On August 11, Sam Thompson Ran ING Georgia Marathon Route for Katrina Victims

Sam Thompson Runs ING Georgia Marathon Route for Katrina Victims

On July 1, 2006, Samuel Thompson, an avid ultra-marathoner and a native of Vicksburg, MS began the monumental task of running fifty marathons in fifty days in fifty states in the city of Leadville, Colorado. His mission is to run fifty marathons (26.2 miles) in all fifty states in fifty consecutive days. These will all be timed, certified marathon courses, though most will not be run on the actual marathon race day. Why?  To raise both awareness of the devastation that still remains on the Mississippi Gulf Coast left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the need for continued support in order to maintain efforts to rebuild homes, communities, and lives in the area.

On August 11, 2006, Sam ran the inaugural ING Georgia Marathon route in his pursuit of accomplishing this amazing feat.  Several local runners including Big Peach Running Co. owners, Steve DeMoss and Mike Cosentino, joined Sam in the preview of the new course along with a very special surprise appearance by Ultra Running Man himself, Dean Karnazes.  The running of the ING Georgia Marathon route is Sam's 42nd marathon in so many days.  His quest ends on Saturday, August 19, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.  Check out Sam's blog of the day's events at http://www.50in50in50.com/blog.htm.

The ING Georgia Marathon is proud to support Sam in his campaign and has joined Big Peach Running Co. in contributing a donation to the 50 in 50 in 50 Run for Hope.  For more details of Sam's Mission, visit www.50in50in50.com.