Run For The Fallen Challenge

Mission Statement:

Run for the Fallen is a collective of runners whose mission is clear and simple: To run one mile for every American service member killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 14, 2008, we run across America to raise awareness about the lives of those who fought, to activate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that help wounded veterans and the families of those killed (Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, HUGSS (Helping Unite Gold Star Survivors), and the 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund), and to aid the healing process for those Americans whose lives have been affected by the war. We refuse any political affiliation or agenda, but simply honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.

I heard about the above organization through the running podcast Phedippidations in June. I thought it was such a great concept that I went to the website and learned more about what it is all about. That's when I knew I wanted to be a part of it. One hitch, I'm over 3,000 miles away from my homeland.

But, where there is a will...and all that good stuff, I looked over the route and saw that the RFTF would be going very close to my son's house AND the US AFB he is asigned to. So I got to thinking, why not on the Sunday the miles from his house to the connecting spot of the RFTF route and then on the Monday, run the miles to the AFB along their route! So I have committed to run approx 7 miles on Sunday 27 July and another 6 Monday 28 July, but why stop there.

I have written to my US family and said hey, why not join me on this!!?? Why not team up and see how many miles we can run, or walk to tribute the solders? So now there are miles committed from my younger brother, and my son. I'm looking forward to hearing from a few others to have them join us on this expedition. We can't be together to do this in person, but we can be linked over the thousands of miles that seperate us for this common purpose.

Then on 24 August, the final day of the event, I am looking at how I can do a tribute run. Putting the invites out again to family. Just a way of saying thank you to all those who have served.