On Saturday, Oct. 12, the streets of Argyle will be filled with colorful Argyle socks worn by participants in the Argyle Run for Our Sons 5K/1M Fun Run.
The 2013 “Sock It to Duchenne” charity event benefits Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). Formed in 2005, the non-profit organization is dedicated to families with sons affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year).
According to this year’s PPMD Run for Our Sons co-chairwoman, Katie Lentini, the charity run was the brainchild of Doug Hollenshead, a relatively new Argyle resident.
“This 5K really got its start about three years ago when Doug attended another fundraising event—a dinner, concert and auction– in Argyle for this same cause,” Lentini said. “He was in awe of the attendance at– and support of– the event. Over the subsequent two years, the community gave phenomenal support to both Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and our local citizens affected by this progressive muscle disorder.”
Hollenshead is a runner himself and wanted to bring the charity event to Argyle to raise awareness about muscular dystrophy. He was touched by the support he has seen his community give to the cause.
The run will begin and end at Hilltop Elementary School, 1050 Harrison Ln., and go through Old Town Argyle’s canopy of trees, then on to a newer area of large estates.
“A few challenging hills await the runners as well,” said Lentini. “The one-mile fun run will be a shortened version of the course, and will be led at the start by the Chick-Fil-A cow. It should be lots of fun for the kids. We will also have a babysitting staff, so both mom and dad can run without worrying about the little ones.”
Registration for the 5K race before September 27 is $25 and includes a T-shirt, while the early registration for the 1-Mile run is $15.
Registration for the 5K after September 27 is $30 and the 1-Mile Run is $20.
Packet pick up is on Friday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to7 p.m. at the Run On store at 2701 Cross Timbers Road, Suite 260, in Flower Mound. For more information, call 972-691-4230, or visit: http://www.runontexas.com/store/flower-mound
Race-Day Registration is at 7 a.m.; the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk is at 8 a.m.; the 5K Run is at 8:30 a.m.; and, awards, the raffle and silent auction is set for 9:30 a.m.
“Those not quite ready or able to run or walk the 5K or 1M can still support by signing up for the ‘couch race’ for $20,” said Lentini. “They’ll receive a T-shirt and will know they are supporting a great cause.”
To find race information and a race-route map, register online, or download a mail-in registration form, visit: www.parentprojectmd.org/Argyle.
They can also call Doug Hollenshead at 248-345-0239 or Katie Lentini at 214-578-3769.
About Duchenne
Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs.
Duchenne can be passed from parent to child, but approximately 35% of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation. In other words, it can affect anyone. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne.
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