Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon 2009

[PalmettoSon]

Okay, so I'm going to get this started this year. BN had a pretty good turnout last year, and I know the boards here raised a lot of money for various BNers participating.

Once again my wife and I will be participating in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday January 10, and we are raising money on behalf of my 12 year old cousin with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I won't go into heavy detail here, since you can find out more on our site, but Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a disease that occurs primarily in boys, and it slowly takes away their mobility until eventually causing death (typically before the age of 35).

My cousin is 12, and is thankfully still walking on his own, albeit with more and more trouble each year. Some of you were kind enough to give last year, and for that my family is eternally grateful.

I know things are tighter this year, but please give if you can, for it is only good fortune and Heavenly grace that keeps us from being in the same position.

I look forward to seeing some of you at the race this year, and hopefully won't be too wiped out to meet up with you at Margaritaville (sorry 'bout last year, but we both fell asleep early that night).

You can find our fundraising page at http://www.parentprojectmd.org/goto/paulandann

I also invite all of the BN participants in the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, regardless of which charity they run (or walk) for to use this thread to talk a little about their cause, and invite donations.

[kitty]

I will be there! I will once again be coaching a team for both the 1/2 marathon and the full. I am a coach with Team in Training which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

So many good causes...so much money needed for research!

Everyone...I know times are tough...but do what you can for a charity close to your heart!

[PalmettoSon]

Just wanted to give this a bump. I know there are more of you out there who will be participating this year.

[chucknorris]

Chuck Norris does not run... people run from him.

[PalmettoSon]

Looks like I may be one of only a few BNers in it this year, since this hasn't turned into a mega-thread like last year (complete with mini-phlocking at Margaritaville Orlando).

I hate to beg, but I need to. Fundraising has been ridiculously slow this year. Even my biggest donor from last year has yet to pull through, and we're only about a quarter of the way to our goal with the race literally days away. If any of you could find it in your hearts or wallets to shed a few bucks for a really good cause, we would appreciate your support.

You'll be helping out kids who are stricken without warning a by a debilitating disease (Muscular Dystrophy) that slowly takes away their ability to function before ultimately taking their lives, and that's bound to make you feel good!

Please help, if you can. Any amount is appreciated.

Thanks again,
Paul
http://www.parentprojectmd.org/goto/paulandann

[kitty]

I will be in Disney running the half marathon also. I coach for Team in Training and raise money to help find a cure for leukemia. I hear ya on the lack of donations....it's a tough time for everyone!

Good luck in the race...look for the purple people...I will have my name on my singlette!

Kitty

[PalmettoSon]

I'll look for you, but since TEAM is the biggest charity there, I may not see you. We'll be in lime green. I think Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (a.k.a. Run for our Sons) is a distant second to the purple people.

[JustDucky]

Just what, exactly, is a 'half' marathon? Sorry you're not getting the turnout you would like but it's probably obvious why.

Certainly Disney can afford to donate.

[PalmettoSon]

They have both the half marathon and full. The half marathon is 13.1 miles (a little over 21 km), the full is 26.2 miles (a little over 42 km). The half will be Saturday and the full Sunday (and there are some people who do both!).

Disney's support comes in the form of hosting the event and giving the participants discounts on things like hotel rooms and park tickets. They also provide transportation to and from the starting line and entertainment through most of the route (which winds through the parks).