London's Run

First Half Marathon!

2011-02-19T15:08:00.001-08:00

I had a wonderful experience in my first half marathon! The weather was great and it was very well organized. I appreciated the water and POWERADE stations every mile and the GU stations after the 6th mi. I met and quite a few conversations with people along the way and I loved the pictures of the children with inspirational quotes. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Thank you,
Felicia Robles
1/2 marathon
Tempe

First Time Runner

2011-02-01T11:47:00.001-08:00

Hi All,

First time running in London's Run and I loved it! Did the 2 mile. Loved the course! Nothing better than running through beautiful farmland! Inspiring to run for such a worthy benefit.

Thank you so much!

Lucinda

Runner All The Way from PA!

2011-02-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hi!
I just wanted to say thank you - for London's Run. I visited AZ this weekend to run the half with my best friend. We are from PA - and I have to say that we were more than impressed with London's Run. First, it's awesome that all of the proceeds actually go to Positive Impact. Secondly, the course and course support was phenomenal. Everything was so well organized and executed. Everyone along the course was friendly and supportive. The event was just fantastic. I was so happy to be a part of it all.

We are blessed to have two healthy girls - and this race made me ever more appreciative of that. Thank you all ... God Bless.

Lisa Adams

A Review from Active.com

2011-01-30T11:33:00.001-08:00

spenolly said:

Awesome Family Friendly Run. I did the 10k. It is all packed dirt trails around the fields. My kids and spouse had plenty of fun free activities to do while they waited for me to finish including a bouncy house and petting zoo. There was free massages before and after the run and plenty of food for the racers at the finish. Not to mention running for a great cause.

I will do this every one every year.

Just get there early to park to avoid the wait to get through the entrance.

From Breanna's Care Pages

2011-01-30T09:52:00.002-08:00

“Well, They Call It London’s Run, Daddy”

Posted 12 hours ago

That was her answer when I asked what made her run full out the last twenty or so yards.

This young woman has been confined to a hospital bed and room for the last three months. Her run was more stumbling, bumbling, but she did it. She finished on her terms, not the doctors’, not her mother’s, and not mine.
The day began early with a 0500 wakeup call. A departure time of 0600 followed. We arrived at London’s Run 20 degrees colder than what we left in Phoenix. Slowly, Team Breanna began to gather together. It was overwhelming to see all of the support as we stood on the trailer with the previous beneficiaries and London’s family.

I lost it as we started the 2 mile run. We ran down the opening/ home stretch and I saw all the very familiar faces cheering us on. Thank you all who showed up, physically and in spirit. We ran about a half mile and I picked a spot up ahead to slow down as my arms were already getting tired. As I neared the tree, I noticed a large poster with Brea’s cheerleading picture on it. I let out a bark (it’s a Marine thing.) It read, “You’re pace, or mine.” So much for slowing down right there. I went just a little further. Along the trail other signs and pictures of our fellow beneficiaries and London reminded us of why we were there. At the last bend before the home stretch, London’s mother, Heather ran to us and hugged us. Down the home stretch, I chanted Lon-don as Brea clapped the beat. Unfortunately, I was so out of breath, that no one could understand me. Oh, well, London heard me.

Team Breanna jumped onto the course behind us and ran the last bit cheering Breanna on. When I got about twenty meters out, I pulled the wheelchair over to the side and helped Breanna up. The plan was for her to finish on her feet. I figured a walk or a slow jog. We turned and she ran for it. Her sister, Chelsea on one side me on the other. Her legs wobbled and she zig-zagged toward the finish line, crossing to a loud applause and cheers, probably some tears.

That is when she began to feel like a celebrity with all the cameras going off. “Brea look this way.” “Can I get a picture with you.”

Unfortunately, all of the excitement and activities for the day caught up to her and we had to duck out early.

Again, thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for my baby-girl. She makes me proud every single day.

~Rick

Great Race

2011-01-30T09:52:00.001-08:00

Great race (especially without the mud this year). The only thing I missed was a butterfly on the shirt this year. See you next year.

Rebecca

AHHMAZING!

2011-01-30T09:46:00.001-08:00

Ahh-mazing! This year's race was so fantastic, and I wanted to make sure you knew.

