Over 800 runners and walkers of all ages converged on the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology campus last night for the Double Helix Dash.
HudsonAlpha hosted the seventh annual Double Helix Dash 5K and one-mile fun run April 3 at McMillian Park on HudsonAlpha’s campus. The race takes runners through the research park, with the final stretch winding through the double helix path which was built to mimic the structure of DNA.
“We are proud of the Double Helix Dash and the incredible work it benefits,” said Karen Petersen, HudsonAlpha director of annual and planned giving. “Many dedicated runners, walkers, volunteers and sponsors support the Double Helix Dash year after year, helping to make it a fun and meaningful community event.”
Proceeds from the race support HudsonAlpha’s childhood genetic disorders research which has helped hundreds of children and families across north Alabama and beyond.
Each year, the race honors a childhood champion. The 2018 childhood champion was Jessi Watts. HudsonAlpha scientists discovered that Jessi has Rett syndrome, a neurodegenerative disorder that is almost exclusively seen in girls and affects about 1 in 10,000 worldwide.
If you would like to learn more or contribute to HudsonAlpha’s childhood genetic disorders program, click here.
Click here to see the race results from the 2018 Double Helix Dash.
