Speedy PD 2016 — A Race to Remember!

 And the numbers are in for The Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease that was held at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kan., on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016! Despite a rainy start to the morning (you may recall the storm that rolled through around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27), the weather turned beautiful by 7 a.m. and made being outdoors for the race and party-like atmosphere very enjoyable.

The event raised over $65,000 in sponsorships (cash and in-kind donations from sponsors, vendors and generous donors) and  race registrations and for the Meadowlark Hills Parkinson’s Fund. The fund allows the leaders of the Meadowlark Hills Parkinson’s Program to provide services for the community to improve the quality of life for all those affected by Parkinson’s disease, including: patients, caregivers, therapists and nurses. With this fund, they are able to continue and expand opportunities for education, exercise and outreach.

There were 841 race participants, making this year’s event the biggest one to date. The team competition was a huge hit this year, with the winning team, Coyote Crazy, showing up with 71 team members. Additionally, Team Rasmussen raised nearly $9,000 for the Parkinson’s Program.

Michelle Haub, Parkinson’s Program Leader, was pleased with this year’s turnout. “The support of the Manhattan and surrounding communities was overwhelming. Our team competition really grew this year and it was great seeing so many families and businesses participate.”

Some of the event highlights included the VIPds (Parkinson’s Program participants) singing the National Anthem to kick off the race, Miss Kansas handed out awards and Willie the Wildcat joined the party with the K-State Cheer Squad.

The 5K/10K Run/Walk and Half-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk was presented by UMB Bank for the sixth consecutive year. This year’s platinum sponsors include the following: Body First, Cox Bros. BBQ, Budweiser, Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Steel and Pipe Supply, WIBW TV, Community First National Bank, Action Pact, J&C Imaging, CivicPlus, Central Mechanical Services and Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital.

It’s not too early to start training for next year’s race! The date hasn’t been set yet, but plan on the ninth annual Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease in August 2017! See you next week and thanks for stopping by!