Hundreds Turn Out For Disabled In Shelter Island 5K

November 14, 2004, San Diego, California.

Successful is an understatement. The 2nd Annual Shelter Island 5K Run/ Walk benefiting CHALLENGED AMERICA and people with disabilities saw a record turnout on a picture-perfect San Diego, November 14, 2004, morning. Participants and volunteers came from as far away as Palm Springs and Los Angeles to make up the 720 entrants and approximately 80 volunteers that lined Shelter Island, San Diego, California.

CHALLENGED AMERICA Program Director, Josh Ross, cheers on participants as they make their way down Shelter Island Drive. Photo © Greg Scott, CHALLENGED AMERICA

Bleary-eyed volunteers arrived for a 5 AM wake-up call to set up registration and the finish line areas, in preparation for the runners, walkers, and those in wheelchairs and with service animals participating in the picturesque, waterfront, 3.1 mile (5K) course.

The Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by the Shelter Island Hotel Group, is an annual event, this year to benefit the CHALLENGED AMERICA program -- a free, year-round, recreational rehabilitation adaptive-sailing program for kids and adults with disabilities, their families and loved ones. Runners, walkers, volunteers, and race spectators got a spectacular, morning glimpse of the Shelter Island waterfront community -- the home of CHALLENGED AMERICA.

It was a fun event for all ages and abilities. Race participants included those too young to walk (as they were pushed in strollers) and youth 12 years of age and younger, showing determination in every step to make it to the finish line. Runners speeding through the course, joggers and walkers pacing right behind the race leaders, all attempting to set new personal-best times. Alongside were the blind, walking at a good pace with sighted companions or dog guides. Others in wheelchairs, some with service animals, and those with amputation, and other disabilities and medical conditions making the event a healthy, social affair. Those in their 70s, along with the many family, friends and participating supporters all completing the course with a wink and a smile.

At the finish, runner and walkers, volunteers and supporters all filled the Humphrey's Half Moon Inn -- outdoor
concert venue -- for a gourmet breakfast buffet. Champagne and morning beverages flowed, a wide selection of delectable food abounded, with everyone socializing under a glorious and sunny, 77 degree, Southern California Fall day, on Shelter Island. Prizes and awards were presented, and conversation and laughter rang out through the venue.

After the event, a number of participants and friends toured the CHALLENGED AMERICA facility and viewed the fleet of adaptive sailboats at Shelter Cove Marina, "America's Cup Harbor, on Shelter Island.

CHALLENGED AMERICA thanks all of the Sponsors, Supporters, Runners, Walkers, Friends and Family that helped make this a great event.

Major sponsors at this year's 2nd Annual Shelter Island 5K included: Shelter Island Hotel Group, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, Bali Hai Restaurant, Miguel's Cocina, Shelter Island Veterinary Hospital, Driscoll Boat Works & The Brigantine Seafood Restaurant

See YOU next year.

For additional information on CHALLENGED AMERICA and to support their 2005 Transpac campaign, contact Urban Miyares at CHALLENGED AMERICA, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 110, San Diego, California, 92106, telephone (619) 523-9318, email: Port@ChallenghedAmerica.org, or visit www.ChallengedAmerica.org.