Orlando runner Shirley Pratt is running 21 marathons across the nation in nine months to honor and support U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pratt's 18th marathon will be the Boston Marathon on April 18th, also known as Patriot's Day. She has raised over $15,000 for two charities that provide comfort to deployed troops and help the families of fallen service members.
Boston, MA (PRWEB) April 14, 2005 -- The Boston Marathon is Orlando runner Shirley Pratts next stop in her quest to run 21 marathons across the nation in nine months to honor and support U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pratt began her 21 Run Salute" campaign in September 2004 to raise funds for two charities that provide comfort to deployed troops and help the families of fallen service members. She has run 17 marathons so far, most recently, the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon last Sunday. The legendary Boston Marathon will be held on Patriots Day, Monday, April 18th, a fitting day for Pratt to run for this patriotic cause.
Pratt, 43, is a long-time runner who has worked for both the Army and Navy since she graduated from college. Married to a third generation service member, she was motivated to run for the troops when friends and a relative were sent overseas. Pratt, who enjoys challenging herself, ran her first marathon in January 2003. A year and a half later, she had completed a dozen marathons while also earning her second degree black belt in karate. She set the ambitious goal of running 21 marathons in nine months, dubbing it her 21 Run Salute to the Troops," to pay tribute to their courage, dedication and sacrifices. To fund her effort, Pratt won a $9,000 grant from Balance Bar. She also has a sponsorship with Team Amino Vital.
This will be my second time running the Boston Marathon and this year is special because I am not running it for myself," says Pratt. I am running it for all those who are in harms way and for the families of service members whove made the ultimate sacrifice. When things get tough for me during a race, I think of them and my legs keep going. They are the ones who are enduring real hardships. Raising awareness and funds for this cause is worth a little temporary pain and discomfort."
To date, Pratt has received over $15,000 in donations for Operation USO Care Package and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and hopes to reach $21,000 by Memorial Day weekend. She is also forming virtual running teams so others can join her campaign and run for the troops. Currently, she has team members located in 11 different states as well as one in Europe. For more information, please visit www.21RunSalute.org.
Media Contact:
Shirley Pratt
321-279-3310
smp@21RunSalute.org
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