What is the "Rosstoberfest© Run?"
On October 3, 2009, the second annual Rosstoberfest Run, a 5K Run; and Kids for Ross, a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, took place once again in beautiful College Hill. This event is part of the “Run For Our Sons” program to benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. PPMD is a non-profit organization dedicated to expedite viable treatments and a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
College Hill is a charming host to the race and the course, designed by Run Wichita's Clark Ensz, is appreciated by both novice and veteran runners alike. We consider 2008, and 2009 overwhelming success stories, as we were pleasantly surprised by the turnout of over 540, and over 600 participants respectively. The weather has been amazing and the shirts just keep getting better!!! So please join us the first weekend in October 2010 for what we expect to be an even bigger turnout than the last two years!!! Pictures will be posted soon on the Gallery page and a race results link will also be available. Check back in.
Advance entry fees are $22 ($25 online and race day) for the 5K and $12 ($15 online and race day) for the 1-mile event. Registration begins September 1 at First Gear (111 N Mosley) or online by clicking here. If you have any questions feel free to contact us: Information Request Form.
This year’s event sponsors include: Great Plains Imaging, Watermark Books, Citizens Bank of Kansas, West Wichita Family Physicians, P.A., First Gear, Bicycle Exchange, Wichita Clinic, Entercom, Health Matters Magazine, and Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman and Zuercher.
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness that begin with microscopic changes in the muscle. As muscles degenerate over time, the person’s muscle strength declines.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was first described by the French neurologist Guillaume Benjamin Amand Duchenne in the 1860s. In DMD, boys begin to show signs of muscle weakness as early as age 3. The disease gradually weakens the skeletal, or voluntary, muscles, those in the arms, legs and trunk. By the early teens or even earlier, the boy’s heart and respiratory muscles also may be affected. DMD is the most lethal form of Muscular Dystrophy.
Until the 1980s, little was known about the cause of any kind of muscular dystrophy. In 1986, MDA-supported researchers identified the gene that, when flawed — a problem known as a mutation — causes DMD. In 1987, the protein associated with this gene was identified and named dystrophin. DMD occurs when a particular gene on the X chromosome fails to make the protein dystrophin. Learn More
How is "Rosstoberfest" affiliated with the BS Oktoberfest?
Ross McFarland was born in 1995 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His mom Beverly and dad Robert, both avid runners, decided in January of 2008 to put together this run to honor Ross and to raise funds for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
The run course will finish at the Blessed Sacrament parish "Oktoberfest" event. The BS Oktoberfest is a great family-centric event which serves a variety of German food and drink. In addition to the delicious fare, activities include live music and games for the kids. Last year over 1,500 people attended this event. Our hope is to begin a great neighborhood tradition with citywide appeal.
Bringing DMD to the Mainstream... DGW!
The most decorated film of 2008 Darius Goes West (DGW) has elicited bellowing laughs and jubilant tears in audiences of all ages worldwide. It has inspired a nationwide grassroots movement to raise money for, and awareness of, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and has motivated a new generation of children and young adults to promote diversity and equality, and "pay it forward" to help others.
Darius and his crew are back on the road again. After first traveling the country with the goal of having Darius' wheelchair customized on MTV's Pimp My Ride, they have launched a new initiative to sell one million DVDs in one year. The year-end date is Darius's birthday, Sept. 27, 2009. Every DVD raises $17 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, as well as awareness wherever it is screened.
To reach the million DVD mark they need your support.
Watch a video. Read a blog post. Buy a video�or two or three! When you make a purchase (of $250 or more), DGW will send you an official thank-you letter that you can use for tax filing purposes. Learn More