Squirrel Run XVIII, Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS

The 18th Annual Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS, (the Squirrel Run XVIII), a 5-mile run, 2.5-mile fitness walk and family fun day which will be held on Saturday, June 13th at Pageant Field, Merrymount Parkway in Quincy. Proceeds from the Squirrel Run will benefit The Angel Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding ALS research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at the UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Jimmy Kennedy lost his courageous battle with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 1997 at the age of 31. According to Jimmy’s brother and Angel Fund president Rich Kennedy, Jimmy was an outstanding football player and track athlete who graduated from North Quincy High in 1984, the 8th and final member of the Kennedy family to do so. He graduated with high honors from Northeastern, receiving his diploma from his Dad, Dean of Students Christopher Kennedy (himself a 25 year member of the Quincy School Committee). Jimmy attended and ultimately graduated from Georgetown Law School. He passed the bar on his first attempt, accepted a job with the prestigious Washington law firm Schwald, Donnenfeld and Bray, and settled in suburban Waldorf, MD. Jimmy was diagnosed with ALS soon after, at the age of 28. The Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS is a tribute to the life of Squirrel, which each year brings together Jimmy’s friends, family, former teammates and classmates. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the 5-mile run and 2.5-mile walk that begins with registration at 8 a.m. The course is officially sanctioned by USA Track and Field, New England Association. The 2.5-mile fitness walk starts at 9 a.m. followed by the 5-mile run at 10 a.m. Childrens’ races begin at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 for registrations received before May 25th, 2015 and $25 after that date. Registrations must be made online at www.theangelfund.org/squirrel-run. All participants will receive a race t-shirt. Numbers will not be mailed prior to the race. Pre-registered participants can pick up their numbers at the pre-registered table on the day of the event. In addition to the race and walk, the day will be filled with entertainment for children, plenty of refreshments, and awards for competitive runners in all divisions for men and women. There will be trophies, gift certificates, and other awards, as well as raffle prizes. For registration information, or for further information please call Rich (Ratt) Kennedy (781) 383-6008, or email him at tytaylin@aol.com.