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Miracle
Marathon
The adventure continues... |
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT
All photographs
have been provided by entropy49 productions.
To purchase photographs please contact
Luke Wasserman at luciusw@earthlink.net
or (802) 583-3816.
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June 17th, 2001 Day
13 A
Final Message From Matt:
Previously, my brother Dave and I had completed a couple of marathons and raised enough money to send several families to camp. However, as painful as these marathons were, I knew running the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles just didn't make a loud enough statement for an organization that has been running its heart out for the last 16 years. That's when the Miracle Marathon came running to me.
What made the Miracle Marathon beautiful is that we were more than just a team of runners. We were running clubs, schools, service clubs, friends and family, corporate and individual sponsors, hospitals, Olympic athletes, news, radio, sports teams, restaurants, hotels, and many more. We were all from different walks of life, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Like most great things, the Miracle Marathon started out as one person's idea. However, since its inception, the Miracle Marathon bloomed into a true display of love, passion, and care brought about by a community of people. Like a magnetic force, the idea of easing the burdens on those less fortunate attracted great people from all over the nation and beyond. This community effort is the essence of what has made Camp Sunshine the beacon of hope that it is today.
On behalf of the Miracle Runners, I would like to extend a special thank you and congratulations to all those who have supported us and have made this event a huge success, not just in fundraising, but also in spreading the word. The Miracle Marathon and the numerous hands that made it a success will be etched in our hearts and souls forever.
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As part of this idea, I also wanted to raise substantial funds to enable these families to attend this amazing retreat. To accomplish these ideals, I knew I had to make a statement that would make the nation sit up and listen. .
11 months later, on Sunday June 17th, 11 Miracle Runners completed the 1600+ mile journey from Florida to Maine at Camp Sunshine, making news, magazine, and radio appearances, and raising substantial funds for family sponsorships. Running through the finish line at Camp Sunshine's amazing new home was very emotional and beautiful. It was a moment I will never forget..
We were men and women, and boys and girls, of all different ages.Yet although we were numerous, and diverse, for the 13 days during the run, and the months of planning beforehand, we all came together for one common purpose, to lend a hand to those less fortunate than ourselves. We were the community coming together as one.
For those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit Camp Sunshine, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. If you were impressed by our marathon, I assure you Camp Sunshine will leave you in absolute awe. While running 1600+ miles was a feat, Camp Sunshine never quits going the distance. The organization, energy, and human investment that have gone into the camp are testament to the greatness that we can achieve if we come together for a common purpose.
Though our journey from Florida to Camp Sunshine has come to an end, our love and support for the children and families whom Camp Sunshine so happily and wonderfully serves lives on. Matt Hoidal Founder, Miracle Marathon |
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June 16th, 2001 Day 12 Today we ran from our hotel in Newton, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine.
Speaking of daily mileage, congratulations to Ron Paquette for completing the Mt. Washington Road Race today. Ron, you are an inspiration!
A special thank you to Wormwood's Restaurant in Ocean Park, Maine for the tasty lobster dinner. What a way to celebrate our arrival in Maine!!!
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It was another hot day, but the high temperatures couldn't deter us from banging out our daily mileage..
While running north of Salem, Massachusetts, the Fitts' ran into a biker from Alaska. This guy has been biking around the country for a year and a half.
After 12 days of running, the end is in sight. Please join us in these last moments and make a contribution today so that we can send 100 critically ill children and their families to Camp Sunshine.
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June 15th, 2001 Day 11 We started the day with a run into the Wilbraham Middle School in Wilbraham, Massachusetts.
Hats off to Sue Fitts and the faculty and students at the Wilbraham Middle School for this amazing effort.
Thanks also to Friendly's Ice Cream for matching a portion of the amount raised and for treating the winning team to an ice cream party.
A special thank you to Steve Brickel for the $500 donation. We would also like to thank the Stony Brook Acres YMCA for the $250 on the spot donation today. |
Students at the school presented our group with a check in the amount of $1,600. Originally, their goal was to match our 1,600 miles with 1,600 quarters. However, these incredible kids far surpassed this goal..
Steve Fitts joined his daughters Heather and Kristen for a few miles today. He also shared the driving with Matt H in the RV. Thanks Steve!!!
