Patrick McGlade to Run a Marathon a Day for 4 Months

Passing along this info of Patrick McGlade’s running challenge for charity – Ed -

As a huge supporter of ultra runners, I wanted to tell you about my nephew Patrick McGlade who is going to run a marathon a day for 4 months (approx. 2400 miles) to raise awareness and funds for the Arthritis Foundation. He will run through 8 states and over 50 towns. This is a one of a kind event and he picked Surf City to be his starting line. He race will begin Jan 2 at 9am from Bella Terra Mall in Huntington Beach, Ca (see below or log on to: http://way.to/Patricksrun4arthritis) As a supporter of this great thing called running, I am sure you can appreciate the effort, energy it takes to accomplish such an amazing feat! Perhaps you would consider posting a piece on TrailRunningSoul.com or if you or any of your supporters are going to be in the area, we would love to invite you to come and run the first leg with Patrick? Any and all support is greatly appreciated!

GOAL: On January 2, 2010, after his graduation from VCU with a degree in Business Marketing, Patrick McGlade will begin the ultimate cross country run from the Pacific Ocean shores of Huntington Beach, California, along a southern route to Tybee Island, Georgia on the Atlantic Ocean. Covering 2,400 miles, McGlade plans to run on average a marathon a day in approximately four months to honor children everywhere living with arthritis.

WHO: Patrick McGlade, a 21 year old ultra-marathon runner, will run coast to coast across the United States to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. His inspiration – the children everywhere living with arthritis. Patrick fell in love with running two summers ago while valet parking. “I like the solitude of the long run, and I like pushing my body past what I once thought was its limit,” said McGlade. “I realized that there are too many young people that will never know what that’s like, because of their arthritis. Whatever we can do for kids today will improve the outlook for future generations, and having them cheering me on from the sidelines is a great honor and reward.”

WHEN: 9:00 am Saturday, January 2, 2010 through April 2010.

WHERE: Start at Bella Terra Mall, Huntington Beach, CA.; End at Tybee Island, GA.

HOW: Donations can be made online at http://way.to/Patricksrun4arthritis. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. If you choose to help sponsor the event, you will receive publicity on the website. Sponsors who donate more than$1,000 will also receive their logo printed on a shirt which Patrick will wear for all interviews. (The Associated Press is considering coverage of this news story!)

POINT OF CONTACT Desmond P. McGlade PatricksRun4Arthritis@yahoo.com 540-288-8059

ABOUT: About the Arthritis Foundation The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans—including 300,000 children—living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. With headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points throughout the country and offers programs that can decrease the pain and disability associated with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. More info available at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.