Across the country, Team Fox members are adding “Race Director” to their resumes by stepping up to host successful road races in their communities. These 5K, 10K and half marathon races are part of a growing series we like to call “Fox Trots” – and one might be popping up in a neighborhood near you!
While each race has its own unique feel-- many with race bibs, timing chips and awards-- all have the same goal: activate the local community to help fundraise for Parkinson’s research. Check out some of these recent events that really ran with it!
Soul to Sole 5K (O’Fallon, IL): On Sunday, April 26, Team Fox members Jennifer Thoman and Jodie Vedder hosted their 2nd annual Soul to Sole 5K, drawing more than 200 runners/walkers and 400 attendees. Local supporters, including St. Louis Rams cheerleaders, lined the streets and helped the event raise $15,000 for Team Fox.
Plattsburgh Half Marathon (Plattsburgh, NY): Team Fox’s only half marathon – now in its sixth year – has helped raise nearly $200,000 for research to date. Held each April, this USAT certified course brings hundreds of runners together with all proceeds benefiting Team Fox. Race directors Stephanie Desautels and Jennifer Boyer created the event after Desautels’ father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and the race is now a local favorite.
Team Fox Adirondacks “Fox Trot 5K” (South Glens Falls, NY): In the years since Megan Pliscofsky first joined Team Fox, her solo fundraising endeavor has expanded into Team Fox Adirondacks—comprised of her daughter Lucy and 9 of her closest friends—and many events throughout the year. Now in its second year, their key event – a Fox Trot 5K – was another huge success. Encouraging runners to participate both locally and virtually from within their own communities, the impact of thisFox Trot goes well beyond NY and raised $20,000 for Parkinson’s research.
Looking to run/walk in a 5K near you? Upcoming Pocono Fox Trot 5K for Parkinson’s Research will take place on Saturday, June 20th in Milford, PA and the Negaunee Fox Trot 5K/10K & 2 Mile Walk will be on Saturday, August 22 in Negaunee, MI.
If you have any questions about these upcoming races or are interested in starting your own, please email athletes@michaeljfox.org and we’ll help you get started!