Laurel Memorial Run/Walk
- Date Fri 18th July 2025 - Sat 19th July 2025
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Silver Creek, New York
- Price Free - $38.10
- Races 8 races
- Distances 5 Mile, 5km, 1km
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Event summary
Join us for the vibrant Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, taking place from July 18 to July 19, 2025, in Silver Creek, Chautauqua! This uplifting two-day event celebrates individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, showcasing their incredible achievements and resilience. Kicking off on Friday, July 18, participants can engage in the Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, a 31-mile journey filled with camaraderie and inspiration.
On Saturday, July 19, the festivities continue with several exciting race options including an 8K Run, a 5K Run, a 5K Disability Awareness Walk, a 1K Awareness Fun Walk, and Children's Runs, all set against the charming backdrop of Silver Creek, NY. With opportunities for both in-person and virtual participation, everyone can join in the fun while supporting a fantastic cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., aiding vital services for people with developmental disabilities. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a day of community spirit and healthy competition!
On Saturday, July 19, the festivities continue with several exciting race options including an 8K Run, a 5K Run, a 5K Disability Awareness Walk, a 1K Awareness Fun Walk, and Children's Runs, all set against the charming backdrop of Silver Creek, NY. With opportunities for both in-person and virtual participation, everyone can join in the fun while supporting a fantastic cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., aiding vital services for people with developmental disabilities. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a day of community spirit and healthy competition!
Organiser's Description
THE LAUREL MEMORIAL RUN/WALK - CELEBRATING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME & OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES!
The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place the third weekend in July each year. This two-day event offers several ways to participate:
FRIDAY, JULY 18 - Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run (free, but participants are encouraged to raise donations)
SATURDAY, JULY 19 (Silver Creek, NY) - 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Fun Walk, Children's Runs, Laurel's Legacy Lap
Day One consists of a 31-mile relay run, as well as "The Laurel-thon" for people who want to cover the entire relay route themselves. Day Two features an 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Disability Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Walk, and Children's Runs in Silver Creek, NY. We also offer paid and free virtual options for those unable to join us for the in-person events. Proceeds from the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk go to FILLING THE GAP, INC., to support services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities at THE RESOURCE CENTER. Money raised through Laurel Run are directed to two funds:
The Resource Center LAUREL RUN FUND supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities, plus advocacy & awareness initiatives.
The Resource Center DR. JOHN VONA SMILE FUND supports the delivery of dental services to people with disabilities.
_Click here_ [https://trcstreetjam.wufoo.com/forms/zeys9yk0bykn6u]_ to make a donation to support people with disabilities through the LAUREL RUN FUND or the DR. JOHN VONA SMILE FUND at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation._
LAUREL MEMORIAL RUN/WALK EVENT DETAILS
FRIDAY, JULY 18
The first day is the traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk LAUREL MEMORIAL RELAY RUN. We will gather at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown, at 8:00 a.m. for the kickoff ceremony. At 8:30, representatives from The Resource Center, area schools and other organizations will take turns running legs of the relay. The relay run will end at The Resource Center's location at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk. Relay runners will receive a Laurel Run/Walk T-shirt, so ALL RELAY PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER ONLINE SO THEY CAN SIGN THE WAIVER AND WE CAN GET THEIR CORRECT SHIRT SIZE.
8:00 a.m. - Opening ceremonies at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701
8:30 a.m. - Laurel Memorial Relay Run begins
9:00 a.m. - Jamestown version of Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability), McCrea Point Park, Jones & Gifford Avenue, Jamestown
12:30-2:00 - Victory celebration at The Resource Center, 186 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY, 14048
1:15 - Last set of relay runners arrives
SATURDAY, JULY 19 - SILVER CREEK, NY
Events will take place in the village square. Parking is available in the Rite Aid lot across the street, but please do not park directly in front of the store so those parking spaces can remain available for Rite Aid customers.
7:00 a.m. - Participant check-in and late registration begin; Basket Raffle opens
8:30 a.m. - 5K Run, 5K Walk and 1K Walk begin (5K course will have two water stations)
9:00 a.m. - 8K Run begins (8K Run will have four water stations)
10:00 a.m. - Children's Fun Runs (ages 7 and younger)
10:15 a.m. - Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability)
10:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony and Basket Raffle winners announced
Everyone who pays the registration fee will receive a Laurel Memorial Run/Walk shirt and a commemorative medal. (TIP - When registering online, there is a processing fee per registration transaction. So, you can save money by registering several people at one time, rather than registering individually.) PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO CREATE A PERSONAL FUND-RAISING PAGE TO COLLECT DONATIONS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IF YOU DO THAT AND YOU RAISE $50 OR MORE, WE WILL WAIVE THE REGISTRATION FEE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR SHIRT AND MEDAL FOR FREE.
