First Annual Adam Downen Race for Responsibility

Sunday, April 8 -- 3:30 p.m.

Why a race? This race is a celebration for the youth of the community in memory of Adam Downen (see RID newsletter, Fall 2000), who was so full of life and loved so deeply by family and friends, and a runner since the age of four.

The 5K Race and Fun Run is planned for Spring to serve as a reminder to all, as teens are reveling in prom nights and graduation, too make smart life-supporting choices where celebrations are concerned. Adam had attended a graduation party with friends before the car crash that took his life last May. He was a passenger in a car driven by a drunk driver.

Teen participants in the race/walk will be asked to pledge that they will not drink and drive, and will not ride in a car driven by anyone who has been drinking alcohol or using drugs. Adult participants will promise to be proactive in preventing underage drinking.

Sunday, April 8 is the date; 3:30 p.m. is the time; UT Circle Park is the place. To pre-register, call Tina Smith at 692-8724. The pre-registration cost is $12 for ages 20 and under, and $15 for ages 21 and over. On race day, the cost is $18 for all. Parking will not be a problem (it’s Sunday) and is available behind Circle Park and across from the football stadium. For the safety of all participants, no pets, bicycles, headsets, roller skates or strollers are permitted in any event. All who participate will receive a t-shirt.

The 5K course runs through the heart of UT campus (beginning and ending at Circle Park) and is generally flat, with one or two small hills. Everyone making the pledge by signing the “I Made a Promise” billboard will receive a ribbon, and awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each division. Division categories range from age 9 and under (Puddle Jumpers) to age 60+ (Forever Young).

Official sponsors of the race to honor Adam Downen’s memory are MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and YIA (Youth In Action). MADD is program for young people who want to be proactive in their community and state. YIA is an opportunity for youth to really make a difference, not just with their peers, but with the adult power structure.

The many local sponsors include Buddy’s BBQ and Pepsi, who will both offer free post-race refreshments. WIVK will provide entertainment and plans are to have live music after the awards ceremony. Copies of the RID Newsletter, Winter 2000, will be passed out to participants. In addition, RID plans to have a “booth” on site to provide information on its programs.

A lot of hard work has gone into this event, but everyone agrees that if one young adult reflects and takes positive action to prevent a recurrence of the sequence of events that contributed to Adam’s death, then the event will be a success!