Can you help me create a new running event?

[Adam Patrick]

I am planning to hold a new running race in Rochester, MN and I'm hoping that you or someone you know might be interested in offering me assistance and or advice. I've met many great people being in the CTC and know there's a lot of expertise to be shared. Here's my motivation (which also explains why I haven't been that visible this year with respect to the CTC):

After struggling to get in some quality training at the start of this year, I went to see a doctor in April which led to a diagnosis of Amyloidosis in May. I headed out to have this confirmed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in June and then went through a Stem Cell Transplant there in August and have been working to get my strength back since.

While in Rochester, MN, I stayed at a place called the Gift of Life Transplant House. You can read all about the facility on their website (http://www.gift-of-life.org/) but in short, they provide a very clean and affordable place to stay for people undergoing any type of transplant. A place like this is hugely important in avoiding exposure to germs during the time a transplant patient is in an immuno-compromised state. It also provides a nice community full of emotional support. The House is constantly near full and often there is a waiting list before you can move in. To help remedy this, they are currently raising money to build a second house which is where I thought I could help. My goal is to have an annual marathon/half marathon type event that would generate revenue and donations to support the building and or operating costs of the new Gift of Life House.

I am expecting the race to be next Fall (currently finalizing the exact date) and so one of my focuses right now is to find a core group of individuals that would like to support the effort (people that may have good ideas or expertise or access to resources that could help). So if you are interested in helping me in any way, or know someone who might, please get in touch with me.

E-mail would be the best way to get in touch with me. Thanks!

Adam
[e-mail]

[Jack Carney]

Wow Adam sorry to hear about this. Now I know why I haven't seen you on the paths around the North Chagrin. I don't have any experience in planning races but will keep you in my prayers. Hope the transplant worked and you are on the way back to 100% health.

[Adam Patrick]

Thanks Jack. I am doing really well and I'm hoping to be back out there eventually. For now I'm staying indoors on the treadmill consistently doing 30-60 minute run sessions.

[ebanks2]

Adam...hope you are doing better. That is a noble cause and very cool of you to give back like this.

I don't have experience planning races but my thinking is that you want to get the most people possible to do the event...ie to raise the most money. I would have a 5 km as you can get alot of non athlete folks to walk a km to support the cause (a la race for the cure). Almost everyone outside of our small endurance community views a half marathon or marathon as a crazy distance....or have a 5 km and half mary at the same time. Just my 2 cents

Get and stay well. that is great you are back on your feet.

PS. You might try to ping Rick from NCN racing or Mickey from North Coast as they plan big events and could probably give you some pointers.

[Steve Yutzy]

Agreed, you just can't get the type of turnout from a longer event that you can from a 5k/1mile walk type thing. The Komen breast cancer events are a great example of that.

A few ideas (although I'm not really sure how to implement them):
-A lot of times companies like to promote physical fitness for their employees and will sponsor small races like a 5k
-I know when the Komen race comes to town, pretty much every floor at UH (and I'm assuming at the clinic too) puts a team together to run. Make sure that the local hospitals know what you're doing and you might just get loads of doctors/nurses/etc coming out
-Slowtwitch did a series a while ago about putting on triathlon events. I'm sure some of the concepts apply to running as well: www.slowtwitch.com/RD_Aids/index.html

Glad you're doing better,

-Steve

[Brooks Modie]

Adam,

Great ambition and drive, both in healing and in attempting to put together a charity run.

I have, along with a small group, put on a 5k/1 mile walk/kids fun run over the past 4 years. Our race is geared towards increased wellness though physical activity and the promotion of physical fitness in today's youth. The proceeds from our race go to local schools. The grand prize goes to the school district who has the most representatives attend our event. We also bus in elderly folks from centers and the Silver Sneakers usually hold a prerace stretch. To officiate and time the event we have hired on Hermes Road Racing which is a lifesaver. In the end it is a lot of fun but truthfully it is a serious amount of work. If you want to talk specifics you can email me at bmodie (at) gmail . com

[Charlie]

Adam,
I am glad to hear you are doing better. I had wondered where you had been. I don't know how I might help, but if I you need audio related input, shoot me a letter. Aside from that I may put your race on my calendar.

[Chris]

Really sorry to hear about that adam, I hope all the best to you.
The people that run champ racing are good friends of mine, I will see his brother and mom tomorrow, I will see what advice they have and maybe they can help give you a hand on things

[Adam Patrick]

Jack: I will keep you posted when I begin to think more about the entertainment aspects of the event.

Chris: Let me know after you talk with those at Champ racing. I appreciate your help!

[Chris]

Adam,
I spoke with the guys today. They still do the stuff and according to his mom, will be able to help you. Email these people [e-mail]
Ask for Gregg Genovese in your email, and tell him that you know Chris Schmauder through running tri's and such. If you have any probs, let me know, send me a pm or something and I will call them up.
Good Luck

[Adam Patrick]

Thanks Chris! I sent Gregg and e-mail.