BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

Anna Ackerman became interested in running when she was 7 years old, attending nature camp in Augusta.

“I’d always see the kids over at the track doing form drills,” she said. “It looked like fun.”

Shortly afterward, she enrolled in the summer recreation program and launched a successful track and cross country career that blossomed at both Cony High School and Bowdoin College. She graduated from Bowdoin this spring shortly after setting a school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase that netted her fourth place at the New England Division III track and field championships.

Now, Ackerman would like to give a little back to the sport that has given her so much. She’s hosting a Fun Run and 5K Run for Parkinson’s Research next Wednesday at the University of Maine at Augusta fitness trails. All proceeds from the race will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the world’s largest private funder of Parkinson’s disease research. The Brin Wojcicki Challenge will match the donation in an effort to reach a goal of $50 million by Dec. 21, 2012.

“My goal for this race is to raise $1,000 to put toward the development of a cure, which would ultimately mean $2,000 with the matching donation,” Ackerman said.

The cause is near to Ackerman’s heart. Her father, Francis, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 years ago at age 49.

“There’s no cure,” Ackerman said. “There’s a brain surgery you can go through to slow it down but it could affect your speech. (My dad) opted against it.”

Registration begins at 4 p.m. at the trail head adjacent to the Maine Municipal Association building to the rear of the Augusta Civic Center. The Fun Run, for kids 12-under, begins at 6 followed by the 5K at 5:15. Ackerman said several runners from Bowdoin are competing along with some from Cony and Maranacook high schools.

“My goal is for 100 people,” she said. “I’m baking pies for the prizes.”

A gender and women’s studies major, Ackerman is heading to Kenya this month to tutor students in SAT preparation and train at high altitude in the runners Mecca of Iten.

“I’m going to have a few adventures,” she said. “I eventually want to get into marathon running.”

Gary Hawkins — 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

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