Local walks benefit charities

STAFFORD — The Fredericksburg region is quickly becoming an exerciser’s paradise as multiple runs and walks are planned to benefit local charities.

A 5K walk and run scheduled in Spotsylvania aims to celebrate the life of a high school student who was tragically murdered less than three years ago. The third-annual Baron “Deuce” P. Braswell II Run Against Teen Violence will be held Sept. 27 at Courtland High School.

Braswell, 16, was a senior at Courtland High School and was killed in January 2006 while attending a party at a Spotsylvania motel. A 17-year-old was later charged with his death. The run/walk is designed to honor Braswell’s memory and promote positive change in the community.

To participate in the run/walk organizers suggest submitting entrant applications and dues prior to Sept. 14. The cost to participate is $15 per student 18 and under, and $17 per adult. There will be a one-mile fun run for ages 14 and under; the cost to participate in that run is $10. Prices to participate will rise after Sept.14.

The money raised from the event will go to help college-bound seniors in the region who have excelled both academically and physically in high school.

Another local event, the Light the Night Walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, will take place Oct. 4 at Hurkamp Park in Fredericksburg.
Tomas Nichols, 3, of Stafford, was diagnosed with Leukemia one year ago. Doctors have been treating his condition at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Money raised at the event will go to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s research efforts. The Nichols family is asking for donations or those interested in signing up to contact them through their Web site.

And finally, an event set to take place at Six Flags amusement park aims to provide awareness of many childhood cancers. Cure Kids for Cancer, in conjunction with the theme park, will host “A Walk in the Park” this Saturday in Bowie, Md.

More than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to a statement released from the theme park. The walk is designed to raise money to find a cure for children with cancer.

The park said walkers could earn a free or discounted admission ticket to the park by participating and raising money for the walk.

Walks around the region

Six Flags “Walk in the Park”

When: Saturday, Sept. 6
Fundraising begins at 7 a.m., walk begins at 8 a.m.

Where: Six Flags America, Bowie, Md.
Information: walkintheparks.org

Baron “Deuce” P. Braswell Run Against Teen Violence

When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Walk begins at 8 a.m., run begins at 9 a.m.

Where: Courtland High School, Spotsylvania, Va.
Information: runfarc.com

Light the Night Leukemia and Lymphoma walk

When: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Food and refreshments to be served at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Hurkamp Park, Fredericksburg, Va.
Information: lightthenight.org or
caringbridge.org/visit/tomasnichols