Race Info

The 3rd Annual Race for CARRA is a benefit for the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance. All proceeds go directly to CARRA to help fund research to find the cause and cure of Arthritis and other Rheumatic Diseases in children.

The Race for CARRA is a non-timed, non-competitive 5k run/walk for the entire family. The route takes you along the Willamette River on the Eastbank Esplanade and around the Oregon Convention Center.

The event begins at 8:30 on Sunday June 8th, 2008. There will be a staggered start. The runners will go first, then the walkers. Participants will enter the pathway in waves in order to reduce congestion on the pathway. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Please no pets, bikes or rollerblades.

2008 Grand Marshall
Isabella (Bella) Loren Smario began her journey with arthritis in July of 2005. Bella was your normal 5 year old girl until she started complaining of sore ankles after an afternoon of playing outside. Within 24 hours the pain had moved throughout both of her legs and within three days she refused to move any part of her body due to pain.

She then spent the next 11 days at Doernbecher’s Children hospital, after multiple tests she was eventually diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). The doctors were able to get her symptoms to a manageable level with multiple medications.

A typical day for Bella begins with her waking up a 6 am to take her medications, then that is followed by a warm shower that loosens her up from the morning stiffness associated with arthritis. She then heads off to first grade at Scholl’s Heights Elementary in Beaverton. After school Bella comes home and attempts to do her homework. However she will typically take a nap because of fatigue and other side affects from the arthritis and her medications. Bella then takes her second round of medications in the evening around 6 pm. She also takes two injections over the weekend.

Like most people with Arthritis, Bella has good days and bad days. You can always tell if Bella is having a good day because she is silly and trying to make people laugh with her crazy sense of humor. Bella has recently become a Brownie and is having a blast making new friends. Like most 6 ½ year olds Bella loves watching Hanna Montana, playing with her dolls, using sidewalk chalk and being around animals. This has been a confusing and difficult time for Bella but she is very strong willed and her personality doesn’t let this hold her down. She is a daily inspiration to her family and friends.

THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

A Pledge Makes a Difference.
Each participant who turns in a pledge sheet on the day of the race (June 8, 2008) with total paid pledges of $25 or more will be entered to win one of two Carnival Cruises donated by Umpqua Bank Mortgage *. One entry per person please.

*See entry blank at the race for complete details.

DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION
(CASH OR CHECK ONLY)

PRE-REGISTRATION FEES
ADULT 5K RUN/WALK $25
CHILD 5K RUN/WALK $12

DAY OF RACE FEES
ADULT 5K RUN/WALK $30
CHILD 5K RUN/WALK $15

T-shirts are included with entry fee. We can only guarantee t-shirts to those that are pre-registered. All entry fees are non-refundable.