Sacramento Run Supports Shriners Kids

The Sacramento Shriners Run & Walk to be held on June 21. All proceeds to benefit the Ben Ali Temple of Sacramento to help Shriners kids.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF (PRWEB) June 7, 2003 -- Christmas will be coming early this year for some special kids when local businesses lend a hand and donate their time and resources to the 5th annual Shriners Run and Walk. Unlike other events where funds may be directed to the corporate headquarters, all proceeds from the June 21st Run and Walk will benefit the Ben Ali Shrine Temple of Sacramento to help Shriners Kids.

Shrine member and runner of 20 years, Ellis Katz founded the Run and Walk in 1998 hoping to spark some interest and awareness in Shriners Hospital. "The Sacramento hospital had just opened and I wanted to find a way to tell the entire city about the great work that is done for children as well as raise money for those being treated in the Sacramento Hospital," said Katz. "We run so that the kids can walk." Since then the race, which has been praised for its flat and scenic route has grown from 600 participants to nearly 1,000.

The event is an 8km run, which is the Pacific Association of USA Track & Fields Grand Prix, or a 7:30 a.m. 2-mile fitness walk around Shriners Hospital on Stockton Blvd. The run, scheduled to start at 8 a.m., will begin at Raley Field in West Sacramento and cross the Tower Bridge over the Sacramento River before running east on T Street and finishing at the Shriners Hospital. Free transportation to Raley Field from Shriners Hospital will be provided from 6:15 a.m. -- 7:30 a.m. (Warm-up outfit transportation from the start to finish line will also be provided so long as runners place them in a bag.)

"The event is a great opportunity for the running community to tour the hospital and see the services that are provided to children," said Doug Thurston, race director. "It is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness -- to help Shriners help kids."

The finish line will greet the estimated 800 participants with fun, food and festivities. Among other things, runners will be able unwind after the race in a relaxing spa provided by Petkus Brothers, listen to the sweet sounds of The Shriners Band, enjoy great food from both the Rio City Café and Merlinos and beverages from Raleys and Java City.

For more information regarding the Run and Walk contact Doug Thurston, race director at (916) 974-0786 or via e-mail at goldmedal@accessbee.com .You can also visit the website at www.rungoldmedal.com. The complete list of sponsors includes: Petkus Brothers, Raleys and Bel Air, State Farm Insurance, Placer Title Company, Fleet Feet Sports, Happy Daze RVs, Sacramento River Cats, Rio City Café, American Income Life, Western States Petroleum Association, Varilux, Transitions, VSP, Merlinos, Brooks Shoes, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Laughs Unlimited, Fruitridge Printing, Shell Oil and Vallejos.

About Shriners Hospital Northern California
The Northern California facility is the newest addition to the 22-hospital network and is the only one that facilitates all three Shriner specialties: spinal cord injuries, orthopaedics and burns. As with all Shriners Hospitals, there is never a monetary charge and no insurance or U.S. governmental funds are ever used for the medical care or services provided. For more information regarding Shriners Hospital Northern California please call (916) 453-2000 or visit them on the web at www.shrinershq.org or in person at 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA.