We’re having our annual satellite runs on Monday and while I haven’t pushed them too much, I wanted to push it one more time since it’s turning into an annual event. Last year, I ran 61 marathons in an endeavor I named Operation Jack. I did it in honor of my 8-year-old son Jack, who is severely autistic. For the final race, we hosted a marathon. Lots of y’all participated in satellite runs across the country on the same day. It was a great day and collectively, we raised about $25,000 to help fight autism.
Well, we’re doing it again! Monday is basically Operation Jack Day. There are 25 soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan participating in a satellite marathon. We’ve got about 30 people participating in a satellite marathon/half-marathon in Houston. I need to check about participation about our Operation Jack Northwest Challenge in Portland, Oreg., but that event had about 70 participants last year. The signature event, the Operation Jack Marathon in Manhattan Beach, Calif., will have about 350 participants, up considerably from the 135 who started the race last year.
Folks everywhere will get the same awesome t-shirt and medal. If you’re not able to make it to one of those events, though, you can still participate through a satellite run of your own. Basically, you click here to register, essentially making a $35 donation, and run 6 miles wherever you on Monday are to show your support for the cause. We’re going to send you the medal and the shirt, plus a pair of socks and wristbands from Celliant, which was gracious enough to support Operation Jack with a very nice monetary donation, plus product for participants.
Shirts and medals have been shipping this week. Here are some pics so you know what you’re getting (hint: it’s the best shirt and medal you’ll ever get for $35, especially while supporting a charity!) …
And just in case you’re new here, you MUST check out this video from last year’s event.
And I guess that’s pretty much it. I hope you’re willing to support this or at least spread the word! Have a Merry Christmas and a happy Operation Jack Day!
just watched the video…congratulations on your amazing feat in 2010.
I am coming from CO to do the race in a few days…I’m a walker so I’ll probably be last,..can’t wait for what promises to be a great day!.
Thanks for all that you do to help other…
Asia just finished her 6.1 miles, in Wilson Park and surrounding areas in our town of Milan, MI. She’s running another 4 now to meet her training schedule of 10 miles today, training for the LA Marathon in March. Grizz and I walked 3 or so while she ran and I will finish my part later today. It was a beautiful day, sunny and 32 with light winds. We saw hawks and eagles flying over the park and scared a huge flock of Canada geese resting on the bank of the Saline River. Good luck to all the Marathon/Half Marathon runners in Manhattan Beach, Houston, Portland, OR, and Portland, ME, and Satellite runners wherever you are!
Adair, Asia, and Grizz