Physical therapy students at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Allied Health Sciences will help with the 2012 PT Classic 25-mile and 50-mile bike and 5K run through Ransom Canyon and Slaton beginning at 8 a.m. on Oct. 13.

Race-day registration will be outside Joe's Canyon Cafe & Pizza, 8312 East FM 3523 in Slaton. The South Plains District of the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) will host the event.

The PT Classic was organized seven years ago to help an ill classmate who couldn’t pay her medical bills. The event has turned into a milestone for successive physical therapy classes at the TTUHSC School of Allied Health Sciences.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring local health care providers and businesses together to give back to the community; especially to families who are less fortunate than most, financially speaking, and are in need of medical supplies,” said physical therapy student Joshua Fong.

The PT Classic is scheduled in October to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month. Fong said the event raises community awareness about physical therapy while also educating Lubbock-area residents about health, fitness and regular exercise for overall health and well-being. Fong said the event, sponsored by the South Plains District of the TPTA, raises community awareness about physical therapy while also educating people about health, fitness and regular exercise for overall health and well-being.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the University Medical Center Foundation to assist the Harnar Burn Care Center in funding compression garments for their patients. A burn patient needs a minimum of two garments for continuous wear 23 hours a day. Costs range from $150 to $200 for a shirt. Last year, the Student Physical Therapy Association raised just under $2,000 for the center.

To register, search PT Classic at http://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/organizations/. Those who register early will receive a $5 discount. Students receive $5 off registration with a student ID. On-site registration will be available from 7 to 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 13 at Joe’s Canyon Café and Pizza. Packet pick-up will be Oct. 12 at Joe’s Canyon Café and Pizza. The 2011 PT ClassicAwards will be given to the top female and male finishers in each event.

The 2012 PT Classic is sponsored by McCombs & Associates Physical Therapy, Levelland Physical Therapy, Einstein’s Bagels, Scarborough Specialties and Broadway Bikes. For more information, contact Fong at josh09.fong@ttuhsc.edu.

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