Abilities Network to Hold Inaugural 5K Run/2K Fun Walk, Sept. 20 at Goucher College

TOWSON, Md. – Abilities Network will expand upon its annual Walkabout Abilities fundraiser by debuting a combined 5K Run and 2K Fun Walk, Sunday, Sept. 20, at Goucher College in Towson.

Titled Love Walk, Love Run, Love Abilities, the event will feature family-fun activities and entertainment for all ages, and also provide the opportunity for special needs families to connect with one another.

“We are excited to add the 5K run component to our annual event – now in its 9th year – which helps us help children and adults throughout the state of Maryland with physical, cognitive or situational challenges to lead more inclusive, independent lives,” said Abilities Network CEO Lee Kingham.

Chaired by Trish Kane (director of programs, Pathfinders for Autism, an Abilities Network board member since 2010 and mother of an autistic son) and Keith Malfa (CNS account manager, Lundbeck – a Walkabout Abilities sponsor, who has experienced seizures), the event begins with on-site registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Dorsey College Center.

Following warm-up exercises and welcome remarks by ABC2News Anchor Charley Crowson and Abilities Network officials, the 5K run will begin at 9:30 and the 2K Fun Walk will begin at 9:35.

From 10:00 until noon, participants can enjoy breakfast provided by Toscana Italian Deli, Panera Bread and other restaurants, and ice cream sundaes donated by The Coleman Family.

Adding to the fun will be a DJ, moonbounce, airbrush and regular face painting, wood kit activities in the Home Depot Kids Club, and arts & crafts by the National Art Education Association at Towson University.

There also will be photo opportunities with mascots and a special performance by funk rock artist, Damon Foreman, who has performed with major acts such as Ashford and Simpson, Gladys Night, Sista Monica, Mary Wells and Parliament Funkadelic.

Registration includes an event T-shirt, refreshments, entertainment and activities. For the 5K run, it is $30 in advance and $35 on event day with a student rate (elementary through college) of $20 in advance and $25 on event day.

The 2K Fun Walk registration for ages 13 and over is $20 in advance and $25 on race day; $10 for children 4-12 and free for kids 3 and under. To register visit www.abilitiesnetwork.org, call 410-828-7700 ext. 1277 or e-mail mkavanagh@abilitiesnetwork.org.

About Abilities Network

Abilities Network is a non-profit organization that provides individualized services to people in Maryland with disabilities. Its mission is to challenge the community to acknowledge the value and equality of people of all abilities. Services include Autism Services, Community and Employment Partners, Epilepsy Services, Healthy Families of Baltimore County, Project ACT (All Children Together) and Senior Services. Abilities Network has been providing quality services since 1964.