The 2011 version of my Strong Kids Campaign treadmill run was a success. I completed 61.25 miles over the 16 hours and raised almost $2000 for these scholarships to help underprivileged kids attend Y camps and use Y facilities. I strongly believe in this program, as my brother and I used these scholarships when we were young. We would never have been able to attend Y camps without the generosity of others.
Media coverage from 16 hours on the treadmill
FOX 47 TV
http://www.myfox47.com/story/14496815/stewartville-teacher-to-run-17-hours-straight
KTTC TV 4/22/11
http://www.kttc.com/story/14496815/stewartville-teacher-to-run-17-hours-straight
KAAL TV6 4/22/11
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/s2078067.shtml?cat=10151
Olmsted County Journal 4/28/11
http://olmstedcountyjournal.com/single.php?article_id=245
Rochester Post Bulletin 4/21/11
http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1451795
Pictures
I ran again this year in the Brooks Launch. 17 hours in them on the treadmill last year and 16 hours this year, without a single blister. Not even a hotspot. These shoes are light, flexible, and cushioned enough to protect the feet. That is exactly what I look for in a shoe as an ultramarathon runner! Looking forward to the new colors coming out soon!
My name is Jim Parry and on April 22nd, I will again be running on a treadmill in the lobby of the Rochester Area Family Y for 16 hours to raise funds for the Strong Kids Campaign. Last year I ran 67.5 miles in 17 hours, completing the same challenge on a treadmill. We had a lot of runners and walkers join me on one of the other treadmills and raised just under $1600, but I know we can do better! My goal this year is to raise at least $2500.My family was able to take part in Y programs when I was a child because of this scholarship program. We would never have been able to afford those opportunities without the generosity of others. This event is called Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA and is one way I feel I can give back. I take the responsibility of being a positive role model for children seriously and running is an easy way for me to do that. I also know that sometimes this just is not enough for some. The Strong Kids Campaign provides the resources to participate in Y programs for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to.
The idea for Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge came to me soon after I started teaching in my hometown of Stewartville and, before I knew it, became a reality with the first event happening in 2009. I ran/walked 96 miles during those 24 hours…in 2010, I ran and walked 100.68 miles over 24 hours from April 29-30. I have heard many stories about how individuals made big changes in their lives because of Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge. Those stories motivate and inspire me.
I need your help to fulfill this challenge. The Y is providing a 2 other treadmills for people to run or walk on with me. You can sign up for 15 minutes or an hour. It’s up to you. My run is from 5am – 9pm on Friday, April 22. It makes a HUGE difference for me to know that people are supporting me and this wonderful cause.
Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the Y lobby. You do not need to be a member of the Y to join me that day. You can also call the Y at 287-2260 to sign up. Thank you!
Jim
To find out more about Jim Parry’s Endurance Run for the Y, talk to a fitness center staff today. You can also make a pledge to support Mr. Parry online at http://www.ymcastrongkids.org. More information about Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA can be found at http://www.rochfamy.org/ and http://mrparrysendurancechallenge.blogspot.com/.
Sign-up sheets are up and ready to go at the Y for those who are able to come run with me at the Y this Friday. I will be running from 5:00am - 9:00pm. 2 other treadmills, in addition to mine, will be set up in the lobby for others to run/walk on. You do not need to be a member of the Y to join me that day. Call 507.287.2260 to sign up for a time slot...they filled up quickly last year, so call early.
If you can't make it to the run and wish to make a donation to the Strong Kids Campaign, send me an email and I will email back a copy of the pledge form or you can call 507.287.2260 to make a pledge. Remember, the money raised will go to helping kids who need some financial help affording the cost of attending Y programs and camps. Please help out if you are able. Thank you. Jim
From the Rochester Area Family Y's website: http://rochfamy.org
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience our programs, regardless of financial difficulties their family might be facing. YMCA programs such as child care, camping, swim lessons, youth sports, LINK, and Y Mentors do more than teach skills; they instill confidence, responsibility, and help young people to be strong in spirit, mind and body. These experiences help our local youth grow into healthy, contributing adults.
With your help, no person will be denied the benefits of a YMCA membership based on financial limitations. Through our Annual Strong Kids Campaign, people just like you come together to make their community stronger. Donations to the Strong Kids Campaign allow the Y to provide membership and program assistance to kids and families who might not otherwise be able to afford to pay for our services. With a commitment to making programs and services available to everyone, the YMCA provided nearly $800,000 in scholarships and program subsidies in 2009 to over 17,000 of our Southeast Minnesota friends and neighbors. We ask that you give generously so that more in our community can share the YMCA experience.
From earlier this spring:Just added...I will again be doing a 16 hour treadmill run to benefit the Rochester Area Family Y Strong Kids Campaign. My run will be on April 22nd this year and will be held from 5am - 9pm in the lobby of the Y. The plan is to again have 2 other treadmills set up on either side of me for others to run on. Stop by, give a little, and run with me for a while if you are able. The Strong Kids Campaign provides scholarships to kids whose families can not afford to let them attend Y camps and activities. My family used these scholarships a couple of years when I was youg...we never would have been able to participate in Y camps because of our finances. Last year's run was a huge success, with just under $1600 being raised! My goal is to raise at least $2500 this year. See my earlier blog post for a post-run write-up from last year's fundraising run. http://www.rochfamy.org/
