Submitted by Michelle Haub

The 2015 Speedy PD Race for Parkinson's Disease is in the books as the best in it's seven year history. The weekend started with several VIPds (people with Parkinson's disease) displaying their artwork at registration & packet pick-up at the Holiday Inn Campus on Friday evening. Dr. Stanley Fisher, Motor Movement Specialist from St. Luke's Neuroscience in Missouri, was the Key Note Speaker and conducted an interactive presentation on Living Well with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Several vendors were also present and many individuals took part in a delicious Pasta Party.

The weather was cool on Saturday making for perfect running conditions. Approximately 730 participants filled Tuttle Creek State Park to run &/or walk in the 5k, 10k or 1/2 Mile. The runners were able to celebrate their finish courtesy of great vendors. Hunger and thirst were quenched with Eastside & Westside Markets fresh fruit, Paradise Donuts, Panera bagels, Cox Bros BBQ, Budweiser beer, Hiland chocolate milk, Pepsi, Neon Energy Drink while Body First Wellness, Joint Fit & Premier Chiropractic treated the tired bodies. This year the Speedy PD was pleased to have an Official Race Photographer. J & C Imaging had a booth for a professional pictures and then they had a couple of photographers taking great candid shots of the many runners, walkers, and team members.  

VIPds began the races by singing the National Anthem in their loud voices. Throughout the park one could see great team spirit celebrating the lives of those living with PD. Team Rasmussen had a Viking theme which included helmets and a boat. Other great competitors were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Super Heros and even a life-size cut-out of a VIPd. The Most Donations Raised Award again went to Team Rasmussen as they collected more than $11,000! The Most Enthusiast Team was Guy Riggs while the Best Costume Award went to the Parkinson's Punishers. Team Ft. Riley Train won the Fastest Social 5k while Kaw Valley Greenhouse sped off with the Fastest Corporate Team.

The 7th Annual Speedy PD also set record numbers for the total raised from vendors, sponsors, teams and individuals and race entries, over $60,000. Michelle Haub, Parkinson's Program Leader, was overwhelmed with the generosity of the Manhattan community donating time and money to ensure the success of the event and the future of the Parkinson's Program. The monies raised are used to provide exercise, education, outreach and scholarship to those living with PD in the Flint Hills.