The Plum Stampede in the Park 5K Race Continues to Help Stamp Out Leukemia

Plum Running Mustangs Alumni Association is hosting the fifth-annual Stampede in the Park race on July 23.

The 5K race and one-mile fun run benefits leukemia research at the Hillman Cancer Center of UPMC. The course winds along Pierson Run Road through Boyce Park and starts and finishes at Boyce Park Ski Lodge.

This popular local event had 400 registrants last year. This year the organization’s goal is to attract 500 registrants and raise $20,000.

The charitable race first was organized by Plum’s varsity track and cross-country head coach, Joe Ionta—or Coach I—who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in spring 2006 and received treatment from the Hillman Center.

Kevin Dowdell, Running Mustangs Alumni Association president said, Ionta turn his personal story into a positive goal.

“The care that Coach I received at the Hillman Center inspired him to start the association and sponsor a 5K race and one-mile fun run to benefit leukemia research," he said.

Dowdell said the race has raised $64,000 for the Hillman Center with the help of many parents and students.

This year’s grand marshal for the event is Plum Running Mustangs alumna, Rachel Twigg. Twigg was diagnosed with osteosarcoma—a type of bone cancer—in 2008.

Dowdell said she was the perfect fit for the role.

“We picked Rachel because she is a strong young woman and an inspiration to those facing cancer treatments,” he said.

Twigg said she is very appreciative and aware of everything that Ionata has been working towards by selflessly organizing the race.

She said coping with cancer isn't easy, but it's possible.

“Try to always have something to look forward to and focus on it. Hospital stints are much more manageable if there is a light at the end of the tunnel," she said. "Never dwell in the unfairness of it all. Be happy to be alive, always.”  

To Register:   

Registration is a minimum $20 donation and is open until July 20. Those interested can Register online at www.active.com, keyword: Stampede in the Park.

Race day registration is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and the race will begin at 8:30.

Trophies will be given to the top three men and top three women in the 5K race. Additionally, the top three finishers in each age group receive awards as well. The top 25 finishers in the one-mile fun run will receive medals.

For more information contact Kevin Dowdell at 412-795-6902 or by email at kevin.dowdell@us.abb.com.