HISTORY OF RUNNING DOWN A DREAM
"Running Down a Dream" is a project conceived by Larry Herman, a chiropractor who spent most the first 37 years of his life overweight, sedentary, and unhealthy.
Spending so many years not being accepted by others in many of life's happenings, growing up being chosen last for activities…or not at all, being stared at, made fun of, and always being 'alone in a crowd' was his daily experience. A friend bet $1,000 dollars that he could not run a single mile - something that he had NEVER done before. That night, after lacing up his sneakers, he made it exactly one block before stopping and turning to walk home. Out of breath, tired, and embarrassed, he knew something had to change.
After making a decision to commit to a healthier lifestyle, he lost over 100 pounds and began running. Alot. He fell in love with running and within a short seven months, completed his first marathon. A 26.2 mile celebration of his new life that made him feel like an Olympic gold medalist. Within 24 months he completed 10 marathons and ultra-marathons including the prestigious JFK 50-Miler - the oldest and largest ultra in the United States. He kept going from there.
The many folks now involved in this wonderful project know the feeling that is gotten from experiencing themselves or others being cheered on by bystanders, screamed at by perfect strangers, and encouraged by everyone from race volunteers to police to little kids lining each course. This enjoyment is something that is cherished with unexplainable emotion. Each second is a wonderful example of triumph, courage and love for all involved.
But the greatest joy is sharing this feeling with others. Embarking on a new journey to have as many people as possible take part in the joy that we know, "Running Down a Dream" set out on a mission to bring the experience of running to those who can't. With the help of race directors, volunteer runners and walkers, and the kindness of donations, people who would otherwise be unable to run a marathon are pushed through a marathon course as fully registered participants. They experience all the hooping and hollering. They live the dream of so many. They cross the finish line feeling like the true champions that they are for undertaking and achieving such a mountainous task.
It is truly an life-altering experience like no other for all involved.