Woods Services, a nonprofit organization that provides care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and emotional/behavioral challenges, is hosting its 2023 Run for Woods 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Sunday, May 7, for runners, walkers and rollers of all abilities. Presented by Faulkner-Ciocca Dealerships.
The festivities, which include an appearance by a Philadelphia sports team’s fan-favorite mascot, kick off with an opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. and the 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:10 a.m. Participants meet at 10 Meadowood Drive, Langhorne, and run, roll and stroll through the scenic trails at Woods Services.
Registration fee is $45 and participants can register at RunForWoods.org. This is the ninth year for the event. New this year is the Sunday date; Run for Woods has previously been held on Saturday.
During the opening ceremony, Woods president and CEO Tine Hansen-Turton will honor a Bucks County police officer who has had a significant impact on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and challenges.
“We are immensely grateful to our sponsors, team leaders, runners, rollers, walkers, Bucks County neighbors, and our Woods families and friends for their outpouring of support for the ninth annual Run for Woods,” said Hansen-Turton. “Their participation helps Woods Services provide exceptional educational, vocational and recreational opportunities that enrich lives and increase independence. We are also pleased to honor a Bucks County community member and recognize the positive impact they are making in the lives of the children, adolescents and adults Woods serves.”
Run for Woods has already raised $228,000 of its $250,000 goal from 53 sponsors in Bucks County and the Greater Philadelphia community, more than a dozen race fundraising teams and individual participants. Funds will support Woods Services in its mission to provide innovative, comprehensive and integrated healthcare, education, housing, vocational, behavioral health and case management services to children, adolescents and adults who have intellectual and developmental disability and mental health challenges who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs.
Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each age category. With the $45 registration fee, all participants will receive an official race T-shirt, race medal, and will have an opportunity to enjoy other event amenities, including Rita’s Water Ice.
Participants, community members and businesses are also invited to underwrite participation for a Woods resident and support their staff member with a donation of $90.
They are encouraged to share photos and videos with the Woods community and family and friends using #RunForWoods on social media. For more information, visit RunForWoods.org, where there is a video about the event.
