Aurora Scientific fielded a team at the 11th annual ESSO Rebecca Run for SMA on Sat. July 7, 2012. The run raised over $140,000 for Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy of Canada. Our team joined over 700 participants who supported SMA research by running, walking and rolling the 5 km course at Fairy Lake in Newmarket.

Since the run’s inception in 2001, the Rebecca Run has raised over $2.2 million for Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Canada.

The day dawned with thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour that knocked out the power in much of Newmarket.  This didn’t deter the Aurora Scientific Inc. Team as everyone showed up despite some of us getting quite soaked in the process.  By race time the skies had cleared a bit and the rain had stopped.

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Karin, Mike, Geoff and Matt – Looking at the Pouring Rain

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The ASI Team – Ready to Race

The race started at 10AM on a wet course with many large puddles.  Everyone completed the race, despite the slippery footing, with Matt taking top honours for our team in a time of 24 minutes 28 seconds.  Matt’s run is especially noteworthy as he ran the race with a 25 lb weight vest on!

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John Crossing the Finish Line

John finished with a personal best time of 30 minutes 11 seconds.  The rest of the team all completed the distance with a smile on their faces. Congratulations to the whole team!

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Tom, Taylor, John and Matt – After the Race

Our muscle physiology equipment is used by several researchers investigating Spinal Muscular Atrophy and we are proud to help raise money for this worthwhile cause.