Save the date, Smarties! October 26 is the Brookhaven Family 5k Run for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – we {heart} this awesome family event that’s in its 6th year. It benefits an incredible cause and a very special 9-year-old boy, Jake Pritchard. I’ve known Jake since he and my oldest were just little babies chewin’ on toys in our playgroup – he’s one special kid with a very special family. Last year they raised over $39,000 – this year they want to make it even BIGGER (we totally think they can get over their $40,000 goal – especially with you Smarties involved).
So, in case you don’t know much about Duchenne, here’s a little back story: Duchenne results from an absence of dystrophin, a protein critical to muscle function and well-being. Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects males. However, Duchenne crosses all races and cultures, occurring in about one in 3,500 live male births throughout the world. As a genetic disorder, Duchenne can be passed down from parent to child, but approximately 35% of cases are caused by spontaneous genetic mutation. As the Pritchards, who lack any family history of the disease, have learned, Duchenne can affect ANYONE. Our children, future grandchildren, cousins, and friends.
If you’ve never participated in this 5k, make this the year you do. It’s such a fun event – Emily and Michael, Jake’s amazing parents, and their dear friends and race directors, Meghan and Jason Alpernwork, work so hard every year to make this an incredible day focused on family and kids.
All proceeds of the Brookhaven Family Run benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (tax ID: 31-1405490) and go towards researching a treatment for Duchenne in honor of Jake.
Race Details:
All race festivities are in the Brookhaven subdivision, starting at the Brookhaven Clubhouse at 3001 Stanbury Drive, Matthews, NC 28104.
Pre-Race Friday Night Party, October 25 5:30-8: Don’t miss the pre-race festivities Friday night with an Outdoor Family Fun Night & Packet Pickup featuring a family-friendly movie under the stars, food from the Meat House, pizza, popcorn, a great silent auction, as well as the packet pickup. Learn more here.
Race Day, October 26: The fun will continue on Saturday with the 5k race, 1-mile fun run, kids’ dashes, great music, the silent auction and a Kid Zone complete with crafts, inflatables and more. Day-of-registration begins at 8 a.m. with the races following at 9 a.m. Register here.
5K Run/Walk
$20 before October 4 / $25 thereafter
1-Mile Kids Run (12 and under)
$10 before October 4 / $15 thereafter
40 and 100-yard dashes
all kids/free
T-shirts guaranteed to 5k and 1-mile run participants who register by October 4th. Extra shirts may also be purchased prior to October 4th for pickup on race day.
Smarty Giveaway:
The Brookhaven 5k peeps are giving away TWO Carowinds tickets (valued at $56.99 each) to one lucky Smarty. This is the PERFECT time of year to hit Carowinds – it’s cooler, less crowded, and an awesome break from homework and the reality of a new school year. The passes expire October 27th and are not good for Scarowinds Halloween Haunt. (P.S. – We just got word from Carowinds that TWO new water slides are opening next year – Surfer’s Swell and Dorsal Fin Drop. The new slides will stand over 4 stories high and add 600+feet of sliding fun – can’t wait until next summer!!!)
How do I win these Carowinds tickets?
1. Like the Brookhaven 5k Facebook page and the CSP Facebook page
2. Register for the Brookhaven 5k on October 26 (if you’ve already registered, just let us know). Make sure to show off your running prowess on Facebook by tagging the Brookhaven 5k Facebook page!
3. Leave a comment below and tell us who would win this 5k: you or your kids (as in are your kids way faster than you?)?
That’s it! Winner will be announced next Tuesday, September 17 via email – we want to make sure you have the MOST weekends to use the passes! Good luck, Smarties and see you at the race!
