FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marathon a Family Affair for Three Brothers Running in Support of Jenny Crain
MILWAUKEE (July 23, 2010) - Every runner has a reason for participating in
a marathon. Trekking those 26.2 miles could be the fulfillment of a fitness
goal, a personal record-breaking exercise, or in Pat, Pete and Mike Foy's
case, in support of someone.
The Foys will be running in honor of Milwaukeean Jenny Crain whose
outstanding running career came to an end in 2007 when she was struck by a
vehicle and suffered a traumatic brain injury.
"The opportunity to able to support Jenny in a small way makes this very
special for us," said Pat Foy.
"We decided to participate in the marathon this year not only because it's
the 30th anniversary and the three of us have not been able to complete a
marathon together in quite a while, but also because Anne Marie [Letko] was
coming to support Jenny and we wanted to get involved too."
Letko is a former United States Olympic marathoner who participated in both
the 1996 and 2000 games.
While the Foys do not know Jenny Crain personally, they were very aware of
her story and wanted to help her cause - The Make It Happen Fund - any way
they could.
"Running for awhile, you're just sensitive to other runners' stories," he
said.
Foy and his brothers are all seasoned runners who have participated in a
number of marathons, including Milwaukee's Lakefront and Chicago
Marathons, dreaming of one day running the Boston Marathon.
At this year's Lakefront Marathon, Foy and his brothers are aiming to
achieve a 3:45 Boston Qualifying (BQ) time.
For some extra motivation to meet their BQ goal, for each brother who makes
the 3:45 time, they will donate an additional $500 to their already
generous contribution to the Make It Happen Fund.
"The BQ goal will be difficult for us to achieve, but puts a lot of fun
into the experience," Foy said. "If we do make our goal, it'll be cause for
celebration."
In addition to Pat, Pete and Mike, three more of the Foys 11 siblings will
be participating in the marathon. Two of Pat's brothers who have never run
more than a mile and a sister-in-law will compete on a relay team in the
event. "This will work as a great incentive for all of us to get healthier
and be together," Foy said.
The Foys are also receiving some extra pre-marathon support from Letko, who
has not only been providing training tips but has also invited them to a
training run with her when she visits Milwaukee in August
"This is exactly the kind of thing that makes our marathon special," said
Kris Hinrichs, race director of the Lakefront Marathon. "A family like the
Foy's and a special athlete like Anne Marie coming forward to help another
runner like Jenny."
About Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon
The 30th annual Lakefront Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 2, 2010
in Milwaukee. The race is the premiere event of the Badgerland Striders
running club, and annually fills hotels, restaurants and the streets of
Milwaukee's North Shore each October. Each year, over 3,000 marathon and
relay runners come to Milwaukee's Lakefront for its runner friendly
atmosphere. For more information, visit www.milwaukeelakefrontmarathon.org.
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