When: April 28, 2013, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lower Featherbed Field, Haverford
College
The 6th Annual Haverford College Joe Schwartz '83 Memorial 3-Kilometer Run/Walk is set for a late April date!
Joe Schwartz graduated from Haverford College in 1983. He was a committed member of Haverford’s cross country and track teams for the four years he attended Haverford, and he excelled in both sports. He encouraged those who won MAC Championships as well as students who were casual participants to be part of something bigger than themselves. From the moment he stepped on the Haverford campus, Joe was integral in building a proud tradition of athletic excellence at this school.
In 1995, Joe contracted Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 34. He first noticed the symptoms when he was out training for road races. He courageously endured the hardships imposed by this cruel disease for thirteen years until his unfortunate death on March 2, 2008. Joe left behind two young sons, both of whom are avid runners themselves, one even a current member of Haverford’s team.
The Joe Schwartz ’83 Memorial 3K Run/Walk is designed to attract the running superstar and the walking novice because that is exactly how Joe would want it. He simply loved people lacing up their shoes and enjoying the freedom to run and walk, a freedom that was deprived from Joe by ALS. Proceeds from the Run/Walk will be donated to The ALS Association and directed towards ALS research. The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The cause, cure and means of control of ALS are unknown. Symptoms of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, include the wasting and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk as well as those that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and respiration.
The Joe Schwartz ’83 Memorial 3K Run/Walk has attracted nearly 700 participants and raised almost $16,000 in proceeds over its short duration. With your help, we can only do better! Entrance fee is $25 for adults, $15 for adults from within the Haverford Community, and $5 for all Haverford College students and family members under the age of 21. Anyone who registers by the pre-registration date of April 12 will receive a free t-shirt. Race participation will also grant you an invite to our post-race BBQ free of charge. Immediately after the race there will be a silent auction for your bidding pleasure, as well as a Kids Fun Run for all children under the age of 12. Additional monetary donations to ALS research can be added to the entrance fee and a pledge sheet is available to raise further funds.
Prizes will be given to the male and female who finish in either first or second place in the following age groups: <18, 18-22, 23-29, 30-39, 40-49 (Masters Division), 50-59 (Silver Division), 60+ (Gold Division). In addition, a team prize will be awarded. Three person teams must consist of at least one student, one member of the faculty/staff/alumni, and one female.
Race details, including race application and pledge sheet, can be found via the links below or in the Haverford College Fitness Center.