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Community Corner

Lyme Research Walk/Run Coming to Cove Park

Lyme Research Alliance (LRA), the nation’s largest nonprofit funder of university-level research into Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, will host its 3rd annual “Race Against Lyme” to raise awareness and funds for Lyme disease research on Sunday, April 27 at Cove Island Park in Stamford.

The event will feature a 5K Walk/Run that will start and finish in the park and covers a flat 5K loop on local neighborhood roads. There will also be a Fun Run inside the park for children under 12 (all will receive medals) and a special short loop for those affected by Lyme disease. Registrants will receive a T-shirt, plus a goody bag filled with fun items. The Race will be held rain or shine. 

“Last year we had nearly 300 participants and raised $27,000,” said Peter Wild, LRA’s executive director. “We’re hoping to do even better this year since the incidence of Lyme disease continues to escalate. Research funds are crucial to develop a reliable diagnostic test and improve treatments for those who are suffering from the devastating effects of long term Lyme.” 

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Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with the 5K run/walk kicking off at 10 a.m. The special one-loop for Lyme patients will also begin at 10 a.m. and the Fun Run to follow at 11:30 a.m. A free shuttle bus will depart from the Stamford train station to bring participants to and from the event. Individuals can pre-register for $20 each ($25 day of event); families (up to six participants) can pre-register at a family rate of $75 ($90 on day of event). 

Registered participants can help raise funds for Lyme research by forming a team and inviting friends and family to sponsor the team’s run or walk with a pledge to  LRA. All registrants will be provided with a free personal fundraising web page on the online service Active.com. Entrants can use their home page to email potential supporters, ask for support at their comfort level, and provide supporters with an ongoing tally of how much they have raised. Registrants who fundraise will be eligible for different levels of pledge prizes, depending on the amount raised.

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“Last year we drew teams and participants from several states including New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts and we’re vey excited that several fundraising teams have already formed for this year’s race,” said Mark Hopwood, LRA board member and a team captain who has already raised over $3,400 for the Race. “We hope that more people come out as a team to support our runners and walkers and help us create a future free of Lyme.” 

Sponsors include Connecticut Tick Control, Greenwich Running Company, The Edge Fitness Clubs, Fleet Feet of Stamford, Greenwich Department of Health, IGenex, Stamford Department of Health, Crystal Rock, WSHU, Costco Wholesale Club and Trader Joe's -Stamford.

To register, sponsor or volunteer to help with LRA’s “Race Against Lyme,” visit www.lymeresearchalliance.org/race.htm

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