NORTH CONWAY, NH - Memorial Hospital invites local school-aged children to take part in the 4th Annual Fun Run at Story Land, taking place Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, with check in beginning at 8am. This Fun Run is the kick off to a school-year long initiative to bring the "Let's Go" health and wellness education and activities to students throughout Mt. Washington Valley, funded by the proceeds of the 2016 Memorial Hospital Open Golf Tournament. While the race is open to all, local children will receive free admission to the race courtesy of the North Conway-based hospital.

The event is geared to children ages 12 and younger. Those who are residents the local SAU 9, 13, 20, 3 and MSAD 72 school districts in New Hampshire and Maine will receive free admission courtesy of Memorial Hospital. Proof of residency is required. Children from beyond the area are welcome to participate for only $10. Runners will receive free admission to the popular theme park, as well as a race tee shirt, medals and other special gifts for taking part in a running race throughout Story Land. "Once again, we are so grateful to Story Land and their GM Eric Dziedzic and assistant GM Jack Mahany for generously donating Story Land as the host site for this event," stated Memorial Vice President of Community Relations, Kathy Bennett. "They are big supporters of this population health initiative and Believe in Books Literacy Foundation. We couldn't do it without their support."

Net proceeds from the event will support the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation. The mission of the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation is to advance healthy development of young minds through literacy programs that encourage early reading, imagination, and physical activity. The Literacy Foundation is a Charitable 501(c)(3) Non-Profit guided by the needs and involvement of the communities of which it serves.

The course takes runners throughout the popular Glen Story Land theme park, with different lengths set for each grade/age group, ranging from a short loop for ages 4 and under, up to 1k for ages 9-12.

Check-in takes place in the rear of the north parking lot at Story Land; that location is also the start and finish for the race. Every child who finishes the course will receive a commemorative medal marking the event. Children who participate in the race will receive a special edition tee-shirt and water bottle; and free admission to Story Land for the day of the event.

All runners must pre-register for the event. Registration is available online at http://believeinbooks.org/kids-fun-run-at-story-land.html. You can also visit Memorial Hospital's Facebook page and website to find this link to register.

The Fun Run is part of Memorial Hospital's Let's Go childhood wellness initiative. This year's activities will be expanded to include additional schools and more students at other community sites, such as pre-schools and day-care centers to help them work towards receiving official "Let's Go" program certification. Let's Go is an evidence based program that works to reduce childhood obesity through better nutrition, more exercise and less screen time.

For more information, go to the events listing on www.memorialhospitalnh.org or visit believeinbooks.org.


Posted 5/31/16