Running for that blue planet

Posted on by Lisa Nash

The effort [put forth] by Asheville’s running community is a symbol that we can all make a difference, with commitment and stamina, to solve the world’s water crisis.

On May 3 and 4, nearly 300 runners, supported by family and friends, participated in the first Blue Planet Run 24, a unique 24-hour trail relay race, at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain. Nearly $25,000 was gathered to help our foundation’s mission of bringing safe drinking water to the 1 billion-plus people around the world who don’t have it today.

Water-related diseases are the world’s leading cause of sickness and death. Given that it only takes $30 to give a person a lifetime of safe drinking water, think of how many people’s lives were saved that weekend! Many participants fundraised in addition to running incredible distances. William Harwood and his class from Rainbow Mountain [School] raised more than $1,000 to go directly to safe drinking-water projects, and William ran a personal best of 40 miles in about six hours. Elizabeth Lucarelli, also from Asheville, ran 75 miles in 24 hours. Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2008 Blue Planet Run 24 and the great community that supported all the runners. For a full list of winners and participants and a chance to learn how you can help, check out www.blueplanetrun.org/bpr24/blackmountain.

— Lisa Nash, CEO
Blue Planet Run Foundation
San Francisco, Calif.

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