Ability Partners Foundation’s 5K race to benefit CP Rochester, Happiness House, Rochester Rehab

ROCHESTER — The Ability Partners Foundation, which includes CP Rochester, Happiness House, and Rochester Rehabilitation, is taking strides for people of all abilities Oct. 14 as the 18th Annual 5K Run for Fun/1M Walk for Wellness returns to CP Rochester.

Zachary Sands, 25, will be this year’s run ambassador. A participant in the CP Rochester Day Habilitation Program and a Special Olympics athlete, Zach is known by family and friends as driven, genuine and kind. He adores his friends at CP Rochester and admires and idolizes his staff, who have become mentors.

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy as an infant and has hemiparesis, a condition that makes one side of his body smaller and weaker. Despite these physical challenges, Zach pushes to participate in as many sporting events as he can. His determination has helped him achieve his goals both at his program and with his participation in Special Olympics.

This year, runners/walkers/strollers will be treated to Halloween activities as well as an agency open house and vendor fair immediately following the run. Participants and volunteers alike are encouraged to come dressed in costume.

The certified race begins and ends at CP Rochester’s main campus at 3399 Winton Road South in Henrietta. This family-friendly event also offers a one-mile walk that takes place in the neighborhood adjacent to the race.

Online registration closes at noon Oct. 12. Runners, walkers, rollers, and strollers can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/5KRunforFun. Walk-ups will be allowed the day of the event, but are asked to come at the start of check-in/registration at 8 a.m.

For a $30 registration fee, runners will be eligible to compete for top prizes as well as receive a race t-shirt and snacks.

Alesco Advisors (gold); Al Sigl Community of Agencies, Benefits Management Inc., Burke Group LLC, Colonial Fire Protection Systems Inc., and Wegmans (bronze); AP Plumbing (patron); and Saul & Abigail Rasnick (friend) are this year’s sponsors.