¦ April 26, 2011
2ND ANNUAL RACING TO RECOVERY 5K RUN, WALK AND WHEELATHON
A Beautiful Evening to Raise Money for a Great Cause

  The 2nd Annual Racing to Recovery 5K Run, Walk and Wheelathon at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was held on Friday, March 25, 2011. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and All Children's Hospital worked together collaboratively to raise funds for paralysis research and other diseases impacting children.

Vinoy Park was the perfect place for everyone to gather, pre- and post-race.  The sun was gleaming off the bay, the light breeze kept everyone cool, several vendors were in attendance offering refreshing beverages and smoothies and members of the Tampa Bay Lightning were there to show their support for the event.

Sam Schmidt, founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, was paralyzed from the neck down after an IndyCar racing accident.  He understands the daily challenges that those with paralysis face, and encouraged everyone to go out, have fun and finish hard.  Several of his drivers and crew members were in attendance, running the 5K and lending support to Sam and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

As over 800 runners, walkers, wheelers and hand-cyclers of all ages approached the starting line, the smiles and giggles were proof of the enthusiasm awaiting the race.  As the gunshot sounded, hand-cycles and wheelchairs took off with a flurry….and a few minutes later the runners and walkers followed.

“Racing the IndyCar track… there is nothing like it,“ stated one runner.  The race course included the temporary IndyCar race circuit set up along the shoreline of St. Petersburg.  “I felt like I was running in uncharted territory!”

A group from Brooks Rehab in Jacksonville FL travelled four hours to compete in the Run, Walk and Wheelathon, and what a great bunch of guys and gals they were.  SSPF and the City of St. Petersburg arranged for the wheelers to use the sidewalk instead of the cobblestone road, but the folks from Brooks Rehab let it be known that they were athletes and would race on the road…and race they did!  Just another reminder of why SSPF is “Leading the charge to find a cure for paralysis.”

Although racing seemed to be the emphasis this evening, raising money was the main purpose.  The top pledge winner brought in over $750, with second place following at a close $500.  For their hard work in raising pledges, they received tickets to the race and other gifts. 

The top three runners in each group were awarded specially designed, “Racing to Recovery” medals.  All participants received t-shirts and other gifts, and the kids also received a miniature replica of the race car in which Sam won the Las Vegas IndyCar Race in 1999.  To top off the evening, many participants went home with door prizes donated by local businesses.

Major sponsors for the 2nd Annual Racing to Recovery 5K Run, Walk ‘N Wheelathon at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg included: Green-Savoree Racing Promotions, City of St. Petersburg, All Children’s Foundation, Brooks Rehab, BrightHouse, Invacare-Top End, St. Anthony’s Triathlon, Firestone Racing, Road ID, Outback Steakhouse, United Medical Providers and Vinoy Hotel.

It was a wonderful evening… and many were already looking forward to returning in 2012.