Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford opens 2019 registration

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By Lauren King
Mitchell’s Run

The 21st Annual Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford (MRTR), a 5K Run/Walk and Kids for Kids Fun Run, will take place in downtown Rockford on Saturday, August 17. Proceeds from this event are donated to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).

This year, the annual 5k is sporting a new logo as well as a new website. Participants and spectators will be greeted on race day with the same amount of fun and energy as past years with some added entertainment and fun for the 21st race!

MRTR welcomes many new board members and supporters in 2019, most notably Anessa Fehsenfeld, the event’s new Race Director. After 20 years of producing the event, race founders Steve and Sandy Peterson, parents of the run’s namesake, Mitchell Peterson, are handing the baton over to Fehsenfeld to lead race directing responsibilities. The Petersons have become Honorary Board Members and will remain closely tied to the event and fundraising efforts. 

“We are thrilled with the impact that MRTR has been able to make for Duchenne research and awareness here in the Rockford community and beyond,” said Steve Peterson, founder of MRTR and Race Director from 1998 – 2018. “When we met Anessa and learned more about her family and her connection to Duchenne, we knew this would be a great time to hand the keys over to someone so passionate and able. We are very excited to see MRTR continue on for its 21st year and many more.”

Anessa Gaydou-Fehsenfeld lives in Rockford with her husband Scott and three children, Bekah, Tyler and Hudson. In 2005, at the age of 6, her son Tyler was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Anessa is Chairman of the Board of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Leadership Management & Business. Anessa is a recreational runner, competing in numerous 5K races and completing her first half marathon in January 2019. She’s registered to run her first marathon in January 2020.

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