Hope Run brings in record amount for UPMC St. Margaret patients

More than 500 runners, walkers, strollers — and even four-legged participants — came out May 19 for the St. Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Run.

In its 31st year, the family friendly 5K raises money to help underserved patients at UPMC St. Margaret, near Aspinwall.

Streets are filled with people who race from the hospital campus along Delafield Road, down Freeport Road to Blawnox, and back. There also are large contingents who stroll the course more slowly and attend simply to socialize for a good cause.

This year, the event brought in a record $125,000 to help provide transportation to chemotherapy, medication, a food pantry, health screenings and medical equipment.

“Our patients look out the hospital windows, cheering you on, wishing they could be here with you today,” Foundation President Mary Lee Gannon told the participants. “Thank you for filling in the gaps with hope for them.”

Collin Sawyer, 25, of Pittsburgh’s South Side, won the race with a time of 17:21.73. Lauren Woodring, 31, of Bethel Park, was the first female to finish with a time of 17:48.14. Results are listed on the website, stmargaretfoundation.org.

After the three-mile walk/run, participants enjoyed the Taste of Fox Chapel, a food competition where local restaurants give away free samples of their best dishes. There was live music, children’s activities and prizes.

The event is named for the late Brian Demchak and his mother, Marie Louise (Tina) Demchak, who made it a family tradition to run in the event until Brian passed away in 2016.

Foundation members are already working toward next year’s race. Anyone interested in volunteering should call 412-784-4215 or visit stmargaretfoundation.org/5K.