PRIZES
For the 8K Run, cash prizes ($100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third) will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. For the 8K Run and 5K Run/Walk, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
We also will have team awards for both the 8K & 5K. TEAM TIMES WILL BE BASED ON THE COMBINED TIMES OF EACH TEAM'S FIRST FOUR FINISHERS.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
If you can't make it to the actual Laurel Run/Walk events, you can sign up to do a virtual run, walk or other activity. This is a great way to be with us in spirit and show your support for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Registration for the 8K Run, 5K Walk, 1K Walk, and Paid Virtual event is $25 for adults and $20 for children (age 17 and younger). For those who want to tackle both the 5K Run and the 8K Run, registration is $35 for adults and $30 for children 17 and younger. Online registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Registration fees will increase $5 Friday, July 18.
Register by 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, to ensure you'll receive your T-shirt at the Laurel Run/Walk events. (People who register after 11:00 a.m. June 30 will still receive a shirt, but it may not be ready by Laurel Run/Walk weekend. If not, you will have the option of picking up your shirt or paying a $10 domestic shipping fee.)
BACKGROUND
The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their oldest daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome. For the inaugural event in 1997, Wayne set out to run more than 400 miles across New York State to spread the message that PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS, IF THEY'RE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO PROVE THEMSELVES. After covering about 100 miles in the first five days, Wayne developed a leg injury that sidelined him. After he recovered, Wayne borrowed a bicycle and picked up where he left off. When Wayne encountered steep inclines, he would stop riding and Elaine would walk up the hills to officially log the distance. People across the state became inspired by Wayne and Elaine's determination. So the Hotellings decided to turn Laurel Run into an annual event in their hometown of Silver Creek, NY.
For many years Laurel was the Grand Marshal of the event. Sadly, Laurel passed away in 2017 at the age of 54. But her spirit lives on in the event that bears her name. The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk is organized each year by the Hotellings; The Resource Center, which supports people with disabilities in Western New York State; Filling the Gap, Inc., which supports The Resource Center; and a dedicated group of volunteers. Some of the money raised through the event enhances employment and work training opportunities for adults with disabilities. Laurel herself had a job at The Resource Center for more than 30 years, and she was proud of her paycheck.
Dr. John Vona was a dentist in Northern Chautauqua County for more than six decades. He spent the last 20 years of his career at TRC Community Health Center, working out of The Resource Center's building on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk. Dr. Vona was Laurel's dentist, and he took extra time when treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in order to put them at ease and make sure he addressed their oral hygiene issues. Following his death in 2024, his children spearheaded the creation of the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund to carry on his compassionate spirit and continue his legacy of helping others.
IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO JOIN US, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION [https://trcstreetjam.wufoo.com/forms/zeys9yk0bykn6u] TO THE LAUREL RUN FUND OR THE DR. JOHN VONA SMILE FUND IN ORDER TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
ONE MORE THING ...
The Resource Center is a MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION, and membership is open to anyone age 18 or older who believes in our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. One of The Resource Center's primary functions is to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. The more members The Resource Center has, the stronger our voice becomes when we advocate. As adults 18 and older complete the online registration process, they will have the option to become a member of The Resource Center. There are two types of membership: You can become on ASSOCIATE MEMBER for free, or you can pay $10 to become a FULL MEMBER or $100 to become a LIFETIME MEMBER. Full Members and Lifetime Members receive a Membership Card that entitles them to discounts at about 40 businesses. (Click here [https://resourcecenter.org/support/trc-membership/membership-benefits/] to see the list of membership discounts.) WE HOPE EVERYONE WILL STRENGTHEN OUR MISSION BY CHOOSING TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RESOURCE CENTER AS YOU COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION.
TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER FOR FREE, simply click the "Yes" box when you see the question, "Do you accept Membership in The Resource Center?"
TO BECOME A FULL MEMBER OR A LIFETIME MEMBER AND RECEIVE THE MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT CARD, please visit our store.
The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place the third weekend in July each year. This two-day event offers several ways to participate:
FRIDAY, JULY 18 - Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run (free, but participants are encouraged to raise donations)
SATURDAY, JULY 19 (Silver Creek, NY) - 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Fun Walk, Children's Runs, Laurel's Legacy Lap
Day One consists of a 31-mile relay run, as well as "The Laurel-thon" for people who want to cover the entire relay route themselves. Day Two features an 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Disability Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Walk, and Children's Runs in Silver Creek, NY. We also offer paid and free virtual options for those unable to join us for the in-person events. Proceeds from the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk go to FILLING THE GAP, INC., to support services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities at THE RESOURCE CENTER. Money raised through Laurel Run are directed to two funds:
The Resource Center LAUREL RUN FUND supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities, plus advocacy & awareness initiatives.
