A Race Well Run

by Jean Scott

The First Annual Adam Downen Race for Responsibility was held on Sunday, April 8 on the UT campus. The turnout exceeded all expectations — 600 people ran or walked in the 5K course!

The race was in memory of Adam Downen (see RID newsletter, Fall 2000) who was killed in a car crash in May 2000. He was a passenger in a car driven by a drunk driver. Adam, who was 18 years old when he died, had been a runner since age four, so a walk/race was chosen to be a celebration for the youth of the community in his memory.

All teen participants were asked to pledge that they would not drink and drive or ride in a car driven by anyone who had been drinking or using drugs. Adult participants promised to be proactive in preventing underage drinking. Everyone signed the huge billboard titled “We Made the Promise” which was later displayed in West Knoxville for all driving by to see. All profits from the race went to MADD's Youth In Action program and to the Youth Group at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Adam was an active member.

RID was represented as well — Mark Scarbrough was there to hand out information and answer questions at the official RID booth. Copies of the RID Fall 2000 newsletter containing the article about Adam and the teenage drinking problem were available to all as well.

It was a perfect day! The weather was gorgeous, there was food and music at the finish line, and everyone had a terrific time. It was exactly the kind of day that Adam loved, and all agreed that he was there in spirit.