BCAT News

The local nonprofit The James Gang  will be holding their first ever 5K Run & Walk Fundraiser on September 29th to raise awareness for the rare genetic disorder NARS1. 

Named after James Anderson, The James Gang works to create more opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, specifically in sports and recreation. James is only one of about 40 or 50 people in the world with NARS,  and is currently the oldest.

Lauren Anderson, James’s sister, says since running the Boston Marathon as a charity last year, The James Gang has been able to bring more programming to the local community.

“James loves running and cheering,” Anderson said. “We have done an annual golf tournament which he loves. My family are not golfers but we do like to run! So, we said we should put together a 5K where we get together with the community and with people that have been so supportive, and we get out there to run, cheer, and have a great time. So, with the marathon this past spring we thought we should use the momentum and make this our first year pulling this event off.”

The event will feature a DJ playing music to amp up the crowd, and Wegmans will be on site with a refueling station with waters, bananas, granola bars, and donuts. There will also be prizes for the top three male and female finishers.

Looking ahead, Anderson shared her hopes for the event. “I hope it’s a great fundraiser, but I also hope it’s also a great way to bring the community together, to spread awareness for our organization so that people know that we exist, and that they can come to us for grants if they are an adult or if they know an adult with intellectual disabilities.”

Anderson also hopes her brother’s spirit spreads to the community and makes for a fun day, “James has such infectious enthusiasm that it’s really enjoyable as his sister to be at one of these events and see how the community surrounds him and feeds off that energy. I’m really looking forward to that piece.”

The run starts at 9:30 a.m. at Burlington High School. To register for The James Gang 5K Run & Walk, click here.