Rochester River Run/Walk 5K set for Sept. 26

Individuals and teams are invited to participate in the eighth annual Friends of Strong Rochester River Run/Walk 5K, to be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Roundhouse Shelter at Genesee Valley Park.

Hundreds of patients receive organ transplants each year at Strong Memorial, including heart, liver and kidney transplants. Many of these patients need assistance as they await operations, as well as after transplant. And these numbers do not reflect the many transplant patients Strong has cared for over the past decade who continue to travel to Rochester for medical care related to their transplant. Money raised through the Rochester River Run will help patients who need emergency financial assistance. More than $47,000 has been raised since the event was started in 2002.

New elements have been added this year to make the event a family affair: a Kids Run for those 12 and under, and a 1-mile walk designed for non-runners.

Also, the Rochester River Run/Walk 5K has been designated an official event of Coming Home, a city of Rochester campaign to mark the 175^th anniversary of the city. Coming Home is encouraging past and present residents to celebrate the joys of the community and participate in events selected by the city and listed on their website.

Pre-registration fees for Rochester River Run/Walk 5K are $18 for runners and $10 for walkers. Fees increase to $25 and $15 respectively on the day of the event. Pre-registration forms and race packets are available online or can be picked up at participating sponsor Fleet Feet Sports, 2210 Monroe Ave., telephone (585) 697-3338. The day of the event, registration will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Genesee Valley Park. More than $2,000 in prizes were awarded to race participants in 2008.

Raffle tickets for deluxe gift baskets will also be available for purchase at Strong Memorial Hospital Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24 and 25 and at the race location on the day of the event to raise additional money for transplant patients. Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

The Rochester River Run/Walk 5K course is certified to be accurate by USATDF/RRTC and computerized racing results will be offered.

For more information or to register, call Friends of Strong at (585) 275-2420.