Run through the mud for lupus research Saturday

By Stuart Hedstrom 
Staff Writer

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Saturday, May 4 runners can take part in a five kilometer (3.1 miles) run/walk for lupus research, with the race starting at 9 a.m. at Kiwanis Park behind the Piscataquis Regional YMCA on Park Street and registration beginning beforehand at 8 a.m.

    “We wanted to come up with ways to raise money and to think of something fun for people to do, and a 5K seemed like a good idea,” said organizer Lindsey Zimmerman. She mentioned both the daughter of a teacher she works with at the SeDoMoCha School and a friend of hers from college have lupus, a collection of autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks normal, healthy tissue.
    “All proceeds will go to lupus research,” Zimmerman said about funds raised through the race. “We are going to have awards for the winners and for different classes, and a prize for the muddiest person,” she said as the still to-be-finalized route will at least partially cover a portion of the trail system going by Kiwanis Park.
    “We are also doing a raffle, we have some really great prizes,” Zimmerman said, such as gift certificates to spas in the Bangor-area and PlayLand Adventures in Brewer. “We are trying to make it as family friendly as possible, and it will be fun for everybody and to benefit a good cause.”
    The first annual 5K Mud Run/Walk for Lupus Research will be hosted at Kiwanis Park on Saturday, May 4, with registration at 8 a.m. and the race starting at 9 a.m. T-shirts will be given to the first 40 entrants to register. To pre-register or for more information, please go to http://sites.google.com/a/maine.edu/5k-mud-run-walk-for-lupus/. For additional information, please contact Zimmerman at lindsey.zimmerman@maine.edu or 717-6181.