31st Annual Easter Seals Run/Walkathon to take place Sunday, May 27th

 

Run/Walkathon has raised more than $3 million to date for those with physical disabilities

 

NEWMARKET – The Annual Easter Seals Run/Walkathon, founded by local entrepreneur and philanthropist, Joe Persechini, will kick off its 31^st year this Sunday, May 27^th. The Run/Walkathon has raised more than $3 million to date for Easter Seals, a charitable foundation dedicated to helping children and young adults with physical disabilities. Honourary Co-Chairs of the Run/Walkathon are York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch and Town of Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen.  

 

What: The 31^st Annual Easter Seals Run/Walkathon

 

When: 

Sunday, May 27^th           

Registration is open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  

Run/Walkathon begins at 8:30 a.m.

 

Where:

East parking lot of Upper Canada Mall, Town of Newmarket (located at the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Davis Drive)   

 

Background:

·         The route starts at Upper Canada Mall and proceeds north on Yonge Street; west on Green Lane; south on Bathurst Street; east on Highway 9 and back to the Upper Canada Mall.

·         The Run/Walkathon began in the Spring of 1976.

·         Founder Joe Persechini recruited 65 runners in the first year of the Run/Walkathon and raised $2,700 for Easter Seals.

·         Today, the Run/Walkathon attracts more than 1,500 participants and raises over $100,000 each year for Easter Seals.

·         The total distance of the run is nine kilometres: brisk walkers can complete the run in approximately one hour.

·         The Run/Walkathon has grown into the largest fundraising event in York Region in support of Easter Seals.

 

For more information on the Easter Seal Society and the Run/Walkathon, visit: www.persechinirun.org

 

- 30 -