PEABODY, Mass., April 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lyon-Waugh family of New Hampshire and Massachusetts auto dealers is proud to announce that it will be a Gold Sponsor of The Katie Lynch Purple Shoes Challenge and Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon & 5k for the third consecutive year. A team of 25 Lyon-Waugh employees and their friends will also be running in the event, which begins at 7:30 a.m. on May 15, 2011, at Newton South High School.
The annual event, now in its third year, raises funds for the Katie Lynch Foundation, which donates money to healthcare, education and community recreation organizations that provide opportunities for the disabled community, and was inspired by one of the most significant moments in Lynch’s life.
Born with a rare form of dwarfism that left her just 28-inches tall and largely confined to a wheelchair, Lynch made headlines at the age of 26 when she completed her own 26.2-foot walking marathon at the starting line of the 2001 Boston Marathon. Throughout her life, Lynch proved that her disability was no obstacle to success, graduating with honors from Regis College, working as a patient advocate at Boston Children’s Hospital and delivering motivational speeches that underscored the importance of providing opportunities to the disabled.
“I was fortunate to know Katie and her family, and it’s an honor to be able to help the Katie Lynch Foundation continue to champion the causes that were so important to her,” said Warren Waugh, co-founder of the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, which includes MINI of Peabody, BMW of Peabody, Acura of Peabody, Land Rover Peabody, Audi of Nashua and Porsche of Nashua.”Katie’s goal was a world where all people shared in equal opportunities to find happiness and success, and that’s a goal that we strive to meet every day at our dealerships.”
The Katie Lynch Purple Shoes Challenge is a unique component of the event that gives disabled individuals the chance to participate in the fundraiser according to their ability. Named for the purple shoes that Lynch wore when she completed her own Boston Marathon challenge, the event includes runs ranging from 13.1 feet to 1.31 miles.
Registration for the Purple Shoes Challenge will be open until April 15, 2011. A registration form, as well as complete details about the event and the Katie Lynch Foundation, can be found at www.purpleshoeschallenge.com. The 5k is limited to 200 participants, while the Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon will be limited to the first 750 runners who register. Those interested in running can register online at www.finishlineregistration.com/register.php?id=312.
“Every year, this event provides an opportunity for people of all abilities to come together, enjoy a physical challenge and support disabled individuals in their communities,” Waugh said. “It speaks directly to Katie’s vision of a world where everyone, regardless of any obstacle, is free to strive to achieve their goals and overcome whatever challenges they face.”
About Lyon-Waugh Auto Group
Founded in 1993 by Bud Lyon and Warren Waugh, the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group began with an ambition to create the most unique BMW dealership on the North Shore. Since then, it has grown to include Audi, Land Rover, Porsche, Acura and MINI dealerships in Peabody, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire that are recognized as leaders in the automotive sales industry. Combining state-of-the-art showrooms, experienced and courteous sales professionals and expert service technicians, the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group elevates the automotive experience for its customers.
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