event history

SmartAlex History

The SmartAlex benefit originated in 2000 when a group of friends organized a mini-triathlon. There were eight participants and seven members of an excellent support crew. The event started off with a 0.5 K swim at the Highland Pool, continued with a 25 K bike ride around the Highland Park and Macalester-Groveland neighborhoods, and finished with a 5 K run in Highland Park. In addition to having lots of fun, the group decided to make the event a benefit. Since many in the group had a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association was chosen as the beneficiary of the $2207 raised.

The following year, the SmartAlex benefit became a 5 & 10 K run to allow for wider participation. The run started in Highland Park with a route along Edgecumbe Parkway. Despite a little rain, spirits were not dampened. The event raised $2875 for the Alzheimer’s Association and a new tradition was born.

From 2002 to 2004, the Highland Park picnic shelter served as the home base for the SmartAlex. The planning committee went from one to five members and the number of sponsors and participants increased each year, as did the fundraising totals.

In 2005, the SmartAlex moved to Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul due to the temporary closure of the Highland Park picnic shelter area for renovations. Participants enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful route along the Mississippi River so much that we have decided to make Hidden Falls Park the new home base for the SmartAlex.

Since its inception, the goal of the SmartAlex benefit has been to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. This in turn benefits those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their families through research, education and support. The event is intentionally small, with an emphasis on creating an atmosphere of hope for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

SmartAlex Benefit through the years:

Year	Event	Funds Raised	Participants	Sponsors
2000	Mini Triathlon	$ 2,207	8	None
2001	5 & 10 K run	$ 2,815	31	Augsburg PA Program Bagelman’s Kowalski’s St. Paul Corner Drug
2002	5 & 10 K run	$ 3,479	34	Augsburg PA Program Bagelman’s Kowalski’s St. Paul Corner Drug Suburban Sportswear
2003	5 & 10 K run	$ 4,075	45	Augsburg PA Program Breadsmith Kowalski’s St. Paul Corner Drug Suburban Sportswear
2004	5 & 10 K run	$ 5,275	47	Augsburg PA Program Breadsmith Caribou Coffee Kowalski’s Pearson’s St. Paul Corner Drug Suburban Sportswear
2005	5 & 10 K run	$ 5,590	51	Augsburg PA Program Breadsmith J&S Bean Factory Kowalski’s Grand Market Pearson’s St. Paul Corner Drug Taho Sportswear
2006	5 & 10 K run	$ 5,645	69	Augsburg PA Program Breadsmith Caribou Coffee Kowalski’s Grand Market SmartWater St. Paul Corner Drug Taho Sportswear Whole Foods Market
2007	5 & 10 K run	$6,705	90	Augsburg Physician Assistant Program Breadsmith Kowalski’s Grand Market Mississippi Market SmartWater St. Paul Corner Drug Peacock Promotions
2008	5 & 10 K run	$6,705	120	Augsburg Physician Assistant Program Breadsmith Brewberry's Kowalski’s Grand Market Mississippi Market St. Paul Corner Drug Taho Sportswear Whole Foods Market
	Total	$ 44,000