Mighty Niagara Half Marathon & Hospice Dash 5K to support Niagara Hospice

Niagara Hospice press release & photo

Lockport-Niagara Hospice will hold its annual Mighty Niagara Half Marathon and Hospice Dash 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 3. The half-marathon starts at Artpark State Park in Lewiston. The 5K starts at Porter on the Lake Town Park. Both races finish at Porter on the Lake Town Park.

Presented by Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, the Mighty Niagara 13.1-mile run is a USATF-certified course offering scenic views of two historic villages, four state parks, the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, Canada and the Toronto skyline. The 3.1-mile Hospice Dash 5K is also USATF-certified and takes runners along Lake Road and through Four Mile Creek State Park. Many participants take part in both events to honor and remember their loved ones, with several choosing to walk the Hospice Dash 5K as a heartfelt tribute.

“The Mighty Niagara Half Marathon & Hospice Dash 5K brings our community together in a meaningful way,” Niagara Hospice Special Events Coordinator Allison Bolt said. “Whether participants are running in memory of someone they love, challenging themselves, or simply enjoying the beautiful Niagara County scenery, they are helping make a difference for patients and families served by Niagara Hospice.”

Trophies, cash prizes, medals and pins are presented to runners for various levels of achievements. The post-race celebration includes food, free beer from Brickyard Brewing Company, and live music by Soul Committee.

Since inception, over 18,000 individuals have participated in these events. Proceeds support the specialized care and services provided by the nonprofit organization.

The run/walk is rain or shine, with the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon starting at 9:15 a.m., and the Hospice Dash 5K starting at 9 a.m. For more information or to register for the races or post-race celebration, visit www.mightyniagarahalfmarathon.com or www.hospicedash.com, or contact Bolt at 716-280-0766 or allison.bolt@niagarahospice.org.

Since 1988, Niagara Hospice has provided expert end-of-life care, symptom management and caregiver relief to Niagara County families facing a terminal illness. Services are available in family homes, nursing homes, hospitals, David’s Path at Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls, Jeanne’s House at Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda, and Hospice House in Lockport. Niagara Hospice is the only Western New York hospice accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. Anyone can make a referral or support the organization at NiagaraHospice.org or by calling 716-439-4417 or 716-HOSPICE.