ECMC “‘WNY Runs for Heroes’ 5K Run & HealthWalk” to be held October 3rd

BUFFALO, NEW YORK September 14, 2008 - The ECMC Lifeline Foundation will hold its thirteenth annual "5K Run & HealthWalk" fundraiser on Saturday, October 3, 2009.  The event, now called, "Western New York Runs for Heroes" will be held at Delaware Park, Marcy Casino on Lincoln Parkway at Hoyt Lake.  Since its inception, area police officers injured in the line of duty and treated at ECMC have been honored during this event.  In 2007, firefighters injured in the line of duty and treated at ECMC were also honored during this event.  In 2008, this event was further expanded to recognize physicians, nurses, and other emergency lifesavers.  This year, during the event, Jonathan Croom and Lt. Charles 'Chip' McCarthy, lost in the blaze on August 24, 2009, and their families, will be remembered. 

Conditions/schedules permitting, returning honorees are: Buffalo Firefighter Mark Reed (injured fighting a fire on June 10, 2007); Buffalo Police Officer Carl Andolina-partner of Patricia Parete (both injured in a gun battle on December 5, 2006); Lockport Police Officer Steven D. Ritchie and Lockport Police Captain Lawrence M. Eggert (both injured in a gun battle in February of 2003); and Jamestown Police Detective David Mitchell (shot in the line of duty in September of 1999).  

Competitions include the competitive run as well as a healthwalk.  Race-day registration will be held just prior to the event, from 8:30 A.M. to 9:45 A.M., at the Marcy Casino on Lincoln Parkway at Hoyt Lake.  The healthwalk will begin at 10:00 A.M., and the run will begin at 10:30 A.M.  The early entrance fee for adults is $20 each for those who register in advance by Friday, October 2, 2009.  The adult entry fee for those who register on "race-day" is $22 per person.  The entry fee for children (under age 12) is $5 each.  The fee includes registration, a t-shirt for all adult runners and walkers, refreshments, lunch and opportunities to win door prizes at the post-event picnic to be held at the Marcy Casino.  All walkers and runners bringing at least $50 in sponsorships per person at race time will be eligible for a special drawing. 

The course is USA Track & Field certified, sanctioned by the USATF and certified to be accurate by the USATF #NY02009AM.  Prizes for the run will include overall female and male winners (no duplicate awards), as well as the first three male and female winners in each of eight age groups.  There will be a special prize for anyone breaking the WNY 5K record-breaking time.  Corporate teams, including ECMC departments, will be eligible for team prizes. 

To register, or for more information, those interested should contact the ECMC Lifeline Foundation at 716-898-5800 or djamieso@ecmc.edu 

ECMC Lifeline Foundation, Inc. was created as a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to assist ECMC in establishing the resources needed to support the medical center's Adult Regional Trauma Center and its Culture of Care through excellence in medical and customer services.  Since ECMC is now an independent Public Benefit Corporation and is no longer a part of Erie County, it seeks to receive  support from the community it has helped for so long and from those who may need its services in the future. 

NEWS CONTACT:  Joe Cirillo at 716-898-4300 or jcirillo@ecmc.edu