Posted: May 8, 2006

Athletics: Wheelchair-Bound Quadriplegics Inspire While Experiencing the Marathon

FREDERICK, Md. - (April 30, 2006) - Seven severely disabled people were pushed by over 50 volunteers in the Frederick Marathon on Sunday, April 30. This was the inaugural race for the "Running Down a Dream" project which promised and succeeded in bringing the experience and joy of running to those who can't.

One-by-one as they rounded the final turn and blazed through the final stretch, crescendos of cheers descended like a waterfall of admiration on Harry Grove Stadium, home of the Frederick Keys baseball team and the finish line of the Frederick Marathon. Tears streamed down the faces of participant riders, volunteer pushers, other runners and spectators alike in what turned out to be a wildly successful, awe-inspiring demonstration of love, courage and hope.

At the area's biggest sporting event, they were up at the crack of dawn and assembled at the rear of the start line to make the trek through the 26.2 miles of streets and roads in and around Frederick.

"I was broken up when I saw the folks cross the starting line, giggling and laughing. When I looked around and saw Race Director Rachel Ridgway crying, I realized the impact that this had on so many more than just those participating. It was as touching a moment as I have ever experienced, and I heard that from hundreds of people all day long," said Running Down a Dream Project Founder, Dr. Larry Herman, a Frederick resident and Chiropractor.

At the end of them all was Kathy Poole in her motorized wheelchair cross the starting mat with a grin that seemed bigger than her face itself.

After each rider finished, got their medal, finisher's shirt and post-race food, they went back to the homestretch to wait for the next one of their friends, some waiting for hours, to share the excitement.

There was Lucas Beall, who needed none of the preparations his family made in case he was bored or unhappy with the experience, smiling and writhing with joy every step of the way with family and friends behind him.

Crowd favorites Walter Greene and Jimmy Nicewarmer had the times of their lives as well. High-fiving spectators all along the course, hooting, hollering and yelling for the volunteers to push faster and not let the other get ahead, they gave the experienced marathoners all the reasons they needed to push and run like they had never done so before.

Led by 14-year-old Team Coordinator Caroline Browning, the Urbana High School Girls Track Team pushed fellow student Erin Kiernan to a second place age group finish in 4 hours, 19 minutes and 20 seconds. Seasoned runner and veteran finisher of 25 marathons, John Kinnaman ran next to the girls in case they needed his help on any tough parts of the course. They didn't. But, when with a mile left to go, the girls realized that their adrenaline had left Mr. Kinnaman behind, they did what their hearts told them. They stopped, cheered on other runners, and waited so they could finish next to the man that was next to them through the entire run. A powerful and beautiful gesture from girls that live lives bigger than their years would suggest.

During one of the practice runs leading up to the race, Erin spoke of how she had spent her entire life in a wheelchair, and was finally having fun in it. After the race, the look on her and her parents, Pat and Karen Kiernan's faces, was an unforgettable memory for all, as they placed the finisher bumper sticker on the back of Erin's wheelchair.

Truly a day filled with memories that will last lifetimes and stories that will inspire smiles every time they are told.

Herman hopes to eventually recruit participants, sponsors and support for entrance in races throughout the United States and beyond and welcomes pushers, riders, volunteers and sponsors for teams to contact "Running Down a Dream" at RDAD.org. Contact Larry Herman at (301) 667-2517 or larryherman@earthlink.net.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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