I've been thanked a lot for doing this run, but there are several other people whose contributions to this event were invaluable.
I would like to thank my wife, Shannon Haney, for her patience and support, and for running 2 miles without shoes. Thank you Mom, Dad, and Grammy for coming out to see me kick-off the run. Dad, thanks for running with me. It was the highlight of the run for me.
Thank you to everyone at the Western Youth Network who worked so hard to organize this event. Angie Grimes, Nicole Hiegl, Jennifer Grubb, Hollie Storie, and Angela McMann put in countless hours of brainstorming, calling, and organizing so this event would actually make money.
In addition, Angela McMann volunteered for "support crew" on every single Sunday I ran. She was at the start and finish of the first day, Hardin Park and Two Rivers on the second day, and drove all the way to Bethel on the final day.
Thanks to Ronnie and Gina Holste for running 9+ miles on the second Sunday. Thanks again to Ronnie for calling me at the end of the last run to see if I needed company.
Thank you to the parent and students who spent their entire day supporting me. Thank you for putting up all of those signs that were so encouraging.
Thank you to Andrew Strickland, who drove all the way from Macon, GA to run in my race... even though I bailed out of his race at the last minute earlier in the year. It felt good being challenged.
Thank you to all of the sponsors and people who donated, not only for your monetary contributions, but for your interest in helping the Western Youth Network. Thank you for recognizing this as an opportunity to invest in the future of Watauga County.
And thanks to all of the kids who continue to inspire me with their running. Thank you guys for being so supportive, and for keeping my days interesting.
