Operation Smile @ UD cosponsors annual 5K run

12:25 p.m., July 31, 2003--On Wednesday, Aug. 13, Operation Smile @ UD will cosponsor the eighth annual Miles for Smiles, a 5K run/walk that raises funds for Operation Smile. This year’s event, which will be held on the grounds of the du Pont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, will begin at 5:30 p.m., with family entertainment and a pre-run stretch with Crash the Clown. The event features both a 1K fun run for kids 10 and under and a 5K run/walk for adults and youths over 10.

Prizes will be awarded to overall male and female winners, as well as to the top two finalists in five-year age categories ranging from 13 and under to 70 and over. Awards also will be given to the top three male and female walkers.

Operation Smile is a private, nonprofit volunteer medical services organization that provides reconstructive surgery for economically disadvantaged children and young adults suffering from facial deformities, such as cleft lips and palates. Founded in 1982 by the husband-and-wife team Dr. William and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is based in Norfolk, Va., and serves patients worldwide, concentrating primarily on those in developing nations.

Operation Smile @ University of Delaware is a student association that seeks to raise awareness and funds for the mission of Operation Smile throughout the University community. The student group holds a minimum of one awareness or fundraising event each semester and sends all proceeds to Operation Smile in Norfolk.

To learn more about Operation Smile and Operation Smile @ UD, visit [www.OpSmileUD.org]. For more information about the Aug. 13 annual Miles for Smiles event, or to register for the race, visit [www.races2run.com] or call Marathon Sports Event Management at 654-6400.

Pre-registration through Aug. 11 is $16; day-of-race registration is $20; fun run participants register for free. All registrants are entitled to a free T-shirt and refreshments. The children’s 1K fun run begins at 6:45 p.m.; the 5K run/walk begins at 7 p.m.

Article by Becca Hutchinson

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