24-Hour Race Tests Endurance & Hopes to Raise $300k for Non-profit Fighting Homelessness
1,300 runners – including individuals experiencing homelessness – compete in theStroehmann Back on My Feet 20in24 Challenge
The 2013 Stroehmann Back on My Feet 20in24 Challenge (20in24) will take place the weekend of July 20 – 21 around the 8.4-mile Schuylkill River running loop in Philadelphia. Proceeds benefit Back on My Feet (BoMF), the national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The race begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 in front of Lloyd Hall and follows the 8.4-mile Schuylkill River Running Loop.
In its sixth year, 20in24 offers a variety of races with the most challenging being the Lone Ranger ultra-marathon, Philadelphia’s only 24-hour race. Serge Arbona holds the course record, running 153.73 miles in 24 hours and Sabrina Moran is the top female competitorwith a 137.82-mile record. The top male and female who run the most miles in 24 hours will receive $2,500.
“It’s been our pleasure to support this race and Back on My Feet for the past three years,” said John Marcoux with Stroehmann Bakeries. “When we invest in a community event, our greatest wish is that it’s successful. The growth that 20in24 and Back on My Feet have experienced makes us proud as a sponsor, as runners and as community supporters.”
The Stroehmann Back on My Feet 20in24 race options include:
- Lone Ranger Ultra-Marathon – (July 20, 10:00 a.m. – July 21, 10:00 a.m.) Designed for experienced runners, this race allows ultra marathoners to see how many 8.4-mile laps they can complete in 24 hours.
- Relay Challenge – (July 20, 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. starts) Teams of five are challenged to complete one to four 8.4-mile loops. This race offers various levels and start times.
- Two-Timer Two-Person Relays – (July 20, 10:00 a.m.) Teams of two will compete in either one 8.4-mile loop or two 8.4-mile loops per team member.
- Midnight Madness Race – (July 21, midnight start) Intended for night owls, Philadelphia’s only glow-in-the-dark run features runners wearing reflective gear, glow sticks and paint on the 8.4-mile course.
- Pajama Loop – (July 21, 7:00 a.m. start) Rise, shine and run the 8.4-mile loop in “PJ’s.”
The 2012 20in24 raised $300,000 for Back on My Feet and thanks to runner “FundRacing,” the organization hopes to raisemore in 2013.
“It’s hard to believe that we started 20in24 five years ago as a fundraiser for a single BoMF chapter and it’s now our largest national fundraiser, supporting 10 chapters and attracting international runners!” said Anne Mahlum, founder and CEO of Back on My Feet. “It’s possible because of the tremendous support we receive from partners like Stroehmann Bakeries, the running community and hundreds of volunteers. Thanks to them, we can all come together to change the perception of homelessness through running.”
It costs roughly $1,800 to support a Member in the four- to six-month program, which has expanded to Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Washington DC, Atlanta, New York City, and Austin since its founding in Philadelphia in 2007. Back on My Feet Los Angeles will launch on October 28, 2013. With a good attitude and 90 percent attendance at three weekly morning runs, individuals experiencing homelessness who are enrolled in the program earn access to educational, financial literacy and career readiness opportunities, in addition to financial aid.
From September 2008 through February 2013, Back on My Feet has helped 778 Residential Members (individuals experiencing homelessness) obtain employment and 537 obtain housing.
About Back on My Feet
Back on My Feet is a national nonprofit organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living. The organization creates a community built on the very profound and innate desire for all of us to feel recognized, appreciated and supported. Back on my Feet does not provide food nor shelter, but instead provides coaching, resources, financial aid, job training and access to employment opportunities.
To sign up for the race and to get all the details, visit backonmyfeet.org
From Multidays.com, post Back on My Feet 20in24 Challenge 2013