Good luck to Ron Paquette and his wife Donna Jean who will run the Mt. Washington road race on Saturday. Ron, it's amazing that you still have the energy to run up that big hill after running at least 15 miles a day for the past 11 days. |
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June 14th, 2001 Day 10 Today we took Manhattan by storm. We woke up at 4:00 am to get to the Today Show, where we joined the crowd outside and proudly promoted the Miracle Marathon and Camp Sunshine.
After our moment of glory in the Big Apple we strapped on our running shoes and hit the road to Connecticut. It was nice to be back in the country again, this time with some rolling hills.
A special thank you to the Days Inn in Windsor Locks, Connecticut for donating our rooms for the evening. Your support is invaluable!!! |
For those of you who missed our debut on the show, Willard Scott gave us a few moments in the spotlight. It was a treat for us all. .
After
finishing our daily mileage, we visited with the Fitts family in Longmeadow,
Massachusetts. Thanks for the pizza and accommodations Sue. We look
forward to running to your school in
Only three states to go!!! Please help us reach our goal of raising $150,000 before we arrive in Maine.. |
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June 13th, 2001 Day 9 It was another great day for the Miracle Marathon.
Upon arriving at the Medical Center, we were greeted by the Bronx Lion's Club, DCH Auto Group, friends, family, and all the wonderful people at the Tomorrow's Children's Institute.
We would also like to thank the Bronx Lion's Club for the wonderful dinner at Meson Madrid. The paella and lobster were delicious and the company was even better!!!
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We visited with Camp Sunshine children and families at the Hackensack Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey.
A special thank you to DCH Auto Group and the Bronx Lion's Club for their generous donations today. Without this kind of support we can only go one mile at a time, but with your support we can and will go all the way!!!
Finally, we would like to thank the Chernetz family and the Kristen Larsen and the rest of the Gordons for inviting us into your homes and even doing our stinky laundry..
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June 12th, 2001 Day 8 Today while crossing from Delaware to New Jersey on the ferry Alan ran laps around the boat.
Although several hundred miles still separate us from Camp Sunshine we feel closer and closer with each step. It seems as though the heat is following us up to Maine.
Another Thank you to Bennigan's Restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ for helping us out with our dinner.
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A fun crossing was had by all and we raised a few dollars to boot. A special thank you to the folks at the Lewes Delaware-Cape May ferry for donating our passage.
However, just coming from the South we are now acclimated to high temperatures and feel as though we could persevere through almost anything
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June 11th, 2001 Day 7 Approximately 1,050 miles brings us to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware...Only 550 to go... It is hard to imagine we began just a week ago
We have covered so much ground since West Palm Beach. Our bodies are definitely feeling the miles. With aching joints, ankles, and knees, and blisters on our feet, it is a wonder we can get up everyday and do it all over again. It is amazing what your body can endure when you put your mind to it.
A special thank you to the Moore's for putting us up in their motel. If any of you are ever in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we recommend you book a room at the Oceanus Motel. It's nice and it's just a short walk to the beach. You can visit their website at www.oceanusmotel.com
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We hope everybody will follow our example and go all out for Camp Sunshine. We have not yet reached our goal of raising $150,000. As a challenge, some of us will shave our heads bald (yes, completely bald) if we reach this goal. Please pledge your support today if you have not already done so!!
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June 10th, 2001 Day 6 Today's
150 miles brought us into Hampton, Virginia.
Another thanks to Sam at Papa John's in Hampton, VA for the free pizza. You rock, thanks!!!
Once again we made the news. This time in Tarboro, NC. It is nice to know that our message is being heard.
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That brings us to approximately 900 miles. Only 700 left... .
Georgia James and her two amazing daughters Sara Lynn and Kristin met up with us along our run today. Thanks for the hush puppies and pizza!!! Once again you out did your self.
Written by David Gross on 6/10/01 When the road gets too tough and you don't think you have enough Try to remember why we are here and the burden the children constantly have to bear. What each of us is giving is what makes life worth living. The greatest thing that one can do is to bring some joy and happiness to those not known to you. So my fellow runners may this help in your quest. For together we are absolutely the best. |
click here for Daily Updates from the first 5 days.