"Hull of a Race"
(This article was written by Deborah Gertz Husar of the Quincy Herald Whig, August, 2012.)
(With adaptations where necessary: dates, numbers, etc.)
Marilyn White has a selfish reason for wanting to see a good turnout for Hull of a Race, 2013.
“I have Parkinson’s,” White said. I’d like for more research to be done in order to see if we cannot find a cure or better medication to treat symptoms some people have.”
The 8th annual race, slated for Saturday, August 17, in “downtown” Hull, offers a 5K/10K competitive race, 5K fun walk and ½ mile kids fun run. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. followed by the race at 8 a.m.
The race kicks off a full day of events planned for the 86th annual Hull Picnic, including a parade and the Lions Club Chicken dinner.
Participants will be running for a reason, with all proceeds supporting the fight against Parkinson’s Disease.
“The money we turn in can only be used for research, not for anything else,” White said. “Several people in the area do have Parkinson’s. All patients do not have the same symptoms, do not progress the same.”
Since its start, the race has donated more than $30,000 for research to cure the disease, a progressive disorder of the nervous system that leads to shaking and difficulty walking, movement and coordination.
New this year at the race will be a raffle for 2 different quilts joining the raffle for gift certificates and items donated by race sponsors and supporters.
The gift certificate raffle, held for 2 years now “has proved to be successful and somewhat of a time filler,” said White, who co-directs the race with Jim Reed and the help of the Parkinson’s Pit Crew. “When the race is over, it takes the professional timer time to figure everything out and get it ready and posted. Rather than stand around looking at each other, it’s something to do and helps us make money. One dollar for a crockpot or passes for the theater is a bargain for people.” White said the community event has grown every year (donating $10,000 each of the last 2 years.)
The fun run, for ages 12 and under, follows the big race and features trophies and ribbons for participants. Race awards are presented in eight age categories
Early registration deadline is Friday, August 9th for the 8th annual Hull of a Race, which takes place Saturday, August 17, in Hull.
The entry fee for the 5K/10K competitive race, 5K fun walk is $25 per person ($30 if late), $10 ($15 late) per child for the fun run and $60 ($65) for families up to four people. Early registrants are guaranteed a T-shirt.
Only preregistered participants are guaranteed a shirt. Pre-registered participants may pick up race packets from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 16th, at the downtown park.
We can't cure Parkinson's Disease but we can help.
Copyright 2013 Mark Twain Area Parkinsons Support Group