The Potato Pants Challenge was designed so that participants have a better understanding of what it feels like to live with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and to raise money for research.  HSP is a rare, progressive neurological disease that causes leg weakness, spasticity, and many other symptoms.  Patients are often dependent on a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Currently, there is no cure for the disease.  At our event, participants will put on pants that have been weighted down with 20 pounds of sand "potatoes" and try to walk/ run around the track.  When they finish racing, they realize someone with HSP can't take off their heavy pants raising awareness of HSP. This event will also have a large children's area with potato themed arts, crafts, and activities.  There will also be raffle and silent auction items available. We have never had this kind of event in Amador County and we are getting great feedback from the community. We are trying to raise both awareness and funds for research.