Murphys, CA…Members of the Bolting Bears Running club will compete in a special one-mile race during the 7th annual Off the Beaten Path on Saturday, April 28 in Murphys Community Park. The money raised by the event will go to support Mind Matters, the Murphys based non-profit clinic that treats autism and other learning disorders.

The six to nine year old runners are coached by Josette Summersett, an avid runner for twenty years who competed in this year’s Boston Marathon. She created the club to share her knowledge with others and build a bigger local running club.

“The kids running club was my first priority,” she says. “The children in our area don’t start cross country until they reach middle school. I thought it would be a great idea to get them introduced to the sport early, so they can carry their skills into future programs. 

“Racing is a very important piece of running, and I wanted to include one race in our eight-week session. Mind Matters is an excellent organization in our community, so it was a no brainer to choose this race. Local, meaningful and community based, I couldn’t think of a better combo.” 

Twenty-four members of the Arnold based club are expected to participate.

Off the Beaten Path is a multi-faceted event that will feature in addition to the Bears special race a 10k run. Open to men and women of all ages, it will take participants down Six Mile Road, past Ironstone Vineyards, and back. Medallions will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.

Participants who would rather walk and chat than run are encouraged to do so. The 5k course will be to Ironstone and back. Families are welcome to bring their tricycles, bicycles, strollers, etc. and join the fun.

“We walk and run in celebration and support of those who have autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD), and learning disabilities and walk off the beaten path,” states event organizer Nancy Tiffany. “Individuals who are different often experience challenges and we honor and support them.”

Check-in time will start at 8 a.m. At 8:45, Dr. Ryan Thompson, Mind Matters founder and Medical Director, and the clinic’s Executive Director Trudy Lackey will welcome everyone. Following a warm-up session the 10k race will begin at 9 a.m. followed immediately by the 5k walk.

David Bowman will be the emcee for the day. The award ceremony will happen at about 10:15 a.m. The event will end at 11 a.m.

The entry fee for adults is $30, $15 for children 7 to 17. Younger girls and boys can take part without charge.

Entry forms are available at the Mind Matters office, 150 Big Trees Rd. Suite D in Murphys. Runners and walkers may register online at the clinic website www.mindmattersclinic.org. or by calling 728-2184. Participants may also register at the event.

Major event sponsors include Broll Foundation, El Dorado Savings, Mark Twain Medical Center, Murphys Hotel, Progressive Landscaping, G’Ma’s Gold, Calaveras and Sonora Lumber.

Mind Matters exists to help individuals and families cope with the consequences of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities. The clinic does this through treatment, counseling, and education. It also strives to promote a better public understanding of these debilitating health issues. Mind Matters is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and donations to help extend its services are always welcome.
####