Lee Lee Jones. Photo by Lisa Thomas.
When steeplechase jockey Jake Chalfin was paralyzed in a point-to-point race in 2010, his friends and family rallied to help. They created a fundraising committee to ensure Jake could focus on his rehabilitation without worrying of the expenses associated with his injuries, and this race was created as a major piece of the fundraising puzzle.
“The concept of the event started four years ago when my fundraising committee wanted to create an annual event to help offset my continued life-long medical expenses related to paralysis,” said Jake.
Jake Chalfin. Photo courtesy of Tod Marks.
And thus, The Chasin’ for Chalfin was born at the Runnymede Estate in Coatesville, PA as the last leg of the five race Trail Creek Series. As the race grew, it began grew to benefit other disabled athletes or organizations that provide adaptive sporting opportunities.
The event announced that this year’s race will benefit Lee Lee Jones, who is rehabilitating following a traumatic brain injury last fall, and Paddy Young, who suffered a riding accident last month at the Radnor Hunt Races. The race will be held this Saturday, June 24th, and will offer both 5 and 10K tracks.
“It has become a wonderful and much beloved community event,” Jake continued. “After the first year we decided that we would dedicate a portion of the funds raised to support other disabled athletes or organizations that provide adaptive sporting opportunities.”
Paddy Young. Photo courtesy of Tod Marks.
“This year we would like to include both Lee Lee Jones and Paddy Young as additional beneficiaries of this race. We hope that by tapping into the two different spheres of the eventing and racing world that we can really grow this event and raise a lot of money for Paddy and Lee Lee.”
As an extra incentive this year, equestrians are invited to get a group together for a Battle of the Barns. Teams with the best overall average placing in the 5K race will earn prizes including schooling passes for Boyd and Silva Martin’s Windurra Farm. Teams must include at least three members.
Local equestrians, trade your boots for some running shoes and help support Paddy and Lee Lee this Saturday! And if you can’t be there, sign up as a “virtual runner” to pledge your support to #TeamLeeLee!
To register as a runner (both actual and virtual), click here.
[Chasin’ for Chalfin Trail Race Raises Critical Funds for Injured Riders]
