PEABODY — The Progeria Research Foundation’s (PRF) groovy 21st Annual International Race for Research will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The race serves as a kickoff for the city’s annual International Festival, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 11 in downtown Peabody.
The race begins at Leather City Common, 53 Lowell St. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. While the traditional race is a 5K, other options include a 2-mile fun run/walk. A virtual race option is also available for those unable to attend in person.
Registration fees are $35 for the 5K race, 2-mile walk/run and virtual and $25 for youth ages 3-18 runners and walkers.
“The Race for Research is the longest-running, largest and most family-friendly race in the city,” said PRF President and Executive Director Audrey Gordon. “We’re so delighted to continue our longstanding tradition of hosting PRF’s signature road race with our wonderful Peabody community.”
Among the race participants are PRF co-founders Drs. Leslie Gordon and Scott Bernes. They will be joined by two special guests from the Progeria community — Carlos and Meg.
Sponsored by PRF and its long-time partner, North Shore Bank, the event also features a dog-watering station, music and food. Gordon said this year’s “groovy” race will have a 60s/70s theme complete with tie-dye T-shirts and surprises.
All race proceeds will be donated to PRF, whose research efforts resulted in the approval of lonafarnib (a drug produced by Eiger BioPharmaceuticals Inc. under the brand name Zokinvy), the first-ever treatment for Progeria, a rare and fatal disease affecting children. The drug, which was approved in November 2020 by the Food and Drug Administration, allows children with the disease to obtain the drug via prescription. Prior to approval, the drug was only available to participants in clinical trials. The drug was originally thought to add 2.5 years to life expectancy, but is now believed to add up to 4.3 years. Without treatment, the average life expectancy of children suffering from Progeria is only 14.5 years.
“After the European equivalent of the FDA approved the drug we knew that the numbers would be reevaluated and that data showed that these children are living much longer than we first thought,” Gordon said. “We are at the point now where things that were very, very rare are now much more common, things like going to college and reaching young adult age. We have a 26-year-old in Italy and we have two women now attending college. A few years ago these things just weren’t possible.”
Fresh off the heels of a successful ONEPossible fundraising campaign that raised more than $120,000, Gordon said the next big event for PRF is the 11th International Scientific Workshop — RACE Progeria to the Cure, which will be held from Nov. 2-4 in Cambridge.
“There’s nothing like being in person. As a layperson it is so exciting to feel the brains of these scientists working and collaborating together with these families and children,” said Gordon. “For the scientists in a lab to be able to see the people you are helping to save is so very powerful and wonderful because every second matters.”
To register for the Race for Research, make a donation, or to obtain more information about PRF or the race, go to www.prfroadrace.org or call 978-535-2594.
“We are proud to once again be a part of this great event which raises funding and awareness for an incredible cause,” said North Shore Bank CEO Kevin Tierney. “The passion and determination of PRF to find a cure for this fatal disease is inspirational. Thank you to all of the ardent supporters who have registered to come out to run and walk for this special organization.”
“This is a real community event for families and we welcome people to come and enjoy the day with us,” said Gordon, adding that PRF will be selling slush the following day at the festival. “We always sell out, but are just super, super excited to be back.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
