What is Loop-the-Lake?

Save the Date - Loop-the-Lake 2008 (Dec. 31)

It is hard to believe this is the 5th year we've planned a fun run around White Rock Lake. 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.

In 2007, we raised about $1,500 and gave it 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, Beth and I would like to raise $3,000 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.

We're calling on all Dallas community runners who would like to have a final run around White Rock Lake for the year. Join us at 7:00 AM, Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at the Bath House. This is not an official race, just a bunch of friends who want to have fun and help out the local youth.

For any donation of $25 or more, you'll receive a souvenir commemorating the event. We'll also have plenty of recovery drinks and snacks after the run. As always, you do not have to donate to run. Please come out and have fun. And, you do not have to run to donate.

We'll be sending out an Evite in the next couple of days. There you will be able to confirm your participation. We hope you can join us and please forward the Evite to anyone who may want to come out.

If you think I don't have your email and you would like to participate, please leave me a comment with your address. I'll be sure to add you to my list.