For the second year, Maggiano’s Little Italy will host the Father’s Day 5K at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham on Sunday, June 15. The certified course guides participants through the charming retail center and on the rustic Tobacco Trail before concluding with a celebration in front of the most renowned Italian-American cuisine restaurant in the area. All proceeds generated from the run/walk event benefit Make-A-Wish® Eastern North Carolina.
What better way to honor your dad than to spend time running or walking with him on Father’s Day over a unique 5k course, all while helping grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions? Besides the financial contribution and the much-needed awareness for Make-A-Wish, the Father’s Day 5K also provides an opportunity to recognize local wish kids who are incredibly courageous in their medical battles.
The 2013 event served as a source of motivation for Caroline, who trained hard with her physical therapist in the months leading up to the race in order to participate in the 1-mile fun run. Caroline has a rare disease that is progressively degenerative and fatal if left untreated. The Wake County teenager received her wish to swim with dolphins two years ago from Make-A-Wish® Eastern North Carolina. Caroline running alongside members of the Maggiano’s team and completing the race is a memory that her family and all who helped organize the event will not soon forget.
“Our staff and sponsors truly enjoy being a part of the Father’s Day 5K experience,” said Todd Crisson, general manager at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Durham. “The idea of gathering families to honor their fathers, while recognizing local children who have received their wish through our support of Make-A-Wish, is something that we want to continue to build.”
So forget the neckties. Start a new tradition with your dad this year and invite the whole family to the Maggiano’s Father’s Day 5K at The Streets at Southpoint- The event includes something for everyone, beginning with a 1 mile fun run and a free 100-yard dash for kids at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. The cost for the fun run is $15 and for the 5k is $25, with all proceeds helping local kids receive their one true wish.
Registration is now open at www.eastnc.wish.org.
