Last week, I finally announced the date and location of the Operation Jack Marathon, which will be the 61st and final marathon I run this year in my quest to raise money and awareness for Train 4 Autism. Today, I have some information about how you can participate and earn a medal if you’re not going to be near the race site in Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Real quick, in case you’re new here and wondering why I’m talking about 61 marathons this year, I’m a father of three and a distance runner. My middle child, 7-year-old Jack, is severely autistic and I’m trying to do what I can to make a difference. I’m attempting to run 61 marathons to raise money and awareness for a charity I’m a part of called Train 4 Autism. So far, I’m through 53 of the 61!
Anyways, the 61st race is going to be something I’m putting on with Train 4 Autism called the Operation Jack Marathon. It’s going to take place in Manhattan Beach and Marina Del Rey on December 26. That’s 46 days from today, not that I’m counting!
I know there are folks who would run the race if they could, but they can’t because they’re too far away. So, we’re creating remote options.
In the Portland area, Operation Jack supporters Steve Walters and Deb Bosilevac are putting on something called the Operation Jack Northwest Challenge. It’s going to be a 6.1-hour timed race with a 6.1-mile option (6.1 is a play on 61). They’re the same folks who put on the Operation Jack 7-Hour Challenge back in September. That race was a great success, so they’re putting this on, too. Participants will get medals and probably shirts. We’re finalizing the pricing and will announce that very soon.
For everybody not near L.A. or Portland, we’re doing something else. We’re going to have remote Operation Jack Marathon runs. You run 6.1 miles and we’re going to send a medal and a t-shirt. More important, it’s one last opportunity to raise money and awareness for Train 4 Autism. I know a lot of you out there like what I’ve been doing and you’ve been lurking here for a while. A lot of you tell me I inspire you.
With these 61 marathons, are you at least inspired enough to go out for 6.1 miles on December 26 to support Train 4 Autism? Do it outside, do it inside on the treadmill, run it in 40 minutes or walk it in two hours. But do it.
I want folks to do this in all 50 states. I want you to do it, then help me find people in states where I don’t have anybody. Let’s do this. This is all I’m asking of you for the whole year. We’re still finalizing the pricing on this, but I’m thinking I’ll have this by tomorrow.
I’m going to get a state chart and I want you guys to help me fill it. So, who’s in? Who has questions? Leave a comment or send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as we’re ready to go. Let’s do this!
Yippee!!! I LOVE IT!!! Count in 3 Rennings in MI. 1 running and 2 walking fast!! When you come up with the price I’ll post it on my FB for other running friends in this area and elsewhere.
I can do 6.1, or maybe 12.2 I can do it here in Newport or can go to Manhattan Beach. I will figure that out later. Also why is it that I can never tell what the crazy letters below are that I need to type? I had a problem with the same thing on another site today. See you on Sat at 5:45 AM for the flight.
Rock on! I think I’ll stick with the OJ Half, that’s close enough to home.
Shouldn’t we get a Kintera team together for this? Would love to raise scads and have one of those thermometer thingers showing how much money we’re raising over time.
And why just 50 states? I bet we can get 100 countries, too. Post once you have the sign-up details, and I’ll blast it out to all my friends worldwide.
My words of the day: 1975 arifela
Count TEXAS in!!
I will commit to do it. Quinton might be able to get some guys from work to do it too. I’ll let you know.
Like I said, if I’m in CA, count me in for the OJ marathon, if not, count Texas in–although, I already see you’ve got someone in Texas represented. I’ve got some running friends in Georgia that we can send this too, other states as well. This is an awesome idea, Sam!
maine is in, obviousy.
Hhhmmmm, what shall I do? Could I run 6.1 in KS, then 6.1 in MO? Probably too much for my legs. I could run 6.1 miles down State Line Rd, and cover MO & KS in one run. Or, I could say you runners are crazy, I’d rather swim it! 6.1 miles = 10,736 yards in a 25 yard pool = 214.72 laps. Heck, I might even go a full 215 laps! But I can only do one state that way, don’t know any pools that straddle State Line Road.
I’m from CO but I’ll be back home in OH on that day, so which would I represent?! Hmm… either way, you can count me in! Cool idea, Sam!
As you already know Sam, I’m all over this. But for anyone else reading, I’ll be participating from Alaska. If there happens to be anyone else reading from Alaska, hit me up and let’s run this thing together!
Erin, where will you be in OH? We’re in Milan, not too far from the border.
Wow, I already count: Michigan, California, Oregon, Texas, Maine, Missouri, Kansas, Ohio & Alaska. That’s 9 states before it’s even an official plan. Excellence!
Oh, I am SO happy to see this up! I will be out there on 12/26, paying homage to your amazing ultra stint this summer! 😀
I posted the link and this message on FB, “Can you run (or walk!) 6.1 miles on December 26th to raise money for autism research? Challenge yourself and get a jump on the new year! Be part of the 50-state celebration of Sam’s completion of 61 marathons in 2010.” So far, I have found 3 takers. Even if you only suggest something like $6.10, you’re bound to raise a lot via the Walmart principle. 🙂
I’m in!!! Count MASSACHUSETTS! This is GREAT!
@fiftyforbilly
I’ve been on the injury list for 13 weeks now. After canceling the last of the races I’d already registered for (and canceling my New Years plans in the process), I said I wasn’t making ANY running plans until I was healed. But you know, I think I can plan to run 6.1 miles on Dec. 26.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to make in to CA, but will proudly be a part of this – so count Tucson, AZ in!
I’m in, I love it! I’ll be spending Christmas in NJ so we can cross that state off the list. Can’t wait for more details 🙂
sam, i’m in.
Such an awesome idea!!!! Now I can run on the treadmill that day instead of driving up to LA. Will definitely try to get the word out.
Kentucky is in the race.