CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research Down Syndrome (RDS), a nonprofit foundation that is among the leading sources for funding of Down syndrome related cognitive research, is opening its 2013 running program, Race for the Extraordinary, at Disney Marathon Weekend, January 10-13. RDS Runners will be competing in the full and half marathon events at Disney World. Since 2011, RDS Runners have helped raise national awareness of Down syndrome research and significantly increased public financial backing of scientific studies aimed at the development of safe and effective therapies to address intellectual disabilities associated with Down syndrome.
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In 2013, RDS Runners continues its participation in such major events as the New York City (runners are now registering for the March 17 NYC Half marathon), Chicago and San Francisco marathons, and has entered into charity partnerships with over thirty events across the country. "We are grateful for the enthusiastic support we received in events during 2012," states Dr. Robert Schoen, RDS President, "Parents, siblings, other family members, friends and supporters tell us they are excited to combine their interest in an active lifestyle with a commitment to support research that could lead to drug therapies that can enhance life opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome." The current listing of RDS Runners' events can be found at http://researchds.org/index.php/rds-runners.
Highlights in 2013 include partnerships with both the United States Marine Corp and Air Force marathons, and RDS Runner Siobhan Pritchard's participation in the grueling Leadville Trail 100 mile run in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. In addition to long distance running, RDS Runners is expanding its program to engage in shorter "fun run" events, in response to requests from local Down syndrome parent associations wishing to add research support to their advocacy.
RDS Runners are provided training tips, performance running shirts and invitations to pre- or post race parties. This year, RDS Runners expects to assist in organizing running clubs in locales across the country, allowing club members to train together, share running tips and combine their running interests in support of Down syndrome research.
About Research Down Syndrome
Research Down Syndrome (RDS) is among the leading sources of private funding for Down syndrome related cognitive research. RDS supports and funds Down syndrome cognitive research conducted at leading research institutions that are studying the basis of the intellectual impairments associated with Down syndrome, including Alzheimer's disease. Research Down Syndrome is a legal corporate entity, and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization designated by the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, go to www.researchds.org, or contact RDS: info@researchds.org or 847.710.2251.
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