5,000 set to walk, run in third Panerathon

Staff report

Youngstown

More than 5,000 people are signed up for the third annual Panerathon, a 10K/2-mile run and walk that begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Covelli Centre downtown.

The event will benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center and is expected to raise more than $200,000.

“It is truly an honor to be able to put on an event of this magnitude and to be a part of bringing about better breast-care services to the people in our Valley,” said Sam Covelli, owner/operator of Covelli Enterprises.

All proceeds will be donated to the Abdu center, which opened last November at St. Elizabeth Health Center on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown.

The money raised from Panerathon will ensure access for all to the life-saving screenings, care and services of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center regardless of the ability to pay, according to a Covelli Enterprises’ press release.

“We can’t wait to see the thousands of community members who come out to support the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Mahoning Valley and to ensure access to quality breast care for everyone,” said Lori Shandor of the Humility of Mary Health Partners Foundation.

The foundation coordinates and administers charitable gifts, trusts and bequests used to underwrite a variety of projects, programs and services to enhance health care in the Valley.

People who still desire to participate can register for the event beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Covelli Centre.

The first Panerathon quarter-mile Kids Run will occur after the 10K and 2-mile events.

The Kids Run is free for children of all ages and will be followed by a post-race celebration including local mascots, bounce-a-rounds, and exhibits from OH WOW! Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology. There will be free massages for all race participants, and O’Charley’s food will be sold to raise money for the cause.

Last year, the Panerathon drew 4,000 participants and raised $191,000 for the Abdu center.