Contact:
Teresa A. Gmur – Gilda’s Club Madison
(608) 828-8862
teresa@gildasclubmadison.org
Madison, Wis. — Gilda’s Club Madison announces that board member Darren Fortney will participate in what is recognized as “the world’s toughest foot race” for the third time, and will use the race to raise funds for the organization.
Fortney, a Middleton native and cancer survivor, is training to run the Badwater Ultramarathon on July 15-17, 2013. Covering 135 miles non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, it is the most demanding and extreme foot race offered anywhere on the planet. The start line is at Badwater, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in North America at 280′ below sea level. The race finishes at Mt. Whitney Portal at 8,360′. The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 13,000′ of cumulative vertical ascent and 4,700′ of cumulative descent. The entire 135-mile race course is completely unsupported. Darren will be relying solely on his crew of four individuals to support him across the desert
To run a race of this magnitude, Fortney needs all the support he can get. But he says he would feel the most encouragement knowing other people are supporting those touched by cancer by making a donation to Gilda’s Club Madison. Gilda’s Club is a free, non-profit support community for anyone touched by any kind of cancer as well as their families and friends. It’s a warm and welcoming, non-residential clubhouse where men, women, and children come together to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. Gilda’s Club was founded in memory of Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner, “So that no one faces cancer alone®”. Gilda’s Clubs offer support groups, education and social events.
“I know firsthand the importance of having a place to go where you can find support from others that understand exactly what you’re feeling,” Fortney stated. “That is why I am such a huge fan of Gilda’s Club Madison and want to use the world-wide exposure of the Badwater race to raise awareness and financial support for this incredible organization.” Fortney has volunteered with Gilda’s Club Madison since 2008 as a speaker and board member, as well as using his athleticism in a variety of fundraising events for the organization.
Supporting Gilda’s Club by sponsoring Darren with a $25 or more donation (100% tax deductible) by July 13, 2013 enters you to win a grand prize, and you will receive a coupon for $10 off Mizuno shoes.
To make a donation in support of Fortney’s Badwater race visit: http://gildas.kintera.org/badwater
For more information on the Badwater Ultramarathon visit http://www.badwater.com
