Support of Down Syndrome Research Spurs a Colorado Couple's 321 Mile Racing Challenge

CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 12, ultra distance runners Siobhan and Dan Pritchard will be competing in the Chicago Marathon, completing an epic string of races which began in March, 2014 that totaled 321 miles. Their "321 Mile Challenge" was dedicated to supporting their two year old son James, and the world community of persons with Down syndrome. Their goal is to raise awareness of the promise of research aimed at understanding and treating intellectual disabilities in individuals with Down syndrome and accelerating the progress of this breakthrough medical initiative.

The Pritchards began this remarkable stretch of ultra distance runs and marathons this spring. The racing took place in the Rocky Mountains in their home state of Colorado. Their ultra runs included 100 mile races in Steamboat Springs (Siobhan) and Leadville (Dan), 50 mile races, marathons and other distances.

Fittingly, the completion of this remarkable racing challenge occurs in October, which is nationally celebrated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  The 321 mile distance recognizes that Down syndrome is caused by 3 copies of Chromosome 21.

The couple states: "We are reminded during every race why we have taken on, what some call, this 'crazy' event. Like our running, one step at a time, researchers are getting closer to developing drug treatments that will improve memory and learning in persons with Down syndrome, helping them live more independently. This would make such a difference in James' life."

The money raised through their effort is being donated to Research Down Syndrome, a leading provider of research directed towards understanding and treating intellectual disabilities in people with Down syndrome.

"There remains a large unmet medical need for treatments to address not only the learning and behavioral challenges associated with Down syndrome, but also the increased likelihood for Alzheimer's disease," states RDS President, Dr. Robert Schoen. The Pritchards agree, adding, "As parents, we are concerned about the connection between Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. We won't be around forever with James. We want to make every effort to assist research which may help him live more independently".

On October 12, their amazing effort finishes at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

View the Pritchards' 321 Mile Challenge video: http://goo.gl/mlM5Sa

Visit and learn about the Pritchards' cause: http://goo.gl/8Ujlsq

Research Down Syndrome website: http://www.researchds.org/

Video - http://youtu.be/NdF-c5fpV4k

SOURCE Research Down Syndrome