Elon’s H.O.P.E. Clinic raises $6,500 in annual 5K run

More than 240 people participated in the H.O.P.E. 5K run held on Saturday, April 8, raising more than $9,000 for the program, with a gross net of $6,500.

H.O.P.E., which stands for Health Outreach Program of Elon, is a clinic operated by Elon’s Department of Physical Therapy Education that provides pro bono physical therapy services free of charge to those who are uninsured or underinsured in Alamance County and surrounding areas.

Race morning was filled with students, family, friends, alumni, four-legged friends and local health care providers. There were 186 individuals who crossed the finish line, and with the help of sponsors, there was plenty of water and refreshments to celebrate the accomplishment.  

This was the third annual 5K H.O.P.E. race but the first year being a part of the DICKS Piedmont Race Series coordinated by Finish Line Timing. In all, the event saw a 38 percent increase in participation from last year. In his remarks during the event, Daryl Lawson, associate professor of physical therapy education and clinic faculty adviser, thanked H.O.P.E. clinic board members from the DPT Program—Natalie Proffit, Andria Wilson, Brianna Hurt, Brianna Marino, Campbell Brown, Emily Messerschmidt, Hannah McHugh, Jonathan Little, Lindsey Grove, Nathaniel Thompson and Tess Galantowicz—as well as the rest of the DPT volunteers, for organizing a successful race. 

The highlight of Saturday’s race was the celebration of the final, and most determined, racer to cross the finish line—Jeremy Gaits, who traversed the course on loft strand crutches with support from DPT students Mackenzie Craig, Jon Little, his fiancé, Jessica, and many cheerleaders at the finish line. Gaits sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2006 and has an undeniable will and determination throughout his recovery journey.He is familiar face to many at the Francis Center due to his involvement in several DPT classes and labs. This was his third year supporting the H.O.P.E. Clinic 5K. It was an inspirational conclusion to an event that is more than a race—it is a reflection of the American Physical Therapy Association’s vision for physical therapists to optimize the human movement experience.  

A special “thank you” to the sponsors of the H.O.P.E. 5K race:

• Platinum Sponsors: Cone Health, Alamance Regional
• Silver Sponsors: Dean McCall
• Bronze Sponsors: Iron Evolution, Total Pharmacy, Boone Fabrics, LeBaur Healthcare, Omega Sports
• Contributor: Dunkin Donuts, Olive Garden, Moe’s, Vitamin World, Aaron Mogar (photographer), Nor-Pak Services
• And the Elon Police and Campus Safety for ensuring the safety of all our runners and volunteers along the course.

Fun race facts
Average Pace: 11 minutes and 29 seconds
Average Finish Time: 35 minutes 37 seconds