RaceMob

Run with Ronnie

Saturday September 23rd, 2023

Montgomery, AL

Official Website

Description

Event


Join us on September 23,2023 at Saint James Church for a 5k or 1 Mile Fun Run to Support Ronnie Shaw in his fight against ALS. All proceeds go to supporting Ronnie, his family, and finding a cure to ALS. 5k starts @  7:30am and the 1 Mile Fun Run will follow. More Event Details Below.


Ronnie's Story


A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR DAD:


 


Born and raised in Eclectic, Alabama, Ronnie is the youngest of three children. They didn’t have much growing up but what they did have was a love for the Lord. This would really come in handy later in life. He started playing the piano and singing at a very early age and was the proverbial “class clown” in school. Lucky for those who know him, this has not changed. He was born to entertain, whether it’s playing the piano and singing with the “Yard Dogs,” or simply making people laugh. He attended Troy University for three semesters where at least 100 people would gather at the fraternity house to hear the Elton John of their generation. He met and married our wonderful mother, Sandy, at age 21, who ultimately opened the door to the insurance industry for him. He would eventually open his own agency in 1999 and has achieved countless awards (and still counting) throughout his career. They now have two kids and six grandkids who keep them quite busy.


His love for the Lord and his family is unparalleled, and it is no secret that he is quite literally the best person we know. He stores gift cards in his car should he stumble upon someone in need. When we send him a story of someone who is going through a difficult time, he immediately asks for their go fund me page.


THE DIAGNOSIS: 


 


In June 2021 he noticed he was having difficulty with his speech. Initially, this was happening on and off but over time it steadily got worse. After seeing his local neurologist, and ruling out about a dozen potential causes, they decided the best next step would be to see an ALS specialist in Birmingham. A few months later, they would travel to UAB to do just that. In November 2021, he was told he had “possible ALS.” He was still running 6 miles, 4 days a week.


They later decided to visit Emory to get a second opinion. On April 12, 2022, it was confirmed. Our dad has ALS. This day, and his diagnosis, would ultimately change the trajectory of our lives.


Moments after the doctor confirmed that it is, in fact, ALS, he was asked if he would be willing to participate in any clinical trials in hopes of one day finding a cure. Without skipping a beat, he said, “If I’m going down then I want to help someone in the process.” That is who our dad is.


ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles. This leaves them unable to walk, talk, and eventually breathe. It is one of the most devastating diseases a person can have. He is losing his ability to talk, and eating is becoming more and more difficult. The guy who was once playing the piano and singing Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man’ at a fraternity house, is now unable to sing at all. But he is not going down without a fight. If you can believe it, he is still running 3-4 miles, 4 days a week.


His cousin, Mark Shaw, decided to combine two of Ronnie’s passions in life – running and fellowship with people. So, on September 23rd we will all come together and Run with Ronnie. We can’t think of a better way to honor our dad and raise money to end this terrible disease.


So…. will you Run with Ronnie?


 


COURSE


The course will wind around and near Saint James Church on Vaughn Road in Montgomery.


TSHIRTS


T-shirts are guaranteed to all registrations received. Please note, all virtual runners who have registered AFTER 11:59pm on Monday, 9/11 WILL NOT receive their shirt in time for race day. 


PARKING


Ample parking is available in the Saint James Church parking lot.


WEATHER


The race will happen rain or shine. Be prepared to run in any weather. Only in the cases of extreme weather will changes to the race schedule occur. Please check the Run With Ronnie website (https://runwithronnie.com/) or on RWR social media on race morning for real-time updates on the status of the race if there is severe weather.


REGISTRATION


You can register online until 9/22. On site registration will also be available.


REFUNDS


No refunds or transfers from person-to-person. While we understand schedules change and things come up, we have a strict no-refund and transfer policy. Race Management reserves the right to cancel or modify the event due to extreme conditions such as weather. Registration fees are not refundable in the event of the race cancellation due to “Acts of God" or things outside of the control of the Race Director.  


DOGS/STROLLERS


Dogs and strollers are allowed on the course and at the Start/Finish line. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. 


FIRST AID


In case of an emergency, please immediately notify one of our volunteers or a police officer.


RESTROOMS


Restrooms are available inside at Saint James Church.


SPONSORS


THANK YOU to our great event sponsors! If you are interested in being a sponsor, we have many sponsorship packages that will meet your needs. This race is not possible without the support of our sponsors so please support them year-round!


PROCEEDS


Proceeds from the race benefit Ronnie, his family, and finding a cure to ALS. All donations are processed by Forty Missions, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, at no cost to the Shaw Family.


VOLUNTEER


Interested in getting involved? We cannot pull this off without many helping hands, so please consider volunteering your time, skills, and/or resources. Please click the Volunteer menu button at the top of this page. We'd love to hear from you.


CONTACT


Questions or comments? Please visit https://runwithronnie.com/contact-us/ 

Race Distances

Price Register
Virtual 5k Click to Find Out Register »
5k Fun Run Click to Find Out Register »
1 Mile Run Click to Find Out Register »
1 Mile Run Click to Find Out Register »
5k Fun Run Click to Find Out Register »
Virtual 5k Click to Find Out Register »

Places to Stay

Get Directions

Start Location

9045 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL

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