NEW BERLIN – Long distance runner Thomas Lawson will be competing in a 70-mile Half-Full Ironman race Oct. 3, hoping to raise $5,000 for cancer research through the Livestrong Foundation and the Ulman Cancer Research Fund.
Although Lawson says the event only calls for a minimum donation of a $1,000, he hopes to raise far more and is reaching out to local businesses and citizens to help raise money to combat cancer.
“I wanted to go and do something for a cause, so I began looking at different things I might support. At the time I honestly didn’t think cancer affected my life, but after having a few conversations with people close to me, I realized there were more than a dozen family members who’ve have died from it or have it. As I began talking more about it, my neighbors and friends also began sharing their cancer survivor stories. Now everywhere I go I can’t help but notice the effect it’s had on people’s lives. It’s probably affected your life in some way, even if you don’t know it,” he said.
Typically Half-Full Ironman events are 70.3 miles, but organizers shorted the race to 70 miles to bring attention to the national statistic that 70,000 new young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year.
The event still consists of a .9 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run.
The Livestrong Foundation and the Ulman Cancer Research Fund are co-sponsoring the event, which will be held in Ellicott City, Maryland. Donations for the event can be received up until the day of the race, Oct. 3.
To donate, call Lawson directly at 847-6311, or go the not-for-profit Livestrong fund raising web site at fundraising.livestrong.org/teamls2010/thomaslawson.
Lawson explained he wanted to raise money for a good cause since running in a special 5K run in Cooperstown.
The ‘One of Our Own’ benefit was held last fall in honor of fellow 1987 New Berlin high school graduate, Sgt. Michael Friot, who passed away this summer of throat cancer.
“That was a really moving day for me. It had been some time since I had seen Mike, but we seemed to pick up right where we left off, and he seemed to truly appreciate that I was there to support him. I sort of felt like the class representative that day. That race really choked me up,” said Lawson.
Since then, Lawson explained he realized the full the impact of cancer in his own life and those around him.
“I can recite at least a dozen and a half friends, family, and neighbors that have been diagnosed or died of cancer.” Lawson said. “Until recently, I never really thought cancer touched my life ... boy was I wrong.”
Lawson started doing triathlons about a year ago and participated in his first ever Syracuse Half-Full Ironman (70.3 miles) Sunday.
During the Oct. 3 event, Lawson will burn through 100 to 200 calories per mile, shedding thousands of calories in just a few hours. During the race he carries with him two water bottles and a special flask of edible gel, all of which is consumed during the competition.
Lawson said he’s received enormous encouragement and support from many friends, family and local businesses.
“They have been great. Everyone I have approached so far has found a way to scrape up a few bucks for the cause. I think everyone can easily relate to the impact that cancer has had on their own lives.”
The former college football player said he hopes the inspiration gained by running for the non-profit event will push his physical limits.
Lawson said he draws some similarities in the attitudes needed to successfully run a long distance race and being a cancer survivor.
“It’s a long road and you’re just at this one part of the race. You don’t always make the times you wanted or perform like you’d hoped, but you have to keep moving forward. You have to look beyond that discouraging moment and to where you want to be, then find it in yourself to get there.”