Mickey Sullivan Duathlon Supports Fight against Huntington's Disease

Team KJ will continue its fight against Huntington's Disease with the second annual Mickey Sullivan Duathlon Sunday at Pearl River Middle School.

The USTA sanctioned duathlon begins at 8:30 a.m. with a two-mile run followed by a 10-mile bike ride and ends with another two-mile run and expects to draw a mix of serious and more casual competitors. Children can compete with parental consent. Participants can register online at FightHD.org or sign up race day starting at 6:30 a.m.

Once again, a family barbecue at the Pearl River Elks follows the race from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m, with a $40 suggested donation for adults. This part of the event features food, drinks, music, child-friendly activities and a silent auction. 

Team KJ joined together to raise money to aid medical research into finding a cure for Huntington's Disease,, a degenerative brain disorder, and to support members of the community dealing with the disease. The group was formed by by friends and family of Kara Jean Fleming, who found herself battling the hereditary disease after it claimed the life of her father, retired New York City Firefighter Captain Denis P. Fleming. 

Orangetown Councilman Tom Diviny and former New York Yankee and current broadcaster John Flaherty are among Team KJ's supporters. Team KJ apparel is available at Mel's Army-Navy in Pearl River. T.F. Noonan's and Mainly Monograms are also sponsors for Team KJ. 

Team KJ became a registered 501c3 charity in 2010 and for years had competed in triathlons before starting the duathlon last year. Much of their money goes to support the research of Dr. Jan Nolta at UC-Davis. 

Read more about Team KJ and previous events here and at the organization's website, FightHD.org.