Okay, I finally got everything organized for our Virtual Version of “Finish Chelsea’s Run”.  As I posted before, a bunch of locals gathered on March 21st at Lake Hodges, the park where Chelsea was kidnapped and killed while running, to finish Chelsea’s run.  They did this in order to honor Chelsea as well as to take back the park and show they could not be stopped from enjoying the beauty that Chelsea did.  Check out this video of the event…

I learned about this race through Running Skirt’s facebook page (the running skirts crew joined in the fun) and the more I read about the run, the more touched I was.  I found myself tearing up and thinking about not only Chelsea, but all those who for one reason or another, are no longer with us to run and enjoy the beauty that is our world.  I really wish I could have participated in this run and I knew many of you would have loved to as well.  So I thought why not honor Chelsea and all our “running angels” with a Virtual version of Finishing Chelsea’s Run!

So here’s how its going to work.  Since I am going to San Diego in June for the marathon, I am going to take a trip to Lake Hodges (hopefully with some of my TNT friends) with my boyfriend and run the trail where Chelsea was taken.  I will tie an Orange or Blue (Chelsea’s favorite colors) ribbons with each of the virtual runners’ (aka you!) first names along the path to show our support for taking back the park.

Lake Hodges

What do you get to do?  Email me at KatyeRunninAround@gmail.com with the following information…

• Your name (and blog if you have one)
• When you will be running/walking
• What distance you are choosing to run/walk (the original Chelsea’s Run was 3 miles, but the distance is up to you!)
• The name you would like to appear on the ribbons I will be tying on at the park and as you would like it to appear on your race bib
• Your mailing address

The “race fee” for this race is a recommended $15 donation to the Ulman Fund for Young Adults HERE (you are welcome to donate more if you so chose).  Ulman Fund helps young adults face life after loss and helps survivors get back to being active and happy.  It’s a great cause and I figured why not benefit two great foundations with this race.  MY PARENTS AND I WILL MATCH THE FIRST $200 IN DONATIONS  TO CHELSEA’S LIGHT FOUNDATION.  This way two great organizations helping protect and empower young active people are benefitted =)

What do you get for your entry?

• Recognition on the Virtual “Finish Chelsea’s Run” Page I will be creating on this blog
• A personalized race bib for the event to show others you are finishing Chelsea’s run!
• Automatic entry into my next 5 giveaways and contests!
• A blue and orange ribbon mailed to you to wear on your run and/or tie on a branch on your course for Chelsea
• A chance to win prizes (TBA but will definitely include some Bondi Bands): 3 Virtual Racers will be randomly chosen to win prizes
• The amazing feeling of giving back!

What do you do?

• Register for the race
• Chose your distance, place, and time
• Go for it! Run or walk your distance reflecting on the angel running with you
• Wear orange or blue if possible! (Chelsea’s favorite colors): take a picture and mail it to me!
• Wear your ribbons and/or tie them somewhere along your course (take a picture if you can)
• Have fun, maybe cry a little, be happy =)

Any questions?  Just let me know and I’ll be happy to answer.  You guys rock and I really hope this will be a successful event! Thanks for your continued support!

Chelsea Running Strong