Dear Lawrence City Commissioners

We respectfully request the use of city streets and bike trails including the Burroughs Creek Trail on Sunday, April 17, 2011 for the Kansas Half Marathon Presented by Hy-Vee. This race is Health Care Access Clinic’s largest annual fundraiser and it has become a staple within the Lawrence community.  Our event has grown to be the largest participant event in Lawrence and is the second largest running event in the state of Kansas.  We feel that the high quality of the event and its growth reflect positively and have a significant economic impact upon the city.  In 2010 the event drew almost 2,000 participants from 32 different states and Washington, D.C., and we expect to match or exceed that number this year.  We consistently draw large numbers of local runners as well; the Kansas Half Marathon is truly a regional health and wellness event that encourages people of all fitness levels to participate.

This year our start and finish will be at Haskell Indian Nations University and the race routes will go through several areas of east Lawrence as well as the Burroughs Creek trail and downtown.  We have already secured the special use permit from the parks and recreation department regarding the use of the Burroughs Creek trail, the endorsement from Downtown Lawrence, Inc. to block off three blocks of Massachusetts St., and have met with City staff and Lawrence police to ensure that the race route will be safe for runners and for vehicular traffic as well.

Health Care Access Clinic is a non-profit primary care clinic whose mission is to help facilitate access to health services for Douglas County residents with limited financial means who are not covered by private or governmental insurance programs. Since 1988 we have provided primary care services, referrals to specialists, prescription medication, and health education to over 14,000 community members without incurring debt and without federal funding.  This event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Clinic and makes a difference in the lives of more of the 14,000 uninsured children and families in Lawrence and Douglas County as it typically raises $50,000, which represents 10% of the organization’s cash budget.  Funds raised through the Kansas Half Marathon allow Health Care Access to continue to serve the community, to make it healthier and more productive, and to improve the quality of life for everyone here.

Health Care Access has had a successful working relationship with the City as regards this event over the past four years.  We look forward to many more successful events like this in the future that help us serve the uninsured, offer a wellness activity to the entire community, and make a positive economic impact on local businesses.

Sincerely –

Sally Zogry

Development Director