Thirteenth annual walk/run for Matthew Dudgeon Memorial Fund

CHESTER — The Matthew Dudgeon Memorial Fund is hosting its 13th annual walk and 7K run on Saturday, May 11, on the Heritage Trail in Chester.

The fund was established by Gina and James Dudgeon in 2000 after their son, 27-month-old Matthew, died after an 11-month battle with Leigh's Disease, a rare mitochondrial disease. The Dudgeons established the Matthew Dudgeon Memorial Fund to honor his memory and raise funds for the United Mitochondrial disease Foundation and for local families caring for terminally and chronically ill children.

New this year is a cocktail cruise on the same date as the walk/run. It takes place on the Newburgh waterfront on the Pride of the Hudson. The cost is $90 per person and funs from 7 to 11 p.m. This is for adults only and includes open bar, food, music and dancing.

The 7K Run/Walk starts and ends at Chester Academy on the Heritage Trail. Pre-register by May 1 to qualify for a free walk t-shirt. The fee for pre-registered participants is $15 for adults, $5 for children. Registration the day of the event begins at 7:45 a.m. and the cost is $20 for adults and $7 for kids. No rollerblades, bikes or pets are allowed.

Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female as well as the top three in several age categories. Refreshments will be available before and after the race at Chester Academy.

For more information about the race and to register, go to www.themattyfund.org or call 845-469-5702,