The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk starts at 8:30 AM on July 17, 2026, in Silver Creek, New York, giving traveling athletes a reasonable window for arrival. The event, held at 19 Park Place, offers four distance options to suit different fitness levels: a 1K walk or run, a 5K, an 8K, and a 13K. Entry fees range from free to $35, making it accessible for various budgets. If you can't make it to Silver Creek in person, the race also provides a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete your chosen distance remotely. Whether you're looking for a competitive effort or a casual outing, this race accommodates both runners and walkers across multiple distances.
From the Race Organizer
The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk - Celebrating people with Down syndrome & other developmental disabilities! The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place the third weekend in July each year. This two-day event offers several ways to participate: Friday, July 17 - Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run (free, but participants are encouraged to raise donations) Saturday, July 18 (Silver Creek, NY) - 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Fun Walk, Children's Runs, Laurel's Legacy Lap Day One consists of a 31-mile relay run, as well as "The Laurel-thon" for people who want to cover the entire relay route themselves. Day Two features an 8K Run, 5K Run, 5K Disability Awareness Walk, 1K Awareness Walk, and Children's Runs in Silver Creek, NY. We also offer paid and free virtual options for those unable to join us for the in-person events. Proceeds from the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk go to Filling the Gap, Inc. , to support services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities at The Resource Center . Money raised through Laurel Run are directed to two funds: The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities, plus advocacy & awareness initiatives. The Resource Center Dr. John Vona Smile Fund supports the delivery of dental services to people with disabilities. Click here to make a donation to support people with disabilities through the Laurel Run Fund or the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. LAUREL MEMORIAL RUN/WALK EVENT DETAILS FRIDAY, JULY 17 The first day is the traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk Laurel Memorial Relay Run . We will gather at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown, at 8:00 a.m. for the kickoff ceremony. At 8:30, representatives from The Resource Center, area schools and other organizations will take turns running legs of the relay. The relay run will end at The Resource Center's location at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk. Relay runners will receive a Laurel Run/Walk T-shirt, so all relay participants are encouraged to register online so they can sign the waiver and we can get their correct shirt size. 8:00 a.m. - Opening ceremonies at The Resource Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701 8:30 a.m. - Laurel Memorial Relay Run begins 9:00 a.m. - Jamestown version of Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability), McCrea Point Park, Jones & Gifford Avenue, Jamestown 12:30-2:00 - Victory celebration at The Resource Center, 186 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY, 14048 1:15 - Last set of relay runners arrives SATURDAY, JULY 18 - Silver Creek, NY Events will take place in the village square. Parking is available in the Rite Aid lot across the street, but please do not park directly in front of the store so those parking spaces can remain available for Rite Aid customers. 7:00 a.m. - Participant check-in and late registration begin; Basket Raffle opens 8:30 a.m. - 5K Run, 5K Walk and 1K Walk begin (5K course will have two water stations) 9:00 a.m. - 8K Run begins (8K Run will have four water stations) 10:00 a.m. - Children's Fun Runs (ages 7 and younger) 10:15 a.m. - Laurel's Legacy Lap (for anyone with a disability) 10:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony and Basket Raffle winners announced Everyone who pays the registration fee will receive a Laurel Memorial Run/Walk shirt and a commemorative medal. (TIP - When registering online, there is a processing fee per registration transaction. So, you can save money by registering several people at one time, rather than registering individually.) People are encouraged to create a personal fund-raising page to collect donations from family and friends. If you do that and you raise $50 or more, we will waive the registration fee and you will receive your shirt and medal for free. PRIZES For the 8K Run, cash prizes ($100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third) will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. For the 8K Run and 5K Run/Walk, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities We also will have team awards for both the 8K & 5K. Team times will be based on the combined times of each team's first four finishers. VIRTUAL EVENTS If you can't make it to the actual Laurel Run/Walk events, you can sign up to do a virtual run, walk or other activity. This is a great way to be with us in spirit and show your support for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. REGISTRATION DEADLINES Registration for the 8K Run, 5K Walk, 1K Walk, and Paid Virtual event is $25 for adults and $20 for children (age 17 and younger). For those who want to tackle both the 5K Run and the 8K Run, registration is $35 for adults and $30 for children 17 and younger. Online registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. You can register in per
