(Newswire.net — October 22, 2015) — Hart County’s celebrated son, world distance runner Stan Cottrell, is leading the “Second Annual 10k Fun Run/ Walk For Kids” on National Make-A-Difference Day, October 24th. Sponsored by WLOC Radio, this fun community event supports the “Clothes For Kids” campaign to provide warm coats and shoes for Hart County’s children to brave the coming winter cold.
“Clothes For Kids” was started by WLOC Radio’s owner, Dwayne Forbis, as a local initiative to provide vital aid to the over thirty percent of the county’s children who live in deep poverty in one of the poorest counties in the nation. This annual appeal is now spread to open hearts throughout Kentucky and the United States, to make a difference for these needy Appalachian children on National Make-A-Difference Day.
Internationally acclaimed runner and businessman, Stan Cottrell, understands only too well. He grew up in Hart County in deep poverty, with keen memories of his mother making clothes from feed-sacks and boiling the feed corn to make corn mush. Although he became celebrated in the hallowed halls of the White House and foreign palaces, his outreach and heart throughout his historic worldwide runs have focused on the forgotten, the struggling and the children. And it begins here at home.
So fittingly, this annual event commemorates the local “distance run” that launched Stan Cottrell’s ultra-distance running career as the pioneer of international Friendship Runs. The original run back in 1960 was from Horse Cave to Munfordville, when the 17-year-old farm boy accepted a bet from his buddies that he couldn’t run the 10-mile distance. Although they thought he was crazy, they happily joined Cottrell’s celebration at the Tasty Freeze. Cottrell used his “winnings” of just over $3 to buy everyone a Coke.
Little did Cottrell suspect at the time that 10-mile run would launch him into a new level of sports diplomacy, to record-setting runs totaling some 250,000 miles through forty countries for friendship and children… and bring him back home to Munfordville on the same road. Nor could he have anticipated how that dare would become a “historic run” to his native Hart County, a celebrated event, a magnet to help its children.
Commenting on last year’s inaugural event, Cottrell observed: “I saw extraordinary things take place as people came together for a common goal, to help children in great need of the basics to survive the coming winter. I saw them bonding, becoming closer. For hours, people were walking, laughing and playing over the miles, exchanging feelings, emotions and ideas.”
Cottrell insists: “We need each of you to come along and join our jamboree this year. We have a spot just for you! Take that first step… not someday, but right now. Join us Saturday in person or by contribution, no matter how small, and make a difference for our children on National Make-A-Difference Day!”
This community event is open to all: to spectators, participants who want to walk or run any distance, supporters of participants, and contributors for the cause. Certificates will be awarded to all participants, and photo sessions will be available with Stan Cottrell.
The Second Annual Stan Cottrell Fun Run/ Walk, like last year’s inaugural event, will mirror Cottrell’s historic first run-on-a-dare, only in reverse. It will start at the traffic light in Munfordville, KY on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. It will conclude at WLOC Radio Station just before Caverna Hospital on 31W in Horse Cave. The registration desk opens at 7:30 a.m.
A $10 donation is requested at registration, and local runners are encouraged to get sponsors. Commemorative T-shirts will be available for $10 each, but participants can purchase them for $5.
All benefits go to “Clothes For Kids,” the 501(c)(3) all-volunteer foundation that will ensure 100% of funds go to the children.
For more event information or to contribute, call the WLOC Radio business office at 270-774-1485.
To ensure runner safety, the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and Horse Cave Police Department will supply law enforcement vehicles. The Horse Cave Volunteer Fire Department will provide water and Gatorade, and the Hart Co. Rescue Squad will have Rangers for those who may get tired.
There are also many local organizers who join Stan Cottrell and WLOC Radio in supporting this successful and fun annual run / walk event to benefit the Appalachian children in need. They extend their appeal across Kentucky and nationwide.