The 17^th annual Laurel Run celebrates the achievements of people with disabilities while at the same time driving home the message that people with disabilities can accomplish great things if given the opportunity.

Laurel Run was started in 1997 when Silver Creek resident Wayne Hotelling jogged and cycled more than 400 miles across New York State in honor of his oldest daughter, who has Down syndrome.  In 1999, relay runners set out from eight different parts of the state, and some six weeks later the eight relay legs came together in Albany for a grand finale. Laurel Run had passed through every county in the state, and more than 20,000 people participated.

Laurel Run is now an annual event that takes place in Chautauqua County, but it has retained the essence of that 1999 state-wide relay.  Each year, relay runners transport a Laurel Run flag from Jamestown to Dunkirk to officially kick off Laurel Run weekend.

The 2013 Laurel Run relay is being sponsored by Premier Consulting Associates. Proceeds from Laurel Run go to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

For more information or to register for Laurel Run, call 661-4735 or visit www.laurel-run.com.