The course could not have been better marked! I wasn't able to look at it before the race, but not once did I question where to go. Set a PR too!

The volunteers were amazing, as always. I especially loved the aid stations every two miles, all the way to the end! And what a variety of aid! Gu and fruit and water and powerade! I loved it.

The chip timing was cool, I've seen the bib/chip a few times but only usually at larger longer races. It was nice to not have to think about it. And it was way cool to see the results right away. Loved that.

My family came out this year and we stayed for quite a while after the race. There were so many things for the kids to do, the reptiles were a big hit especially.

And I also loved all the freebies in my race packet. The food after the race was good too. Your sponsors are really generous!

Great job Heather, and everyone who helped make this race a success! It was definitely worth every penny. Looking forward to seeing many more years of London's Runs.

Melanie Scott

We're in the News!

2011-01-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

Check out this article on azcentral.com!

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/QueenCreekSpotlight/113998

Great Job!

2010-02-01T17:36:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to say that I thought the whole event was awesome! I’ve participated in a lot of races and this one by far is my favorite. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and great job getting so many volunteers to help! I didn’t notice any problems except the ones caused by the weather we’ve had and who can control that?
It looks like I did place 3^rd in my division for the ½ Marathon – bib #4934 finish time 2:01:53. If there is an award I would love to have it! (it’s my first time placing – can you tell?)
THANKS AGAIN!
Tracy

No Big Deal

2010-01-31T18:32:00.001-08:00

I participated in this event for the first time, and although there was confusion about the 10k course, I still thought is was a great event, and the fact that it was done for those special kids and their families, the confusion really is not that big of a deal (who has control of the rain and what it does to the courses?!). When I heard that some people were upset about this fact, it bothered me because the reason for this race is to help these families whose children are fighting real battles, so if there is a few minutes of discrepencies in timing/distance-NO BIG DEAL. A saved life and happy child I think is a little better than 10 mins. off a finishing time. Both my husband and I enjoyed this event, were impressed by the turnout, and are already planning on doing it again next year. So great work to all of you guys and I really hope that you guys get more 'good' feedback than 'not so good'. Thanks again!!

Laura Mattis

Great Event

2010-01-31T18:25:00.000-08:00

My 2010 bib is now displayed with the other 4 1/2 marathon bibs dating back to the first in 2006...can't wait until next year...the atmosphere, comradeship and course are awesome...best kept secret in Arizona racing...

Thank You, Again

Don Williams

P.S. ...White River 2003...Race began as a 26.2 trail run and turned into a +50k for most of us...I bet there are still runners out there looking for the trail...You folks do great work...don't doubt it and please please please never consider terminating the event...It is too important...running is only the by product.

LONDON'S RUN 2010: From the Hannabach's

2010-01-31T17:30:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say thank you! Dustin was so proud to walk in the 2K, He dedicated his walk to his Great grandma who passed away on Friday morning from cancer. I just couldn't imagine how such a little guy could be so brave... And then I realized today that it is because of people just like you! People that give encouraging words and Hope. Dustin's fight is far from over but he is well on his way to recovery and we are grateful to have met you. Your family was a big part of his journey, Words cant begin to explain the feeling of being a part of London's Run....We are truly greatful to be a part of it thank you so much.... The Hannabachs

New Partnership

2009-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that London's Run will be partnering with Positive Impact this year. Positive Impact helps many families struggling to pay bills and does exactly what London's Run has tried to do for the past 3 years. All monies raised from the event will benefit Arizona families in need. Thank you for your participation! Registration will be open by September 1, 2009.

Check out Positive Impact's website at www.positiveimpactinc.org!

It felt like a family reunion...

2009-02-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

Our family purchased a home here in Arizona we have resided here for 4 years. Dr. Haynes told me about the run, my Family and relatives from Eden Prairie Minnesota joined us on the Sat. run and we all had a BLAST and the event was well run and Organized you would have thought you were at a family reunion. Those who planned the event and all of the hard Work that went into preparation I Thank You and we look forward to next year. Queen Creek is a Wonderful Community and my Well Wishes go out to London's Family and all the families struggling with this disease that has no partiality!

