Team CJ at River Towns 2015

After a successful inaugural running in 2014 I knew I'd want to organize Team CJ again for another race and fundraising event.  Last year we raised about $7500.  Proceeds were donated to the Operation Jack Autism Foundation and the Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI). With race director Bob Stoudt's blessing, I decided to bring the team back to River Towns Half & Full Marathon on May 2, 2015.  The team grew to thirty-three runners strong, seven for the full marathon and 26 for the half marathon.

Marathoners- Jared, Jenn, Janell, Glen, Erin (not pictured- Adrian & James)

Half Marathoners- Erica, Kelli, Christa, Brenda, Steph, Krista, Shelby, Penny, Ali, Greta, Shannon,
Kevin, Brandi, Tina, Kelly, Maggie, Justin, Kristen, Julie
(not pictured- Don, Tammy, Jen, Julia, Michelle, Ed, Casey)

I am still absolutely amazed by this group of people.  Just like last year, I didn't know everybody on the team.  Friends recruited their friends and the team just grew.  Regrettably I didn't get to meet everyone by the end of the day, but I hope everyone knows how grateful I am to each of you.  We raised a total of $8717!  That's over $1000 more than in our inaugural running!  You are an amazing bunch and I'm so fortunate to have you in my life, if only for one day.  I loved seeing the blue shirts out there along the race course and hearing of friendships forming along the run.  I love everything about doing this!

There are some really noteworthy things I need to share.

~Jenn and Erin ran their first marathon with Team CJ this year (and Erin her first half marathon with the team in 2014!)

Erin crossing that finish line!

~Jared used the marathon as a training run for his first 100k, and "accidentally" PR'd his marathon!

Jared cruising!

~Shannon took First Woman Overall for the Half Marathon!

WINNER!!!

~Krista took Second Woman Overall for the Half Marathon!

Places 2nd while setting a new PR!!!

~"CJ" isn't the only autistic child for which we run.  Current statistics are 1 in 68, so many of the team know someone.  For example, meet Landon's Entourage!

WeRunForLandon!!!

Our gracious host, RD Bob Stoudt, has already invited us back for next year.  In fact, he's extended an invitation for two of MARC's races, the hilariously fun Humdinger as well as River Towns Half & Full Marathon.  Those details will be worked out later this year.  For now, know that the Humdinger is an early March race and River Towns is early May.

More pressing is what Team CJ is doing this fall.  We're going to be running the Runner's World Half & Festival!!!  And yes, I'm talking about Runner's World the magazine!  This is a fun filled weekend in Bethlehem, PA October 16-18.  Friday is an expo, Saturday is a 5k and 10k, and Sunday is the half marathon.  Team CJ teammates will have the option to run the 5k, 10k, Five & Dime (5k & 10k), Half Marathon, or the Hat Trick (all three races!)  Interested???  Or know someone else who might be?  Contact me!!!

Join the fun this fall!

So finally, I just want to say one more thank you.  You all have inspired and encouraged me and lifted me up.  Your acts of kindness give me such hope for the future and fill my heart with gratitude.  It may have been just a race to you, but it means so much more than that to me.  Thank you.

"CJ"