The fourth annual race raised more than $2,000 to support Alzheimer's disease research with upward of 170 people entering the event.
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Held Saturday March 10, the Fourth Annual Barbara Sullivan Race for Women’s Health took place at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, N.C. The Women’s Law Association (WLA) holds this race each year to promote awareness and raise money for health issues that affect women. This year, the race focused on Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 5.4 million Americans and their families. All race proceeds will be donated to Alzheimer’s North Carolina.
The race is named for the mother of former WLA member Ann Sullivan ’09. Barbara Sullivan lost her life to a brain tumor. Since the first race in 2009, which supported brain tumor research, the Race for Women’s Health has raised awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis in 2010 and breast cancer in 2011.
Members of the WLA spent the weeks before the race publicizing the event, registering participants, and collecting donations for Alzheimer’s North Carolina. Race coordinator and this year’s Philanthropy Committee Chairwoman, Courtney Roller ‘13, spent months planning the race and gathering area businesses to be sponsors and donate supplies and prizes.
“I am so pleased with the success of this year’s race,” said Roller. “Alzheimer’s disease is such a pervasive disease that affects so many families in our community and worldwide. Having the opportunity to raise awareness about this health issue and donate to Alzheimer’s North Carolina was an honor for me and for the members of the Women’s Law Association. Each year the 5k for Women’s Health grows more and more, and I am very excited to see it continue to grow in the years to come.”
Prizes were given to the top three male runners, the top three female runners, the first place team, and the first place dog.
1st Place Male: Clayton Purcell ‘13
2nd Place Male: Arthur Sterkenburg
3rd Place Male: Jacob Pryor ‘13
1st Place Female: Alix Hazel ‘09
2nd Place Female: Lavanya Jagadish ‘14
3rd Place Female: Jennifer Fleeman
1st Place Team: “Swift Justice” (Elon Professor Michael Rich, Lincoln Bennet ’13, Jessica Armentrout ’13, and Janison Dillion L ’13)
1st Place Dog: Molly owned by Sarah and Steven Lucente ‘09
By Ashley Smith ’12