Running for a Cause: 185 for Heroes
From September 5th to September 11th 2010, two siblings and active duty US Navy Sailors, Clayton and Ashley Anderson, ran the entire 185 mile length of the C&O Canal to raise money for our nation's wounded soldiers through the organization Wounded Warrior Project. Clayton and Ashley's journey took them from mile marker 185 in Cumberland to mile marker 0 here in Georgetown. This year, brothers Don and Chris Snook will again make this historic run and the Georgetown University Running Club will again be supporting their admirable efforts. The primary way that the club supports the cause is through fundraising: club participants will be divided into teams over the summer months to raise money from family and friends. When the team reconvenes on campus in the fall, they will attempt to log the same distance over the same week, fundraising for Clayton's cause. The incredible week of running will come to a close when the entire club will run the last few miles with Clayton, Ashley, and their bike team and welcome them to the Hilltop in a grand finishline ceremony.
185 for Heroes 2010 Recap
The year started off with a story of endurance, courage and heart. Clayton and Ashley Anderson, two US Navy Sailors, ran the entire length of the C&O Canal, which measures 185 miles. Amazingly, they completed it in only seven days. Both ran in honor of fallen veterans and wounded soldiers, as they attempted to raise money to support those who had been injured in battle.
The brother and sister pair began their journey on September 5th and completed the final mile, finishing at the hilltop, on September 11th—a tribute to our country and all the men and women who have been killed or wounded in battle. The Georgetown Running Club had the opportunity to run the final few miles with Clay and Ashley. The scene was unreal: Clay and Ashley looked so beat up. Their ankles tapped, their bodies held so much fatigue, yet they unwaveringly pushed to finish strong. As Clay and Ashley ran through the front gates and up the steps of White Gravenor, cheers and music erupted. They had run the entire C&O canal. They ran roughly a marathon a day for seven straight days. And somehow they ran through Achilles Tendonitis, shin splints and fatigue.
After the applause had died down, Clay spoke about his mission and how proud he was to have accomplished something for his fellow countrymen. Clay spoke with sadness, sorrow, and hope as he proceeded to recognize seven wounded soldiers to whom he and Ashley had dedicated their run. Clay proceeded to honor each soldier with a plaque of gratitude and thanks. The ceremony concluded with a benediction as all the soldiers, those killed, those wounded, and those still fighting, were remembered.
The day had been a great success. Not only had Clay and Ashley conquered the entire C&O Canal, but they also had brought a beautiful respect for fallen and wounded soldiers on such a sobering day, September 11th. Because of Clay and Ashley’s efforts, almost $7,000 has been raised in order to support wounded soldiers as they recover from injury. For more information about the 185 for Heroes Project visit Clay and Ashley’s website at 185forheroes.org.
The brother and sister pair began their journey on September 5th and completed the final mile, finishing at the hilltop, on September 11th—a tribute to our country and all the men and women who have been killed or wounded in battle. The Georgetown Running Club had the opportunity to run the final few miles with Clay and Ashley. The scene was unreal: Clay and Ashley looked so beat up. Their ankles tapped, their bodies held so much fatigue, yet they unwaveringly pushed to finish strong. As Clay and Ashley ran through the front gates and up the steps of White Gravenor, cheers and music erupted. They had run the entire C&O canal. They ran roughly a marathon a day for seven straight days. And somehow they ran through Achilles Tendonitis, shin splints and fatigue.
After the applause had died down, Clay spoke about his mission and how proud he was to have accomplished something for his fellow countrymen. Clay spoke with sadness, sorrow, and hope as he proceeded to recognize seven wounded soldiers to whom he and Ashley had dedicated their run. Clay proceeded to honor each soldier with a plaque of gratitude and thanks. The ceremony concluded with a benediction as all the soldiers, those killed, those wounded, and those still fighting, were remembered.
The day had been a great success. Not only had Clay and Ashley conquered the entire C&O Canal, but they also had brought a beautiful respect for fallen and wounded soldiers on such a sobering day, September 11th. Because of Clay and Ashley’s efforts, almost $7,000 has been raised in order to support wounded soldiers as they recover from injury. For more information about the 185 for Heroes Project visit Clay and Ashley’s website at 185forheroes.org.
