Meadowlark Release
The 16th annual Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease is Saturday, Aug. 24, at
Tuttle Creek State Park. The race offers a Half-Mile Memorial Walk/Run, Don Rasmussen 5K, and 10 K
courses. Leading sponsors for the 2024 event include its presenting sponsor, Little Apple Cars, and Finish
Line sponsor, Steel & Pipe Supply. Additional sponsors can be found on the Speedy PD webpage at
www.runspeedypd.org.
Register for the event by visiting www.meadowlark.org. Packet pick-up will be Friday, Aug. 23, at Holiday
Inn at the Campus from 4:30 to 7 p.m. On race day, packet pick up and registration is from 6:30 to 7:30
a.m. at Tuttle Creek State Park. The Half-Mile Memorial Run/Walk will start at 8 a.m., and the 5K/10K
races begin at 8:30 a.m. At 7:45 a.m. the VIPDs (Very Important People with Parkinson’s Disease) will
sing the national anthem.
Funds raised from the event benefit Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, which provides services at no cost
to improve the quality of life in the Flint Hills region for all those affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD),
including persons with PD, caregivers, therapists, nurses, and other providers.
The 5K race is named for former program participant, Don Rasmussen. When Don was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) while living in Houston, his neurologist told him something that could have
broken anyone’s spirit: “Make your bucket list; you have five good years.” But Don wasn’t just anyone. He
and his wife, Bea, moved to Meadowlark shortly after his diagnosis, and instead of retreating, they
jumped headfirst into the PD Program’s services and activities.
Don quickly became a beacon of hope and action, serving as the founding person with PD on the
Leadership Team. His influence helped shape the program, set goals, and create new activities that
continue to benefit so many today. But Don’s passion didn’t stop there. As an avid runner, he was
instrumental in establishing the Speedy PD Race, participating actively in its first 13 years. His creative
teams often took home awards for best costume, largest group, and most donations.
More than just a runner, Don was a mentor and motivator. He took immense pride in educating,
encouraging, and empowering others with PD to live their best lives. His mantra, “Parkinson’s may win
the fight, but I’m going to WIN EVERY ROUND,” became the rallying cry on our VIPD shirts and a
testament to the power of resilience.
Don’s life was living proof that exercise, education, outreach, and empowerment—key principles of our
Program—can translate to a quality life, even in the face of PD. The Don Rasmussen 5K isn’t just a race;
it’s a celebration of Don’s legacy and a reminder that, like him, we can all win every round.
Join us in honoring Don’s memory and the spirit of perseverance by participating in this year’s race.
