Encinitas Walk/Run
5/17/08

The following was sent by Sarah Givens. Her daughter Ellyse has Celiac Disease and she is active in the local ROCK Group.
" I had an idea that I shared with the ROCK families and I wanted to share with you as well:

Team Gluten Free http://www.teamglutenfree.org/index.html  is a project of the Celiac Disease Foundation. It is a training program for runners and walkers who participate in races across the United States to raise awareness and funds for Celiac Disease. The money we raise goes directly to research and awareness programs and camp scholarships for Celiac children.

Any of us can run or walk in a race and participate in this program. You can choose to raise money or simply register for the event and with Team Gluten Free and create awareness for our cause.

There is a great event coming up in Encinitas that my family is going to participate in and I thought it would be great to have some other ROCKers and CSA members join us. Imagine all these Celiacs running and walking in a 5K or 1K with bright green shirts on.  No doubt we would be having people ask about Team Gluten Free and Celiac Disease!

The event is the City of Encinitas Moonlight Beach 5K and 1K on Saturday May 17th http://www.kathyloperevents.com/coe5k/. Anyone can participate.   The 5K is 3 miles and the 1K is just over 1/2 mile. You can run or walk either race. You can also recruit any other friends and family to participate with us.

If you are interested, there are two steps to take:

1. Go to the race website and register for the race http://www.kathyloperevents.com/coe5k/. The 5K is $20 and the 1K is $10.

2. Next, go to the Team Gluten Free website http://www.teamglutenfree.org/index.html and register for Team Gluten Free. The race day t-shirt is $25 (this fee is waived if you meet the fundrasing goal of $500). My priority is more awareness than fundraising, I don't want anyone to feel pressure or shy away from the event because he/she feels the need to raise money. (Awareness is priceless!!)

If you are interested or have any questions, please call or email me. I am willing to coordinate the Team Gluten Free regustration step if that is helpful for the group.

Thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm! I think this would be a great way to get the word out about Celiac Disease!"

Sarah Givens
sgivens1@roadrunner.com
760-635-3515