CLEVELAND CLINIC WEST SIDE HOSPITALS AND LESJAK PLANNING PARTNER WITH COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE ADOLESCENT HEALTH

“Run for the Young” at Crocker Park

June 2010, Cleveland -- Fairview, Lakewood and Lutheran hospitals have partnered with Lesjak Planning Corporation to host the third annual Run for the Young, a 5K run, 3K walk and one-mile kids run, on Saturday, June 26, at Crocker Park in Westlake. Race proceeds will benefit Cleveland Park Works, Fairview Park Recreation Department, Lakewood YMCA, Rocky River Recreation Department, Westlake Recreation Department and Youth Challenge to help support youth wellness programs in those communities.  

Presenting sponsor, Lesjak Planning Corporation, has a long history of participating in and organizing events to benefit children and adolescents. “We are thrilled to partner with the Cleveland Clinic hospitals to host another Run for the Young. I believe that we as a community should come together and raise the bar on educating our youth and their families about the importance of healthy living,” says Dave Lesjak, president of Lesjak Planning Corp. “This year we are encouraging parents to also register their children to participate in the free 1-Mile Kids Fun Run, which takes place after the actual race. This way the entire family can participate and every child who registers for the race will receive a medal.”

The Cleveland Clinic regional hospitals are dedicated to educating the public about the importance of healthy lifestyles. Each year the hospitals work with the local schools to provide physical fitness activities, health screenings and nutrition counseling. “Most of us understand that when healthy choices are made about nutrition and physical activity, the rewards can be very effective in combating obesity,” says Janice Murphy, president of Fairview and Lakewood Hospitals. “I see our role in the community as providing health care, not just sick care.  We have an urgent need in our community to stress the importance of healthy living both for children and adults, and hope this event will be yet another way to make a difference.

Janice Murphy and David Perse, MD, president of Lutheran Hospital, expressed their appreciation to the presenting sponsor, Lesjak Planning, and also to sponsors Amica Mutual Insurance Co., Crocker Park, WKYC-TV3, Adcom Communications, Brio’s Tuscan Grille, Community West Foundation, Dr. K. Kay Potetz & Associates, Charles Schwab, Sun newspapers and Unscheduled Downtime. “We are fortunate these organizations share our mission of health and wellness and are willing to step up to the plate to make a difference. We are grateful for their generosity,” says Perse.   

Run for the Young will begin and end at Crocker Park with the race course routed through residential streets in Westlake. The event comprises three activities – a 5K run and a 3K walk beginning at 9 a.m., and a FREE one-mile kids run that starts at 10:15 a.m. Entry fees for advance registration are $18 for the 5K run, $15 for the 3K walk. Day-of-event registration fees are $20 and $18. First 500 runners and all participating kids will receive a Run for the Young t-shirt. 

Note: Participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets on Friday, June 25 at Crocker Park between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m. You can find us between Center of the Universe & Regal Cinemas.

You will be treated to a complimentary runners’ pasta party courtesy of Brio Tuscan Grille...

A wine tasting will be presented by 87 West Wine Bar...

And, you can sit back and relax while you enjoy music by “Unscheduled Downtime,” a diverse classic rock band comprised of Cleveland Clinic employees...

Late registration also can be completed at this time.

Online registration will be accepted until June 23 and can be found at www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/crocker.asp

Forms also may be mailed to Hermes Sports & Events, 1624 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland 44114, and must be received by June 23. Same-day registration for the event will be available at the race from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.