Christopher’s Run

Get ready, get set for the 7th annual Christopher’s Run!The annual 5k run/walk, Chinese auction, and fun community gathering will take place on Saturday, June 7th. Christopher’s Run is always a great morning in Southampton, as The Christopher Lesta Fund rallies the community in celebration and remembrance of “the little man with the big smile,” Christopher Lesta.

Christopher was born with Hunter Syndrome, a rare and untreatable genetic disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce certain necessary enzymes. Christopher passed away in 2007 and June 2008 marked the First Annual Christopher’s 5K Run/Walk to remember Christopher Lesta. The 5k begins in Agawam Park in Southampton at 9:30am and takes participants through a beautiful tour of Southampton village. This year, the Christopher Lesta Foundation will also be hosting their Chinese Auction both at the race and on the following Saturday, June 14th, at the North Sea Community House. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Pediatric Blood & Marrow Transplant Program at Duke University Medical Center. Donations will go toward helping the children and families on the Transplant Unit, which had a great impact during Christopher’s life. For more information about Christopher’s Run, click here and to register, click here.

One Healthy Breakdown: A win-win for all, support a local family’s cause, commemorate a special boy’s life, and get running!

Join One Healthy Hamptons this Saturday, June 8th, for the sixth annual Christopher’s Run 5k! Start your morning with a fun run to benefit a fabulous cause, The Christopher Lesta Fund Inc (tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.)

Christopher Lesta was an adorable young boy, well-known by many in the Hamptons community for his sweet, charming nature. He was constantly laughing and smiling and his positivity touched everyone who knew him. Christopher was known as “the little man with the big smile;” his heart was always open and his smile was contagious.

Christopher was born with Hunter Syndrome and lived a short life. Hunter is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects males. Due to the disease, Christopher’s body was deficient in necessary enzymes responsible for breaking down and recycling units of carbohydrates. These cells build up and interfere with bodily functions, worsening quickly with time. Hunter Syndrome is a deadly disease that causes progressive damage to the body, with no known cure.

Christopher made quite a lasting impression during his short time in our community and beyond, constantly reminding everyone to smile. In 2007, Christopher was five and thriving in kindergarten, after a blood transplant, when he unexpectedly caught an infection that spread to his heart. Sadly, Christopher passed away in early December, 2007. The Christopher Lesta Fund was started in Christopher’s strong memory, in the hopes of helping other children through their transplant process, and aiding researchers to one day find a cure to eradicate this horrible disease.

Taking place in Southampton, the route starts in Agawam Park and takes participants through a beautiful tour of Southampton village. It’s truly an amazing event. This will be my second time running Christopher’s Run (last year, my mom was visiting from Boston and surprised me by joining me in her very first 5k!) This year, I’ve invited more family to participate and One Healthy Hamptons is a proud sponsor! We hope to see you at the starting line!