The Resource Center DR. JOHN VONA SMILE FUND supports the delivery of dental services to people with disabilities.
_Click here_ [https://trcstreetjam.wufoo.com/forms/zeys9yk0bykn6u]_ to make a donation to support people with disabilities through the LAUREL RUN FUND or the DR. JOHN VONA SMILE FUND at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation._
LAUREL MEMORIAL RUN/WALK EVENT DETAILS
FRIDAY, JULY 18
The first day is the traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk LAUREL MEMORIAL RELAY RUN. We will gather at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown, at 8:00 a.m. for the kickoff ceremony. At 8:30, representatives from The Resource Center, area schools and other organizations will take turns running legs of the relay. The relay run will end at The Resource Center's location at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk. Relay runners will receive a Laurel Run/Walk T-shirt, so ALL RELAY PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER ONLINE SO THEY CAN SIGN THE WAIVER AND WE CAN GET THEIR CORRECT SHIRT SIZE.
8:00 a.m. - Opening ceremonies at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701
8:30 a.m. - Laurel Memorial Relay Run begins
9:00 a.m. - Jamestown version of Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability), McCrea Point Park, Jones & Gifford Avenue, Jamestown
12:30-2:00 - Victory celebration at The Resource Center, 186 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY, 14048
1:15 - Last set of relay runners arrives
SATURDAY, JULY 19 - SILVER CREEK, NY
Events will take place in the village square. Parking is available in the Rite Aid lot across the street, but please do not park directly in front of the store so those parking spaces can remain available for Rite Aid customers.
7:00 a.m. - Participant check-in and late registration begin; Basket Raffle opens
8:30 a.m. - 5K Run, 5K Walk and 1K Walk begin (5K course will have two water stations)
9:00 a.m. - 8K Run begins (8K Run will have four water stations)
10:00 a.m. - Children's Fun Runs (ages 7 and younger)
10:15 a.m. - Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability)
10:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony and Basket Raffle winners announced
Everyone who pays the registration fee will receive a Laurel Memorial Run/Walk shirt and a commemorative medal. (TIP - When registering online, there is a processing fee per registration transaction. So, you can save money by registering several people at one time, rather than registering individually.) PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO CREATE A PERSONAL FUND-RAISING PAGE TO COLLECT DONATIONS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IF YOU DO THAT AND YOU RAISE $50 OR MORE, WE WILL WAIVE THE REGISTRATION FEE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR SHIRT AND MEDAL FOR FREE.
PRIZES
For the 8K Run, cash prizes ($100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third) will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. For the 8K Run and 5K Run/Walk, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
We also will have team awards for both the 8K & 5K. TEAM TIMES WILL BE BASED ON THE COMBINED TIMES OF EACH TEAM'S FIRST FOUR FINISHERS.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
If you can't make it to the actual Laurel Run/Walk events, you can sign up to do a virtual run, walk or other activity. This is a great way to be with us in spirit and show your support for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Registration for the 8K Run, 5K Walk, 1K Walk, and Paid Virtual event is $25 for adults and $20 for children (age 17 and younger). For those who want to tackle both the 5K Run and the 8K Run, registration is $35 for adults and $30 for children 17 and younger. Online registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Registration fees will increase $5 Friday, July 18.
Register by 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, to ensure you'll receive your T-shirt at the Laurel Run/Walk events. (People who register after 11:00 a.m. June 30 will still receive a shirt, but it may not be ready by Laurel Run/Walk weekend. If not, you will have the option of picking up your shirt or paying a $10 domestic shipping fee.)
BACKGROUND
The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk was created by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their oldest daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome. For the inaugural event in 1997, Wayne set out to run more than 400 miles across New York State to spread the message that PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS, IF THEY'RE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO PROVE THEMSELVES. After covering about 100 miles in the first five days, Wayne developed a leg injury that sidelined him. After he recovered, Wayne borrowed a bicycle and picked up where he left off. When Wayne encountered steep inclines, he would stop riding and Elaine would walk up the hills to officially log the distance. People across the state became inspired by Wayne and Elaine's determination. So the Hotellings decided to turn Laurel Run into an annual event in their hometown of Silver Creek, NY.
For many years Laurel was the Grand Marshal of the event. Sadly, Laurel passed away in 2017 at the age of 54. But her spirit lives on in the event that bears her name. The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk is organized each year by the Hotellings; The Resource Center, which supports people with disabilities in Western New York State; Filling the Gap, Inc., which supports The Resource Center; and a dedicated group of volunteers. Some of the money raised through the event enhances employment and work training opportunities for adults with disabilities. Laurel herself had a job at The Resource Center for more than 30 years, and she was proud of her paycheck.
