A few days ago I told you about the upcoming New Bedford Half Marathon on March 20th. And since that post, a dozen new people have joined the team! So the number is now over 40! 4-0 all running on one day, in one race, to help end this brutal disease!!!
Running for a cause is nothing new — in fact, there is an ever growing number of SMA racers and we think it is incredible. There is something especially profound about pushing one's body to help the children whose bodies cannot do the same. And what the New Bedford SMA Warriors are doing — a mass number of people coming together and dedicating their run to SMA in a professional race — is definitely something to be excited about! Think about all those matching t-shirts. Think about how many people each one of those runners will touch and teach about SMA — their families, their friends, their employers, their communities. And if every person raises just $100, over $4,000 has quickly been donated to helping end this disease for good. Not to mention the powerful statement of 40 individuals, many strangers, coming together for the common goal of increasing awareness and funding for Spinal Muscular Atrophy!!!
The New Bedford Half Marathon is being organized by Stephen Taylor who was forever changed after beautiful Owen Simmons passed away from SMA. He is an incredible person and not only has he pushed his body to the ultimate limits (100 mile ultra marathon!), he is determined to get others involved in the fight. In fact, all the Team GSF runners are simply amazing people and we are so honored to know them. In the last year, Team GSF runners have completed over 20+ races. Thousands of miles have been trampled. Races have been run in memory of or in honor of many amazing children impacted by this devastating disease! There have been 10Ks, half marathons, full marathons, triathlons, extreme races, and races with pink feather boas! And over $30,000 has been donated to GSF because of the hard work of these athletes!!! Incredible! And awareness has been raised every step of the way! We are so, so honored to be associated with these inspiring people. Every single one of them amazes us and motivates us. And we are so looking forward to the photos and stories from this ever expanding TEAM! 40 and growing! Will YOU be the newest member???
And for some inspiration to lace up, here is a wonderful video made by Lauren Lundy O'Connor who started Team Run For Owen, has inspired many others to join her in racing to end SMA, and immediately signed up to be part of the New Bedford SMA Warriors. Will you join the New Bedford Half Marathon and bring out your inner warrior???? And if you really can't make it out to Massachusetts (although it is going to be AWESOME), contact us and we will get you in touch with some of the many other races going on around the country to benefit SMA.