McNeal/MS run set for July 25th

Published 8:29 am Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Atmore citizens can literally put their feet down to help stomp out multiple sclerosis (MS) later this month.

The “Don McNeal Community Run/Walk for MS” will be held Saturday, July 25. Registration will begin at 7 a.m., stretch and Zumba classes will start at 7:30 a.m., and the race itself will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Registration will be held the day of the race, and is also available online by visiting www.donmcneal.org. Registration is $25, and those who pre-register can pick up their packets on race day from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, although size availability is first come, first served.

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All participants must sign a liability waiver, and no refunds will be issued for any reason. A parent or guardian must sign if a participant is younger than 18 years old.

The race will begin and end at Pensacola Avenue, near the Atmore Area YMCA. Race results will be posted online at www.donmcneal.org.

The event is named for Don McNeal, an Atmore native who attended high school at Escambia County High School, where he was a standout on the football team. He later played for the University of Alabama, and in the NFL. In 2008, McNeal was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2010 he was inducted into the Atmore Area Hall of Fame.

McNeal was diagnosed with MS several years ago, but continues to fight against the disease. He plans to be in Atmore for the race. All proceeds from the run will benefit McNeal and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system. Some symptoms of MS may include loss of balance, impaired vision and hearing, fatigue, muscle weakness and even paralysis. Even everyday living skills often become increasingly difficult.

For more information on the event, email Lillie McNeal-Sweeting at (305) 235-8544, or send an email to info@donmcneal.org.

The event’s sponsors include The Atmore Advance, Atmore News, MPlant Records, McCullough Christian Center, Hardee’s, Wind Creek Atmore, Mrs. Jean’s Cakes and Catering, Diamond Oil, David and Janet Brantley, David’s Catfish House, Offerdahl’s Café Grill, Baumhauer’s Restaurant, Pepsi-Cola, Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Piggly Wiggly.