2011 Race for Research Summary

Torrey Pines Institute’s 2nd Annual Race for Research Raises Funds for Disease Research

Port St. Lucie, FL – March 25, 2011 – Torrey Pines Institute’s 2nd annual Race for Research Half Marathon and 5K was held on March 19th to the delight of the runners under a setting full moon and beautiful Florida sunrise. Over 600 runners and participants, some travelling from distant areas like New York, California, Texas, Massachusetts and even Canada, took part in one of the most awarded new races on the Treasure Coast. The 1st Annual Race for Research won “Best New Local Race” in Scripps Newspapers’ TCPalm.com Running Blog in 2010.

Marc Giulianotti, Director of Chemistry Operations, prepared the half marathon route of 13.1 miles and 5K route of 3.1 miles around the area of Tradition in western Port St. Lucie. The half marathon route began at Torrey Pines Institute’s headquarters and stretched its way up through Tradition to St. Lucie West and back to Torrey Pines Institute. The 5K route began just north of Torrey Pines Institute’s headquarters, traveling west and eventually through the heart of Town Center in Tradition and winding back to the Institute.

Dr. Richard A. Houghten, Founder, President and CEO of Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, proposed a challenge to the 5K race participants: each participant that beat his time in the 5K race would result in a donation of $50 of his own money to the Institute’s research programs. The challenge inspired 56 participants to run faster than Dr. Houghten. As a result, Dr. Houghten donated $2,800, $600 more than last year, of his own money to research at the Institute!

Race proceeds totaled over $30,000 this year, an increase of more than $9,000 from the previous year. The proceeds raised by the race will be applied to Torrey Pines Institute’s groundbreaking research programs for Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pain management and vision.

Crossing the finish line earned warm congratulations from friends and families, volunteers and fellow runners alike. But there were two unique runners worth noting in this year’s race. At 82 years young, Angela Fish outran over half the field in the 5K race - running an impressive 31:31. Bob Shaw, 80 years young, finished the Half Marathon at 2:12:30.

Torrey Pines Institute would like to thank the community volunteers and sponsors for another successful event, including MannKind Corporation, Seacoast National Bank, Martin Memorial Health Systems, Florida Institute of OMS, Homewood Suites by Hilton, TownPark at Tradition, Physicians Immediate Care, EMD Millpore, the Law Office of Barry Segal, P.A., Sunrunners Running Club, and RoadID.

The 3rd annual Race for Research is scheduled for March 24, 2012.

Race Results:

5k Champions: