PEABODY — The Progeria Research Foundation will host its 23rd Annual International Race for Research on Saturday, Sept. 14.
“Progeria is an ultra-rare, fatal, ‘rapid-aging’ condition. Without treatment, children with progeria die of heart disease at an average age of 14.5 years — the same heart disease that affects millions of normal aging adults,” a press release from the foundation reads. “Thanks to the passion and dedication of researchers, volunteers, and supporters of events like the Race for Research, children and young adults with progeria are living an average of 30% longer lives with long-term use of lonafarnib, the only FDA-approved treatment for progeria.”
The race will take place in person at its course in Peabody. Runners can also participate in the virtual option. It includes a 5K road race and a 2-mile walk and participants will receive T-shirts for the event. The race is sponsored by North Shore Bank.
“The race kicks off a community-wide celebration weekend in Peabody, culminating in the city’s renowned International Festival the next day,” a press release from the foundation reads.
PRF will be selling Treadwell’s Ice Cream at the International Festival.
The PRF Annual International Race for Research is the “longest-running, largest, and most family-friendly race” in the city. The theme for this year’s race is “science + love = cure.”
“We’re delighted to continue our longstanding tradition of hosting PRF’s signature road race with our amazing Peabody community — and thank you, as always, to our friends at North Shore Bank for once again being the lead sponsor,” PRF President and Executive Director Audrey Gordon said. “Our expanding community of supporters is helping us move science toward the cure. And it all starts with love! We hope past and new runners and walkers will join us.”
Dr. Leslie Gordon and Dr. Scott Berns will be participating in the event and will be joined by special guests from the progeria community — 14-year-old Carlos, of Massachusetts, and 6-year-old Kahlil, of Guyana.
“North Shore Bank is honored to support the Progeria Research Foundation and to once again be the title sponsor of the International Race for Research,” North Shore Bank CEO Kevin Tierney said. “Our commitment to this cause reflects our dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by progeria and supporting the foundation’s groundbreaking research efforts. Thank you to everyone who has registered to come out to run and walk for this special organization.”
Online registration is available at www.prfroadrace.org or by calling 978-535-2594.
