2nd Annual Magnificent Mile Race to Hit Raleigh, NC like a Hurricane

Last year we saw the first running of the Magnificent Mile Race in Raleigh. It was held at the Centennial Campus of the North Carolina State University.

For the first running of this event there was a tremendous turnout. The SPF foundation was just getting its legs. Every thousands of healthy individuals of all ages are suddenly affected by this rare disease. It is a disease that is often misdiagnosed for years as doctors unfamiliar with the condition try to diagnose it.

Sara Roberts-Witt went through many doctors before she finally found one who was willing to spend enough time to listen. That doctor, Richard S. Bedlack, MD PHD, is an associate at the Duke University Clinics engaged in researching ALS another catastrophic disease.

Dr. Bedlack doesn't have a cure for SPF. In fact most of his research related to the disease is on identifying possible drugs to reduce the impact of the disease while researchers try to find out what causes this disease.

Sarah has been a willing patient in testing possible drugs to offset some of the more disabling components of the disease.

Sometimes the drugs help make it possible for Sarah to spend more quality time with her children. At other times drugs they try don't have the results that anyone wants.

The trials have helped make some slow progress that will help others cope with the worst elements of the disease. It is a cruel disease that took away not only Sarah's ability to run marathons but also to do simple things like read a bedtime story to her children. It literally stole her voice.

The Athlete's Foot of Cameron Village in Raleigh is again one of the key sponsors of this race. They were a big part of making the 2006 race a success.

Umstead Park UCC will again be providing a contingent of volunteers to man the tables and also to run in the race.

The Raleigh Roadrunners Club has done something very special. If you are a runner and you are looking for a sanctioned event to run in, this year's event is a USATF sanction competitive race. There is prize money available to USATF members in the competitive events. The course down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh is a sanctioned course.

The starting place for the race is the Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House in downtown Raleigh. I have heard good things about this restaurant. Being part of this important event is just one more.

I will have more on this event in the following weeks.

The Magnificent Mile Race will take Place on Sunday, September 16th 2007 at 2PM.

Races will include:

1. RRCA NC 1 mile championship
2. USATF NC 1 mile championship
3. Part of the Second Empire Grand Prix Series
4. Over $3000 in cash prizes and awards
5. 1 mile Non-Competitive Run/Walk (my kind of race)
6. ¼ mile and 100 meter children's races (everyone is a winner in these events)

Location:
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
330 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC

Information can be found at:
North Carolina Roadrunners Club
PO Box 97336
Raleigh, NC 27624

Links to the Raleigh Roadrunners Website, SPF Website and Dr. Bedlack's Duke Website follow.