. "This event in particular is near to our hearts here at UMB because we have employees who are personally impacted by this devastating disease."

The Meadowlark Hills Parkinson Fund allows the leaders of the Parkinson’s Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills to provide services for the community to improve the quality of life for all those affected by Parkinson’s disease: patients, caregivers, therapists and nurses. With this fund, they are able to continue and expand opportunities for education and outreach.

“The planning committee is excited about the addition of our VIPd program, which includes several perks for those attending the race with Parkinson’s disease,” said Michelle Haub, Parkinson’s Program Leader. “This is our second year to have the VIPd program. The participants in this program will be leading the National Anthem using their loud voices!”

Registration and packet pick-up will begin at 6:30 a.m. on race day. The 5K/10K races begin at 8 a.m. and the Half-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk will start at 9:15 a.m. Awards and door prizes will start at 9 a.m.; Barbeque and beer will be served at 9 a.m. featuring Cox Bros. BBQ and Budweiser.

Online registrations can be completed at www.active.com. Drop-off registration will be available at the two UMB Bank locations in Manhattan and at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community, located at the Hospitality Desk.  Mail-in pre-registration must be postmarked by August 19. Race day entries will also be accepted on-site. Course maps, additional registration forms and more information can be found at www.runspeedypd.org.

This year’s platinum sponsors include the following: Cox Bros. BBQ, Budweiser and Flint Hills Beverage Company, Hot Country B104.7, Body First, Community First National Bank and Meadowlark Hills.

Donations can be made directly to the Parkinson’s Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills by contacting Pam Reding in the Meadowlark Hills Foundation office at (785) 323-3890. Questions can also be directed to Corri Frigon, Race Director, via e-mail at RunSpeedyPD@gmail.com or (785) 410-2814.