QUADRIPLEGICS TO COMPLETE 26.2 MILE MARATHON

They can't run. They can't walk. Some have no use of their hands or legs at all. Yet, on April 30, 2006, they will feel what it's like to have the wind in their faces, to see the scenery go by, to be cheered by thousands, to experience the pure joy of completing an entire 26.2 mile marathon.

The Frederick Marathon (Frederick, Maryland) will be featuring an exciting addition to this year's field of competitors. Relay teams of between 4 and 10 individuals are volunteering to push severely disabled riders for the full 26.2 mile course in a wheelchair.

The race, known as one of the best organized and fastest growing marathons in the Northeast, will be the first event for the tandem pusher-rider organization “Running Down a Dream”, founded in 2006 by Dr. Larry Herman, a Chiropractor living in Frederick to “bring the experience and joy of running to those who can't”. The non-profit organization has had a tremendous outpouring of support from runners and walkers, families and businesses, school teams and strangers to make this inaugural event a huge success. Herman hopes to eventually recruit participants, sponsors, and support for entrance in races throughout the United States and beyond.

Dr. Herman was inspired to the project by a Rick Reilly article in Sports Illustrated. The article detailed the amazing achievements of Dick Hoyt and his disabled son Rick, who have completed 212 triathlons among their long list of accomplishments. Dick has pushed, pulled, and carried his son in every one of these races including 24 Boston Marathons. Their best marathon time being only 35 minutes slower than the overall world record.

“The thrill and excitement on the faces of everyone involved is overwhelming!” said Herman. “When these courageous folks zoom across the finish line and have that medal placed around their necks, it will be a life-changing, transformational experience for all involved, whether they are a participant, pusher, or spectator.”

Pushers, riders, volunteers, and sponsors for teams are welcome for the Frederick Marathon debut of “Running Down a Dream”, as well as future marathons across the United States as this project has already attracted the attention of race organizers across the country. Anyone interested in helping for any amount of time or distance should contact Larry Herman at larryherman@earthlink.net.