MJFF’s Virtual Walk or Run for Parkinson’s Research Set for May 7-9

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is hosting its second virtual walk event this weekend, and for the first time a three-day effort spanning May 7–9, to raise money to support research for Parkinson’s disease.

Registration for the Virtual 5K/10K/Half Marathon is available online. Runners and walkers in the Parkinson’s community are encouraged to participate however they are able to — at a local park, in their backyard, on a treadmill, or anywhere that they can safely participate. Participants can select their own distance and start time.

“The Foundation is proud to play a role in bringing the worldwide Parkinson’s community together through on-ramps of virtual activities with a shared goal in mind of maintaining momentum in Parkinson’s research,” Liz Diemer, director of Team Fox and community events at MJFF, said in a press release.

“It’s the magic of the community and their dedication that is forging us ahead toward the advancement of better treatments and a cure around the corner,” Diemer added.

Team Fox, the grassroots community fundraising program of the MJFF, is reported to have raised more than $95 million for research efforts since its 2006 founding.

MJFF previously hosted the annual, in-person Fox Trot 5K series. However, when such large gatherings were made unsafe by the global pandemic, it switched gears to launch its first Virtual 5K/10K last October.

Nearly 5,800 people participated in the event, taking place in all 50 U.S. states and 19 countries worldwide. This virtual walk/run raised $1.4 million for Parkinson’s research — the most money the foundation has raised to date in a single 5K event, according to the MJFF. Highlights and pictures from last fall’s event can be found online.

This spring’s run, featuring a longer distance for individuals looking for a challenge, is open to people who participated in prior events as well as newcomers.

The MJFF is planning another Virtual 5K/10K for October.

“In 20 years, the Foundation has funded over $1 billion in research that will — I am confident — will lead to a cure in my lifetime,” said Jamie Hoag, a Team Fox athlete with Parkinson’s who ran the Boston Marathon to support the foundation in 2019.

“I am doing my part by joining the community in purpose-led events like MJFF’s Run/Walk series to help move research forward,” Hoag added.