UltraMarathon-100 miles in 24 Hours
An idea by Peter Kline, last March, like an acorn, blossomed into an oak tree, a 100 mile run in Las Vegas. Peter last weekend ran for 24 hours straight while pushing a series of “Captains” (young people with disabilities). He ran not to raise money but to bring joy to 18 Captains (those disabled), their parents, the Angels who pushed them and to encourage others to become Angels in the future.
Peter and a Captain
He started at 10:30 Saturday night, running the UNLV track for 71.3 miles, then 2.5 miles to the RocknRoll Marathon http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/las-vegas/ start line at the Mandalay Bay resort. He completed the next 26.2 miles, and the 100 miles at the finish line near Caesar’s Palace at 10:30 pm. The biblical quotes of “running the race with endurance” and “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and not grow weary in their run” were played out Saturday and Sunday.
I am still filled with the emotion of the excitement seen in the Captains, many with cerebral palsy, and the dedication and love of their parents. During the night Captains were pushed by (“ran with”) Peter for 2 hours at a time. I had the privilege to deliver new runners every two hours. People came and ran with Peter — a lady heard about the run and joined him after her late night shift ended (in her work clothes). Another man came, ran a few laps, and later emailed Peter that his life had been changed by their conversation on the track. One lady came and ran for many laps just because she thought Peter needed the company. His trainer, Glen Rossi, RENEW Fitness, Bellevue, WA http://renewfitnessusa.com/stayed at night and then ran during the marathon to make sure Peter took salt pills, had nutrition and carbs. His Merrill Lynch manager from Seattle ran with him for a few miles as did countless others who supported him.
Peter, His Manager and a Captain
Peter had support Rooster Rossiter, Marine Corps Major and Executive Director of Ainsleys Angels http://www.ainsleysangels.org/ and also With no expectation of any reward other than seeing kids and families have a wonderful opportunity and enjoy, Peter personified the biblical injunction to “love your neighbor.”
Personally, I was touched by all the people who were encouraged during this weekend. The author of a newspaper article, a young woman running her first marathon, the media people and of course the parents of the Captains. This run was Peter’s gift that will keep on giving for years to come.
26.2 miles to go
Paul