Asante Burton

Family Event

2009-02-07T17:25:00.001-08:00

Last year, my daugher Sheridan and I participated; Sheridan did the 10k and I did the 2 mile run. It was our first event since we began jogging. I was so pleased to see families participating that I decided my whole family would participate the following year. My husband and I with our 4 children, plus 2 spouses and 5 grandchildren signed up for London's Run. Two daughers did the 10k and the rest of us walked. The two older grandchildren ages 3 and 5 did the 2 miles and the younger three were happy to be pushed in strollers.

Thank you for a lovely and worthwhile event.

Sherrill Toscano and family

Tyler Family Fan

2009-02-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed the 1/2 marathon on Saturday... just a great "vibe" from the start (Yay! Rick Hale!) But I have to tell you that my favorite part was seeing the Tyler family... the first person I encountered was Juliet... I recognized her right off even though my connection with her was as her 5th grade teacher years ago! It was so great to see her, but when I got to the third water station and was in a BEVY of Tylers... well, I was overwhelmed with joy! To see Heidi and Justin... and their parents was so wonderful! I caught up later on with Holly and ended the race after a minute or two of running along side Noah!!! Having been lucky enough to be their teacher in one way or another (Keller through Mesa High) I felt so blessed to see them all again in an event that is so important to them.
I will never ever forget the extra "runner's high" I encountered that day... even those WICKED hills you guys mixed in were no match to the fantastic energy I was feeling!
Good work!
Craig Smith

"Cousins" Reunited

2009-02-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a great event….this is our 2nd time running London’s Run (my wife Veda and I)and it gets better every year. I was able to complete the ½ Marathon in a PR and all along the way I keep seeing my cousin..Steve Stephens..on just about every corner. (I thought I was hallucination :-) But now I’ve come to find out that he was tracking his wife’s progress Jackie Stephens who came in first for females in our age group. I came in 3rd for our age group for males but I was unable to stay for the medal ceremony. Is there any way I can still receive my medal? Thanks again.

PS Steve’s not really my cousin we just work together and spell our last names the same way. But joking call each other cousin ever since we met. He’s white American and I’m African American

Cheers
Spider

Why We Like London's Run

2009-02-03T18:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to thank you for putting such a great race together. We had such a good time and it seemed as if you and your volunteers thought of just about everything. My 3 girlfriends and I ran our first 1/2 marathon this year at London's Run! When we were searching for the perfect first 1/2 marathon we came across your site and we thought what a great cause. We looked at the pictures from the previous years and it seemed like it was so family friendly. That is why we chose London's Run. These are the things we loved about London's Run:

It is a family affair
It means something because we are helping out families that are hurting
The course was extremely well marked
Loved the pictures of the families and children along the route...it helped motivate us!
REALLY appreciated the potties along the route!
The water, gatorade, and goo stations
The food, massages, entertainment, etc. after the race
And of course the magnificent weather! (not sure how much you had to do with that, but we appreciated it anyways!)

I want to thank you again for all the hard work you put into this event. I know that you do it because you have a big heart and you truly care about others and their needs. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Sincerely,
Niki Clonts

Tribute to London's Mom

2009-02-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

This was my first run that I ever participated in. The event was so organized from start to finish. It was so wonderful to see our community come together to support this amazing run for London and the Merkley family.

As I listened to London's mother speak at the event, it brought tears to me. She is a beautiful woman filled with so much courage. Her strength and hope is very encouraging. London was a very lucky girl to have such a special mother here on earth. It was truly and honor to hear her speak and to see how she continues to do something so wonderful in honor of her beautiful daughter to help other children.

My little girl Madisyn is 6 and we went to the table together to look at the memories of London. She was such a beautiful little girl. She now will ask questions about London when we are driving or see the signs. Madisyn loves butterflies and see noticed them on the signs.

It was an honor to be a part of such a wonderful run. I look forward to next year. May God bless you and bring comfort and peace.

Love
Cheri Dunlock

One Step At A Time

2009-02-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you for your support at London's Run. It was a perfect morning, and we had an awesome turnout!

It was an incredible day, filled with common people doing uncommon things. As I ran the 10k, I found myself getting choked up to look out across the beautiful farm fields and see hundreds of you running for this common cause. If you ran, did you see those horses at the beginning of the race? They wanted to run along with us! It was as if they knew that this run was something special. It was something greater than just a bunch of people jogging.

