Laurel Memorial Run/Walk
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event Overview
The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk is a two-day event held in Western New York to support individuals with developmental disabilities. The event honors the legacy of Laurel Hotelling and raises funds for employment opportunities, advocacy, and dental services for people with disabilities through The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc.
The festivities are split between two locations. The first day features a relay starting in Jamestown and concluding in Dunkirk. The second day centers on the village square in Silver Creek, offering several competitive and non-competitive distances.
Friday Events
The event begins with a 31-mile relay run from Jamestown to Dunkirk. Participants can run individual relay legs, which typically average about 3 miles each. Experienced runners may also choose the "Laurel-thon" option, which involves running the entire 31-mile route.
Saturday Events
The second day in Silver Creek includes a variety of road races and awareness walks:
- 8K Run
- 5K Run
- 5K Disability Awareness Walk
- 1K Awareness Fun Walk
- Children's Fun Runs (for ages 7 and younger)
- Laurel's Legacy Lap (designed for anyone with a disability)
Participants in the 8K and 5K runs have the option to compete in both distances back-to-back. The 5K course features two water stations, while the 8K course includes four.
Recognition and Amenities
Registered participants in the timed runs and walks receive a T-shirt and a commemorative medal handcrafted by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the 8K Run, cash prizes are awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. In both the 8K and 5K events, medals are presented to the top three male and female finishers across various age groups. Team awards are also available based on the combined times of a team's first four finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
