Ocean City to host Crohn’s, colitis 5k walk/run Sunday – Press of Atlantic City

Several hundred people are expected to turn out in Ocean City this weekend in support of research and treatment for people with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.

Ocean City will host the Crohns and Colitis Foundations Guts and Glory 5k run and walk Sunday and organizers said they are expecting as many as 1,800 race participants.

Crohns and colitis are digestive diseases impacting more than 1.6 million American adults and children, according to the foundation.

Patients often experience a range of symptoms and flare-ups throughout their lives, including, but not limited to, weight loss, fatigue, internal tearing and bleeding and abdominal cramps.

There is no cure for Crohns disease, but doctors and other specialists are able to treat people in order to manage the condition with medications like corticosteroids, antibiotics and biological therapies.

Advocates and supporters can register for the race online up until 12 p.m. Saturday or in person Sunday from 7:30 to 8:25 a.m. before the race at the Aquatics and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City.

Pre-registered racers can pick up their event packets at the fitness center Saturday from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

This years race will spotlight its 2017 honored hero, Ashlynn Vanaria, of Moorestown, Burlington County, who was diagnosed with Crohns disease at 11 years old.

Vanaria and her family have supported the Guts and Glory 5k event for the past 10 years by advocating for support and raising money for the foundations causes. To date, they have raised more than $50,000 for Crohns and colitis treatment and research.

My family and I have spent the summers in Ocean City my entire life and learned about the Guts and Glory 5k two years after my diagnosis, Vanaria said in a statement. We look forward to this event all year. We will not give up, we will continue to fight and we will find cures.

Race participants are encouraged to donate money as individual entries or as a team. Supporters of participants can also make donations in the name of runners or walkers online. The event has raised, as of Monday, nearly $57,000.

The walk/run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the fitness center and later include music, food and an awards ceremony. The events primary sponsor is Edmunds and Associates and will feature tables of local organizations and providers, including Shore Medical Center.

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Ocean City to host Crohn's, colitis 5k walk/run Sunday - Press of Atlantic City