Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/18/2021
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
Towne Bank University
6009 Harbour View Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23435
Categories
The Chas Foundation Run/Walk
This year’s event to support mental health care in Hampton Roads is sure to be bigger and better than ever.
A charity fundraiser event now in it’s 7th year benefiting local initiatives to improve delivery of mental health care in the Hampton Roads area. The race is a certified fast out and back course through the scenic Harbour View area of Suffolk that runs along side a golf course and passes several beautiful lakes. Ten year age group prizes from Running Etc. will be give to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Great race swag for each registrant. Anyone setting a new male or female course record will receive a $100 award card from Running Etc and a $100 cash prize (male record 16:50; female 19:35). This race is for everyone from elite runners to. walkers. The Chas Foundation will have members and material on site to explain how we are improving local mental health care with your support. The race is for everyone from elite runners to walkers. Coffee and donuts will be served after the race!
Registration: Registration Opens July 5, 2021 at 12:22pm EDT
| Entry fee: | $25 online, $30 on race day; $20 for members signing up as a running team of 4 or more individuals |
| Awards: | New Course Records (current records: male/16:50 & female/19:35) $100 Running Etc gift cards & $100 cash. Running Etc gift cards for the first 3 finishers in each 10 year age bracket starting with 10 to 19 yo bracket. |
| Course: | Flat fast course with scenic views of the Harbour View neighborhoods, golf course, and lakes. |
| Registration: | RunSignUp.com or same-day registration starting 7:30 a.m. at Towne Bank University |
| Packet Pick Up: | Race day, September 18 at 7:30 a.m. at Towne Bank University, 6009 Harbour View Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23435 |
| Inclement Weather: | Applicant acknowledges that they will be participating in a charity outdoor event, which may be subject to sudden changes in weather, which may result in race delay or cancellation. No refunds will be offered. |
| Safety: | This is an open course and vehicle traffic is possible on the course. |
| Time Limits: | All participants need to be off the course by 9:45 a.m. |
On October 18, 2015, the Chas Foundation held their inaugural 8K Walk/Run in Suffolk. The opportunity to broaden the organization to other municipalities was a key factor as well as partnering with a major nonprofit health organization, Bon Secours. Board Member, Dr. Mark Lawson spearheaded this effort.
Dr. Mark Lawson’s Story: I have had many challenges in my life as a Naval Officer and physician but my greatest challenge was in trying to help my beautiful daughter cope with mental health issues. I was shocked how difficult it was in Tidewater to receive timely, adequate mental health care even as a member of the medical community. My daughter’s needs progressively escalated with much of the burden of caring for her mental illness falling on the family.
The anxiety and worry was crushing at times as we searched for the resources to help her get better. Even having excellent health insurance was of little help in getting the resources she needed. We lost this beautiful young lady on January 23, 2013 and have dedicated ourselves to the advancement of effective mental health care and improved mental health resources for patients and families in Tidewater. Being an avid runner, I though putting on a charity race to raise funds for this cause was in order. Out of this personal loss has come The Chas Foundation 8K Run and 5K Walk/Run. 100% of funds raised will go to supporting The Chas Foundation and improved mental health care in Hampton Roads.
