27th Annual Apple Blossom Run sponsored by the Bartlett Park District & Barrington Orthopedics.

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 21, 2008 – 27th Annual Apple Blossom Run sponsored by the Bartlett Park District & Barrington Orthopedics.

Throughout the 27 years of this Bartlett based 5K/10K run families and friends have promoted the benefits of exercise through their participation. On Saturday, May 10th at 8am a special guest, Jennifer McDevitt, will be honored as the official race starter.

McDevitt, who hails from Palatine, Illinois is on a special mission “to put a face to brain cancer”. After a diagnosis in 2003 of a malignant brain tumor, McDevitt took up a new hobby—marathon running. She has participated in more than four marathons and numerous other races to create public awareness and raise money for the Tug McGraw Foundation.

The Apple Blossom Run, sponsored by Bartlett Park District & Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, includes a 5K race with divisions in walking, stroller, or running and a 10K race. Youth races are also available for children 2-5 (50 yard dash) and 6-10 (1/8 mile run). The 5K/10K race course is fairly flat. It begins at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road and winds through Bartlett neighborhoods. Youth races are held on the Indoor Track of the LIFECENTER. All participants are required to sign a waiver. Pre-registration closes at 1pm on May 2nd. Race Day registration (May 10) is available from 6:30-7:30am. Registration is also available at www.bartlettparks.org. Awards and raffle prizes presented after the completion of the youth races; you must be present to win raffle prizes. No pets allowed during the race. 5K/10K $15 (Fees increase by $10 after May 2nd). Youth races $10 ( Fees increase by $5 after May 2nd).

The Tug McGraw Foundation was established in 2003 to raise funds for pioneering brain cancer research, increase public awareness of the disease, and support college students who exemplify leadership and Tug’s inspiring “Ya Gotta Believe” spirit. Over 200,000 adults and children annually receive a diagnosis of brain cancer, and the mission of the Foundation is to support research that will improve their quality of life in the physical, social, spiritual, and cognitive areas. (http://www.tugmcgraw.org)

Bring the whole family down and join in this event to capture the spirit of living life to its fullest. "Running for me confirms that I'm still alive and I always challenge myself to make sure I am still here," McDevitt said.

For over 28 years, Barrington Orthopedic Specialists has been a cornerstone of orthopedic care for patients in the northwest suburbs. With locations in Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Buffalo Grove and Elk Grove Village, the fourteen physicians and clinical staff specialize in surgical and non-surgical orthopedic treatment, physical rehabilitation, radiology and MRI services, and wellness services. To learn more, please visit http://www.BarringtonOrtho.com or call (847)285-4200.

For more information about the Apple Blossom Run contact Race Coordinator A.J. Collier II at 630-540-4839 or general race information at 630-540-4800 (http://www.bartlettparks.com).