About
We are a group of local Dallas runners who want to celebrate the new year and also help a local charity. We have chosen to support Marathon Kids.
I started this in December 2004 after coming off a high
of finishing my first marathon. I wanted to enjoy a last run for the
year and there were no official races on New Years Eve. So, I gathered a
few running buddies and the first Loop the Lake was born.
In 2006, it occurred to me that we runners could have fun at the end of
the year and benefit other people at the same time. Since I have always
struggled with obesity, especially as a child, I wanted to do something
that would help children who were like me. I teamed up with Beth Wise
and we gave away t-shirts to anyone who donated $25. All money raised we
gave away to Marathon Kids. We raised $1,300 in 2006.
Over the years we have raised over $24,000, all
donated to Marathon Kids. Marathon
Kids is a not for profit group working through the local school
districts in Dallas and other Texas communities.
http://www.marathonkids.org
This year, 2011, Beth and I would like to raise $10,000 for this organization.
Fighting childhood obesity is important to me because it affects over 9
million children ages 6-19. Childhood obesity is a leading cause of Type
II Diabetes in children and later, adults. Children who are obese have a
greater chance of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, asthma
and liver disease. Over 70% of overweight teens become overweight or
obese adults in this country.
Don Hunter