On Sunday May 13, a very special run is scheduled to take place at the Delaware Park Boathouse (Marcy Casino), that will help to raise money for college bound organ transplant recipients. With so many runs and races in Buffalo, it can be tough to choose which ones to enter. This race not only serves a good cause, it is being held at a location with beautiful surroundings, and after the run there is a post-race party scheduled for runners and observers. This day is going to be a blast for both adults and kids – totally family friendly in so many ways. There is a footrace for the kids called Little Peanuts Stampede (50/100 yd dash), which shows youngsters just how much fun a running a race can be. There is also a four-mile run/walk as well as a one-mile run/walk, so pick your distance and get ready to enjoy a healthy day in the park with friends and family. Below is the history of how The Elephant Run came to pass…
By Ann E. Zagare:
The Elephant Run is a fun event with all proceeds benefiting the Marcena Lozano Donate Life Scholarship Fund. The Marcena Lozano Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to transplant recipients enrolled in college. Marcena Lozano was born on February 7, 1980 at Children’s Hospital in Buffalo and was quickly diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a condition in which the aorta and pulmonary artery are reversed. Marcena had two heart transplants, one at age 13 and the other when she was 23. Though she faced many surgeries, hospitalizations, and illnesses throughout her life, Marcena remained focused on completing her education and becoming a social worker to help young people facing life-threatening illnesses. The Marcena Lozano Donate Life Scholarship Fund was created in her honor and has awarded nearly $80,000 to college bound organ transplant recipients in its first 5 years.
The name “Elephant Run” comes from Marcena’s love of the elephant’s sensitive nature and, as the race slogan says, “Like the elephant, we will never forget the donors who gave new life… and we will certainly never forget Marcena.” The Elephant Run offers unique team options such as mother/daughter and mother/son teams. In addition to awards for the first male and female finishers (overall and in each age group) and the first mother/daughter and mother/son team, awards will also be given to the first male and female organ transplant recipients.
For more information on the race, you can visit www.marcenasmiracles.com
What: 4 Mile Run/Walk | 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk | Little Peanuts Elephant Stampede (50/100 yd dash)
Where: Marcy Casino on Delaware Park’s Hoyt Lake, Buffalo N.Y
When: Sunday May 13, 2012 @ 9:30am
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00
4 mile Run/Walk 9:30
1 mile Fun Run/Walk 9:40
Little Peanuts Stampede (for kids) 10:45
Fun for the Entire Family:
Post-Race Party — Food and beverage will be provided for all race par-ticipants.
($1.00 donation for non-runners)
Awards, Food, Music, Raffles, Kids Crafts & Activities including a Bounce House & Little Peanuts Stampede (10 and Under Free).
Packet Pick-up:
Friday, May 11, 2012
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Unyts
110 Broadway Ave (at Elm), Buffalo NY
Packets Include:
Tech T-Shirt, Race Bib, Sponsor Giveaways
*Timing Chips distributed on race day