5K in Green River, Wyoming raising money for SADS Foundation in Salt Lake City

5K honors runner, leader, friend and father
Keith L. Young Memorial Run/Walk benefits S.L.-based SADS Foundation

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — When Keith Young left home on the morning of May 24, 2008, no one could have guessed he would fall victim to Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) in the middle of a jog. He was 61.
Young, a Utah native, religious leader and lifelong runner, competed for Wasatch High School and Brigham Young University and trained several of his children, as well as other kids in Green River. His life was about serving others and making them happy, whether it was shoveling a neighbor’s walk, stepping in to help with a tough job at work or cooking his famous Dutch oven meals for groups of all sizes.
Keith’s family has formed a foundation to channel their dad’s best qualities into helping fund research into Long QT Syndrome and SADS. The centerpiece of the foundation’s efforts is the annual Keith L. Young Memorial Run/Walk, which takes place this year at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22.
Three of Keith’s eight children have been diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, an arrhythmia of the heart that is associated with syncope and sudden death. Long QT Syndrome has been called a “silent killer” as it can strike at any time. However, with proper diagnosis, it can be a treatable cardiac disorder.
As in Keith’s life, the emphasis of his namesake race is on family, service and the fun of fitness. Though the race is professionally run and cash prizes will be given for men’s and women’s winners, people of any age are welcome to run or walk the course, with medals and ribbons available in a variety of categories.
The 2009 race, the first ever, attracted 389 participants from across the region, with nearly a hundred more on hand to volunteer, staff the event and cheer on the runners and walkers. The Keith L. Young Memorial Foundation was able to donate $6,500 to the Salt Lake-based Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome Foundation.
The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race will take place at Stratton Meyer Park in Green River, Wyo. The course includes a greenbelt along the banks of the Green River, with beautiful scenery and enjoyable running conditions. Race participants will pass a memorial to Keith during the race. For more information, visit www.keithyoungmemorial.com.

Fast facts:
FEE for participants 8 years old and up: $12 if you register by May 21; $20 on race day.
REGISTRATION: Available online at http://www.runnercard.com/e/runner.Main?meet_2328. Also available beginning at 8:30 a.m. on race day and ending at 9:45 a.m. Additional contributions are welcome, with all donations going to the SADS Foundation.
PARTICIPATION: Open to all ages, with prizes given to winners in each age group. Strollers are welcome, but please keep them on the right side of the course.
COURSE facts: The course runs around Stratton Meyer Park, onto the greenbelt and then loops back along the same route. Runners will need to stay right.
AGE GROUPS: Runners will compete in the following age groups in both men’s and women’s 5K run and walk: 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-99.
PRIZES: Overall men’s winner: $250 cash and plaque
Overall women’s winner: $250 cash and plaque
Two other overall winners: $250 cash and plaque
Category winners: Medal and ticket to Bar-J Wranglers dinner and show
in Jackson, Wyo., to first-place finishers in women’s 5K run,women’s 5K walk, men’s 5K run, men’s 5K walk
VOLUNTEERS: Help on race day is welcome. To volunteer, contact David Young at 301-875-1516 or e-mail davey1516@gmail.com.
RUNNER CARD professionally administers the Keith Young Memorial Run/Walk.

OTHER: Many door prizes donated by local merchants and friends, including dinners to local restaurants, tickets to college football games, movie passes, quilts, hair products, fleece jackets, gift certificates, etc.
PHOTOS: The photo attached to this press release is of Keith and Doreen Young. Additional photos, including photos of last year’s race, are available at www.keithyoungmemorial.com.

MORE INFORMATION: www.keithyoungmemorial.com