RaceTrac’s ‘Run for Research’ event on Sept. 16 to support MJFF
1K and 5K run/walk to finish in Atlanta Braves stadium
RaceTrac is set to revive its “Run for Research” 5K race, scheduled for Sept. 16 at Truist Park in Atlanta, to support research for Parkinson’s disease.
All proceeds, including the registration fees, will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) research programs that seek to discover novel treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.
In this event, participants will complete the race by crossing the finish line on the field located within the Atlanta Braves stadium. The event will start with the 1K run/walk at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., RaceTrac announced in a press release.
Parkinson’s affects 6 million people worldwide
According to the MJFF, Parkinson’s disease affects six million people worldwide, including one million in the U.S. and 27,900 in Georgia.
Individuals of all ages and skill levels, whether they’re runners or walkers, can register online for the 5K or 1K race.
During registration, participants can select a fundraising component through the MJFF, by creating teams with friends and family.
Those who are not able to attend in person, but are still interested in contributing to the cause, can register through the Virtual 5K option.
This year’s race theme is “Race for Fox in Your Craziest Socks,” where participants are encouraged to wear their brightest and craziest knee-high socks to show their support for the cause.
“It’s time to break out those neon, knee-high, polka dotted socks you’ve been saving for a special occasion,” the registration page states. “The crazier the socks, the better — as long as they aren’t smelly!”
Event participation includes free food and prizes
Free food, prizes, and music are included with registration. Participants will also receive a race T-shirt for 5K runners, a chance to win RaceTrac gift cards, and cash prizes for top finishers: $100 for the first overall male and female participants, $75 for those arriving in second place, and $50 for third place finishers. In each age category, the top three male and female participants will receive a gift card of $25.
Participating in the event serves as a preliminary qualification for the 2024 Peachtree Road Race, a 10K run held annually in Atlanta.
This year’s event also includes live phone tracking through the RaceJoy mobile app, GPS progress updates, and virtual cheers. Participants can invite family and friends to track their race progress and send cheers remotely.
The race is part of the company’s “RaceTrac Gives Back” broader initiative supporting causes that help to improve quality of life. The campaign includes customer donations at the company’s stores during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, held each April. Also, during one week in April, all coffee proceeds at RaceTrac are donated to the foundation. Overall, more than $700,000 was raised this year through these initiatives.
About the Author
