Quadriplegics to Complete Frederick Marathon Thru The "Running Down a Dream" Organization
Posted Thursday, 6 April, 2006
FREDERICK, Md. - (April 5, 2006) - For the first time ever, a group of disabled people will complete the Frederick Marathon in Frederick, Maryland on Sunday, April 30, 2006. "Running Down a Dream" is spearheading the event by teaming over a dozen riders in wheelchairs and the over 50 volunteers who will be pushing them.
They can't run. They can't walk. Some have no use of their hands or legs at all. Yet, on April 30, 2006, they will feel what it's like to have the wind in their faces, to see the scenery go by, to be cheered by thousands, to experience the pure joy of completing the 26.2 mile distance.
The Frederick Marathon will be featuring an exciting addition to this year's field of competitors. Relay teams of between 4 and 10 individuals are volunteering to push severely disabled riders in wheelchairs over the course.
The race, known as one of the best organized and fastest growing marathons in the Northeast, will be the first event for the tandem pusher-rider organization "Running Down a Dream", founded in 2006 by Dr. Larry Herman, a Chiropractor living in Frederick to "bring the experience and joy of running to those who can't". The non-profit organization has had a tremendous outpouring of support from runners and walkers, families and businesses, school teams and strangers to make this inaugural event a huge success. Herman hopes to eventually recruit participants, sponsors and support for entrance in races throughout the United States and beyond.
Dr. Herman was inspired to the project by a Rick Reilly article in Sports Illustrated. The article detailed the amazing achievements of Dick Hoyt and his disabled son Rick, who have completed 212 triathlons among their long list of accomplishments. Dick has pushed, pulled and carried his son in every one of these races including 24 Boston Marathons. Their best marathon time (2 hours, 40 minutes) is only 35 minutes slower than the overall world record.
"The thrill and excitement on the faces of everyone involved is overwhelming!" said Herman. "When these courageous folks zoom across the finish line and have that medal placed around their necks, it will be a life-changing, transformational experience for all involved, whether they are a participant, pusher or spectator."
Pushers, riders, volunteers and sponsors for teams are welcome for the Frederick Marathon debut of "Running Down a Dream", as well as future marathons across the United States as this project has already attracted the attention of race organizers across the country. Anyone interested in helping for any amount of time or distance should contact Larry Herman at
larryherman@earthlink.net or call (301) 667-2517. For more information, also visit the organization's website at: RDaD.org
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