Running for a Cause

By Mary Beth Sallee

Managing Editor

Hart Co. News-Herald

 

Wesley Waddle began his journey with running in his late 30s, utilizing it as an efficient way to hit his daily cardio and steps goal while also achieving physical benefits and a mental boost.

However, it wasn’t long before a deeper meaning developed for Wesley as he became part of the running community.

“As I got into longer distances and more challenging events over the last few years, I felt the desire to make a contribution beyond just my own well-being,” Wesley shared. “I mean, if I am going to devote hours per week to being active and embracing running, it is so much more meaningful when you can help support a cause greater than yourself.”

This spring, Wesley will be running for a cause as he participates in MS Run the US.

The MS Run the US is America’s first and only 3,260–mile ultra relay run dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support multiple sclerosis (MS) research, while also aiding those living with disability due to MS.

According to the MS Run the US website, the ultra relay was founded in 2009 by Ashley Schneider, who turned her love of running into a fight against the disease that crippled her mother.

“Jill Kumlien, Ashley’s mother, was diagnosed with MS four years before Ashley was born,” the website stated. “Inspired by Jill’s quiet strength as the disease progressed,  Ashley founded MS Run the US, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The organization’s primary goals are to raise disease awareness on a national scale, support multiple sclerosis (MS) research, and provide direct support to those suffering from MS.”

The organization’s first fundraising event was a 3,288-mile solo run across America by Ashley herself as she attempted to raise $500,000 for MS research. On March 22, 2010, Ashley began her journey in San Francisco, California. She ran 24 miles a day, six days a week, for six months. Along the way, she was dedicated to fundraising for MS research and also growing the non-profit. Ashley completed her cross-country run on September 28, 2010 in New York, New York and became the 16th female to ever run across the United States.

Although she accomplished an amazing feat, Ashley was disappointed to have only raised 10% of her initial $500,000 goal. She was determined to to run across America again, but this time she decided to do so with other runners as a relay team to raise the funds she originally set out to achieve.

In 2013, MS Run the US launched the World’s Longest Annual Relay Run. Each year since its establishment, the MS Run the US ultra relay divides the 3,260 miles into 21 segments among 21 runners, spanning from Santa Monica, California to New York, New York. The non-profit hand-selects a team of runners, with each runner spending one week on the road with the MS Relay Road Crew Team. Each runner has two huge tasks to achieve: run six marathons in six days and fundraise at least $10,000.

Wesley will participate in Segment 5, April 26 – May 2. Over the course of six days, he will run a marathon each day and rest at night. Wesley’s run will take him from Milford, Utah to Spanish Fork, Utah – totaling 157 miles.

“MS Run the US really caught my attention because it also focuses on raising awareness in addition to being very intentional and specific in how the funds are used,” Wesley said.

To be hand-selected for the MS Run the US ultra relay, Wesley underwent an application process.

“Applicants for the relay must submit an application, including references and ‘running resume’ of sorts, to be considered,” Wesley explained. “After a series of interviews, invitations are extended to those runners who demonstrate a sincere interest in the organization, physical and mental endurance to meet the challenge, and willingness to raise funds for MS awareness, research, and support.”

Wesley initially chose to apply for this relay event because a friend of his ran a segment a couple of years ago. Additionally, he also knows individuals personally affected by MS.

“It is a frightening disease – not just because of the potential physical and cognitive effects it can have – but because the onset and progression can be sudden and relentless,” Wesley said. “In reality, as I have started promoting the relay and raising funds for MS, I have been absolutely amazed by the number of people I know that have family members or friends who suffer from MS. Knowing that, in some small way, that I can contribute to the effort to research treatments (and a cure hopefully in the future) and provide support to MS sufferers is extremely gratifying.”

As Wesley has gotten older, his passion for running has continued to grow. He is always open to the next opportunity to challenge himself.

“As much as I enjoy logging miles, I realize not everyone has that opportunity, and the miles are much more meaningful when you are running for a purpose larger than yourself,” Wesley said. “The MS Run the US Relay is the perfect opportunity to push myself while raising awareness and funds for a great cause.”

The easiest way to help Wesley in his efforts to fundraise is to make a donation to MS Run the US on his donation page. Any and every amount donated 100% goes to research, awareness, and support. No donation is too small.

“And, just as important, sharing information about the relay event and the fundraising effort is critical to helping me reach the $10,000 goal,” Wesley said. “I appreciate every donation more than I can say, but sharing the fact you have donated with at least three other people and encouraging them to support MS as well will make all the difference.”

To make a donation to the MS Run the US organization, simply visit www.msruntheus.org, click “Get Involved,” then select “Ultra Relay” and “Donate to a Runner” and scroll down to Wesley’s specific donation page.