Down River Run (or walk and roll) set for June 8

The Down Syndrome Association of Niagara is bringing back its one-of-a kind 5K run and 1.5-mile walk to Western New York.

The fourth annual and certified 5K Down River Run will be held Saturday, June 8, at Fort Niagara State Park alongside Lake Ontario. It is managed by It’s Your Race, Race Management Solutions.

Organizers noted this event “is truly a celebration of the courageous individuals helping to make every step count.”

Registration and details of the race can be found at https://downriverrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=6746

Check-in begins promptly at 9 a.m. at the south entrance of Fort Niagara State Park. The walk start time is 9:45 a.m. The 5K start time is 10 a.m. Advance registration before June 1 is $35. Late registration (through race day) is $40. Virtual participation is $35 and includes shipping of a T-shirt. Register before May 31 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. An award ceremony and light refreshments will follow completion of the race.

The press release added, “Proceeds from this year’s event will help us continue our ‘Miles of Care’ initiative, which provides monetary relief to families that need to travel for heart operations, commonly needed for newborn babies with Down syndrome, and help us further our mission to promote positive awareness about Down syndrome and facilitate the inclusion of adults with Down syndrome. A goal of this event is to raise funds to offset some start-up costs of a business operated by individuals with Down syndrome.”

Organizers said, “We respect and understand the need of family pet companionship, however, we kindly ask owners to assume full responsibility of their pets. We also ask that any minors be accompanied and supervised at all times by their legal guardians.

The Family and Friends Down Syndrome Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and local affiliation of The National Down Syndrome Society. It advocates “positive awareness, quality education and meaningful community inclusion for all individuals with Down syndrome.”

For sponsorship or volunteer opportunity, contact Deborah Fleck at [email protected].