2007 Chicago Half Marathon: October Update
On September 9th 2007 Jason Draper, Nicolee Thompson, John and Mary Oliver, Liz Reynolds, Jeff Harbeck, Seth Kleeberger and Jamie Harrison came together to run for The Mitchell Swaback Foundation. The goal of these eight runners was to raise $20,000.00 to help MSF purchase new wood bleachers for the New Mitchell Swaback Athletic Center, due to open in late October. All together this group had 135 sponsors and raised a total amount of $20,985.00.
On behalf of the Mitchell Swaback Foundation we would like to thank each athlete for all that they have done, the months of training, sacrifices and commitment that each athlete put into raising funds for the benefit of so many. We would also like to thank each one of you who sponsored these athletes, for without your generosity we would not have made our goal!
MSF had many in attendance on the 7th to support, watch and cheer on our group of runners as each runner crossed the finish line! Every single MSF runner finished strong! In total 10,115 individuals ran in this year’s race.
Please check out each individual’s sponsor page on the foundation’s website www.mitchellswabackfoundation.org for their own closing comments.
MSF asked each athlete to share how this race has impacted their life; their responses to this question are below.
Nicolee Thompson > Finish Time 2:04:33
This race was a journey from start to finish. I decided to run for my brother and to see how I could challenge my body to new physical limits. I wanted to bring honor to Mitch and make him proud and I know I did just that! My second goal concerning my body’s physical limits I also succeeded in. I now know that my body can last over two hours of non-stop running. Lastly, the race made a major impact in my life because of each and every sponsor. I was blown away from all of the donations and those who decided to get involved, and for that I thank you!
Jason Draper > Finish Time 2:51:20
The race meant a lot to me in terms of a personal achievement and starting point for more running in the future. As I shared my feelings with Jaimee right after I got home from Chicago however, I was more compelled to share the incredibly inspiring effort I saw from Bob and Nicolee. I was satisfied to finish. I was very excited and enthusiastic to support MSF, but also simply happy just to finish the race. Not Bob and Nicolee however. They were determined to give there best effort. In there dedicated preparation, and determined execution of a personal plan I saw something not only inspiring, but also worshipful. In memory of Mitch and his legacy, they honored the Lord Jesus Christ in their unyielding effort. They could have jogged like me or even walked to raise money for MSF. But I believe in their conscious, it would not have been enough to remember someone who did things in such a maximum way or to honor the Lord who gave His life. I saw others run their hearts out as well and am proud of all of them and was thoroughly blessed and encouraged by the sacrificial offering given by this unique team. Praise God!
John and Mary Oliver > Finish Time John 2:49:30, Mary 2:56:46
It was a wonderful challenge, one we would never have thought of doing a couple years ago. What made it significant to us was running for the Mitchell Swaback Foundation. It added purpose to our steps and will always be a sweet reminder of our "first" half marathon. Something that touched our hearts came from Mitch's parents in an encouraging letter that closed by saying, "Mitch fought the good fight, he finished the race, and kept the faith, our prayer is the same for each of you." We can't think of a higher accomplishment than that prayer of blessing over us. Thank you Bob and Gaye
Jeff Harbeck > Finish Time 2:05:21
I was really encouraged and surprised at the overwhelming support for the foundation through this run. It reminds me and pumps me up personally on how much of an impact MSF is doing.
Liz Reynolds > Finish Time 2:31:53
After crossing that finish line it was one of the most amazing experiences that I have felt. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world in taking on other challenges in my life. By setting goals for myself and accomplishing them just like conquering the Chicago Half Marathon. Life is too short and we need to live life to the fullest.
Jamie Harrison > Finish Time 2:02:38
This has been a crazy life changing event for me. The idea of running 13 miles was an outrageous concept for me but let’s try it. The process of changing my diet, scheduling work out times, pushing myself to new limits grew my appreciation for how God made me and how my body reacted. I have never had more energy to pour back into my family, church and work because I do expend the energy in the morning to work out. I always thought if I slept in than I would have more energy throughout the day. Boy, was I wrong.
Seth Kleeberger > Finish Time DNR but took all the pictures for the web site
I met some new people, I learned a lot more about the Mitchell Swaback Foundation, I got to personally see an impact being made through the course of this event and I had the chance to see and be a part of an overall goal met!
Side note: A few days before the race my back got so bad I ended up seeing a specialist and having an MRI. I ended up having a moderate-severe herniated disk in my lower L4-5 vertebrate. This prevented me from running in the Banco Popular Half Marathon. I still was able to raise some money for the foundation, go to Chicago to at least be apart of the event as a bystander and someone (at the last minute) was able to take my number and run in my place.
> VIEW THE CHICAGO HALF MARATHON PHOTO GALLERY
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