Put down your book and run for a cause! The Lemon Run to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

This isn't a book-related event per se, but it is a great event for a very worthy cause. (You could always bring a book to read before or after ... ) Consider supporting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation at this Nov. 11 Philly event. You don't even have to be a runner (there's a 5K Walk as well). Below is a press release I received from the foundation.

The Lemon Run Philadelphia, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Dash, Returns for 4^th Annual Event, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012

Wynnewood, PA  – Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the Foundation’s 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash, The Lemon Run Philadelphia, presented by Volvo, on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 8:30am. The event, in its fourth year, will once again return to Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park to bring athletes of all calibers together to support the battle against childhood cancer. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to receive the reduced rate of $30 per person and $15 per child (ages 10 and under), but can also register on the day of the event.  

Running enthusiasts and all supporters of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation are invited to participate or attend the event. In addition to the 3.1 mile course, which participants can run or walk, The Lemon Run is a family friendly event, which includes a kids’ dash and includes the participation of several childhood cancer heroes and their families. Winners in each age group will be recognized as part of an awards ceremony at the end of the race along with top fundraising teams.

A family participates in last year's event
(Photo courtesy of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation)

As in previous years, participants are encouraged to form a team, bringing together friends and family members to challenge themselves to both the athletic feat and raising additional funds toward curing kids’ cancer. Several teams honoring hero families are among the early registrants including Team Smiley Riley, honoring childhood cancer survivor Riley McComb; Team Dave-O, honoring the memory of David Theobald who succumbed to childhood cancer in 1982 at the age of 8; and Austin’s  Avengers, honoring the memory of Austin Burke who passed away after his battle with medulloblastoma in 2012.

“The Lemon Run has truly become one of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s signature events,” said Jay Scott, father of Foundation creator Alexandra “Alex” Scott. “This athletic fundraising event brings out runners, walkers and supporters of the battle against childhood cancer. The morning of the Lemon Run has proven to be one of my favorites as the entire childhood cancer community comes to run for a cure, some even donning lemon costumes.” 

The day’s festivities will also include various forms of entertainment, music and guest speakers. Awards will be given to the fastest male and female runners in the following categories:  kids’ dash-10 years and under, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50+. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the top individual and team fundraisers. 

Check in the day of the event begins at 7am; the kids’ dash will start at 8am. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8:30am. For more information on the event, to volunteer, register or become a sponsor, visit TheLemonRun.org. Questions may be directed to Addie Spector at (866) 333-1213 or Addie@AlexsLemonade.org.

The start of last year's run. (Photo courtesy
of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation)

In addition to The Lemon Run Philadelphia, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation added to its repertoire of athletic events earlier this year with its first bicycle tour, The Lemon Ride, in July of 2012. The event is slated to return in the summer of 2013. For more information, visit TheLemonRide.org. Additionally, the Foundation’s national athletic program, Team Lemon, continues to thrive with athletes across the country participating in endurance events on behalf of the Foundation. Each race Team Lemon participants run, walk, bike or swim raises funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To learn more about the program and access to sold out races, visit TeamLemon.org.

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $55 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 250 research projects nationally.