Thanks to our friend Nicole Rohling for this great writeup of what to expect at the upcoming HudsonAlpha DoubleHelix Dash!  The event is coming up on April 4th, find all the info and how to register below.

So you don’t want to get up early on the weekend? No worries, you can still help a good cause and get a workout in the process.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will host the sixth annual Double Helix Dash 5K and one-mile fun run the afternoon of Tuesday, April 4 at McMillian Park on the Institute’s campus. The race winds through the double helix path which was built to mimic the structure of DNA.

Proceeds support childhood genetic disorders research at HudsonAlpha. This year’s childhood champion is Anna Brooke Ainsworth, whose rare condition was diagnosed by scientists at the Institute.

Early on, Miranda and her husband David noticed things that were different about their daughter, Anna Brooke. She was missing developmental milestones. Her pediatrician sent her to a neurologist, who ultimately recommended HudsonAlpha’s genomics project to diagnose unknown disorders in children. Anna Brooke’s family finally got answers– she has a rare disease called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.

“We were thrilled! It explained everything, to the small finger, the communication difficulties, and even looking back at birth, the feeding trouble. It was a surprise and a relief to know that all of our concerns were justified,” said Miranda.

Now, HudsonAlpha has helped more than 130 families by providing genetic diagnoses. The work is funded by grants and philanthropy– and events like the Double Helix Dash.

The Double Helix Dash is presented by HudsonAlpha and the Huntsville Track Club. The 5K is a certified course.

Demetria McClenton from WAAY-TV is this year’s emcee. The Merrimack Hall dancers will provide entertainment before the race kicks off at 5:30 p.m. To register or for more information on the race, visit doublehelixdash.com.