Dr. John Vona was a dentist in Northern Chautauqua County for more than six decades. He spent the last 20 years of his career at TRC Community Health Center, working out of The Resource Center's building on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk. Dr. Vona was Laurel's dentist, and he took extra time when treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in order to put them at ease and make sure he addressed their oral hygiene issues. Following his death in 2024, his children spearheaded the creation of the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund to carry on his compassionate spirit and continue his legacy of helping others.
IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO JOIN US, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION [https://trcstreetjam.wufoo.com/forms/zeys9yk0bykn6u] TO THE LAUREL RUN FUND OR THE DR. JOHN VONA SMILE FUND IN ORDER TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
ONE MORE THING ...
The Resource Center is a MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION, and membership is open to anyone age 18 or older who believes in our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. One of The Resource Center's primary functions is to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. The more members The Resource Center has, the stronger our voice becomes when we advocate. As adults 18 and older complete the online registration process, they will have the option to become a member of The Resource Center. There are two types of membership: You can become on ASSOCIATE MEMBER for free, or you can pay $10 to become a FULL MEMBER or $100 to become a LIFETIME MEMBER. Full Members and Lifetime Members receive a Membership Card that entitles them to discounts at about 40 businesses. (Click here [https://resourcecenter.org/support/trc-membership/membership-benefits/] to see the list of membership discounts.) WE HOPE EVERYONE WILL STRENGTHEN OUR MISSION BY CHOOSING TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RESOURCE CENTER AS YOU COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION.
TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER FOR FREE, simply click the "Yes" box when you see the question, "Do you accept Membership in The Resource Center?"
TO BECOME A FULL MEMBER OR A LIFETIME MEMBER AND RECEIVE THE MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT CARD, please visit our store.
Races
-
8K Run
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt and Commemorative Medal
Sat 19th July 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$27.50
For a $25 registration fee (plus an online processing fee), you are eligible to receive a T-shirt, as well as a commemorative medal made by people with developmental disabilities. Cash prizes for the first three overall male and female finishers. Medals awarded to the top three male and female finishers in five-year age groups. (NOTE: If you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges, we will waive the registration fee.) -
5K Run
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt and Commemorative Medal
Sat 19th July 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$27.50
For a $25 registration fee (plus an online processing fee), you are eligible to receive a T-shirt, as well as a commemorative medal made by people with developmental disabilities. Additional medals awarded to the top three male and female finishers in five-year age groups. (NOTE: If you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges, we will waive the registration fee!) -
5K Run and 8K Run
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt and Commemorative Medal
Sat 19th July 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$38.10
People will first do the 5K run at 8:30, then do the 8K Run at 9:00. For a $35 registration fee (plus an online processing fee), you are eligible to receive a T-shirt, plus a commemorative medal made by people with developmental disabilities. (NOTE: If you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges, we will waive the registration fee!) -
5K Walk for Disability Awareness
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt and Commemorative Medal
Sat 19th July 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$27.50
For a $25 registration fee (plus an online processing fee), you are eligible to receive a T-shirt, as well as a commemorative medal made by people with developmental disabilities. (NOTE: If you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges, we will waive the registration fee!) -
1K Fun Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 19th July 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$27.50
For a $25 registration fee (plus an online processing fee), you are eligible to receive a T-shirt, as well as a commemorative medal made by people with developmental disabilities. (NOTE: If you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges, we will waive the registration fee.) -
Laurel Run Relay
Incl. T-Shirt
Fri 18th July 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
Free
This is a Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run. This is geared mainly to high school students, but other volunteers may participate. Most legs of the relay are about 3 miles, but you can run more (or fewer) miles if you want. We do encourage schools and other participating groups to set up an online fund-raising page to see who can raise the most money. NOTE - Those planning to do the Laurel-thon (running from Jamestown to Dunkirk) should register here as well. -
Virtual Run/Walk/Other Activity
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt and Commemorative Medal
$27.50
If you can't join us in Silver Creek for the actual running and walking events, but you'd still like to receive a T-shirt and commemorative medal, then choose this virtual option. You can choose to run, walk or do an activity such as cycling, swimming, kayaking, etc. There is a $25 registration fee, plus an online processing fee. (NOTE: If you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges, we will waive the registration fee.) -
FREE Virtual Run/Walk/Other Activity
Free
If you're not interested in receiving a shirt and medal but would still like to do something to show your support for people with disabilities, then choose this option, . You can sign up to do a free run or walk (or other activity of your choosing).
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