The thing I love most about London's Run is that it reminds me that with all the bad news in the world - there is still good news. There are still good people willing to help others. There are still good people who are willing to go above and beyond, or try something new, just to help out others.

If London and her family have shown us anything, it is that it is possible to take negative life experiences and make them positive. It is all about our attitude, and our resolve. Turning the frown upside down doesn't happen overnight, it is a journey, that we take one step at a time. And we make that journey together.

I hope you all keep running, and that we will see you again next year!

--David Haynes, London's Uncle

REGISTRATION FOR 2009 IS NOW OPEN!

2008-09-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Planning for London's Run 2009 is now underway! We've got pre-registration open at active.com now. We've already had people register too! The website will be updated shortly to contain information pertinent to this year. We hope you join us and continue to share your stories so we can publish them here!

If you have any questions please email Nancy at nancy@londonsrun.org or Heather at heather@londonsrun.org.

Thanks for your continued support!

Your donation to PCH

2008-04-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today Heather and Nancy, Directors, and Preston Solomon, London's brother presented our donation to Phoenix Children's Hospital. Our $17,000 donation, made possible by your Run registration fees, will fund pediatric cancer research and supplies for the oncology floor playroom.

When London was able to leave her hospital room, she played in the playroom. When she was on restriction (to protect her from infection) the playroom came to her. Cathy, the playroom queen, came to her once, sometimes twice a day with games, music and crafts to keep her busy and her mind off her treatment and cancer. Knowing you have a bad disease is heavy information. PCH works diligently to alleviate that heaviness by providing outlets for these special kids to be KIDS. Kids shouldn't have such big worries! The playrooms also provide the kids the chance to socialize with other kids, and the same for parents. It is hard to be stuck in a hospital room for weeks on end - so the playroom is a pretty busy place! It also takes a lot to provide new toys and activities for the daily visitors. Cathy and the others who work there are happy to have our donation.

Much of cancer research is done with clinical studies. These studies lead to the most effective treatment. Because of these types of studies, “The CDC report shows a 20% decline in the pediatric cancer death rate between 1990 and 2004" (December 12, 2007, Bethesda, MD – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). London participated in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) study. Her family hoped that her participation will aid another child beat the disease. We are happy to support efforts to continue clinical trials and the continuing decline in pediatric cancer deaths.

Just think - your RUN helps a lot of kids! Thank you for helping us support a really good cause.

WOW!

2008-03-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, wow, wow!!!! London’s Run was everything I thought it would be and much much more. The moment we arrived I knew this was going to be a special day. Once I got a look at the tribute tables with pictures of Troy, London, and Tucker the tears were flowing. One picture in particular was of London’s mom Heather and London cheek to cheek. London is bald as can be and yet they both have big smiles on their faces. That picture touched me a great deal because I think it just shows so much about them and their love for each other. Then to watch all the runners take off for the run was inspiring. People of all ages showed up to run the ½ marathon, 10K, and 2 mile fun run. The youngest person I saw was a little 6 year old girl who ran the ½ marathon. Her dad cried when she came through the finish line and so did everyone that saw her. I was inspired by her and what great people she must have in her life. What 6 year old decides to run 13 miles? It was pretty incredible. We also had a group of girls from Snow College in Utah come down just for the run. They all had t-shirts on that said Snow College runs for Troy. Then the back said miles ran……13, miles traveled……1160, saving a child’s life……priceless. Now come on, those girls were awesome!

Abby, Troy's sister, worked at a water station with her grandparents and loved handing out the water to the runners. I hear the water stations were quite a party and we appreciate all those that helped work those. Troy loved riding the mechanical bull, jumping on the bouncies, and getting his face painted with a spider. Wyatt on the other hand just wanted to wander anywhere he could and pick up every last piece of trash and put it directly in his mouth. I just love his devilish attitude. It was awesome to have our whole family out to support and a great thank you to them. We would not be able to accomplish anything without your help.

To the Solomon family, we were honored to have been a part of this event and know that it is truly inspired. We will certainly attend every year from now on. Thanks to all those friends, and friends of friends, for coming out to London's Run. It was mind-blowing to see so many of you.

I could go on and on about these stories and some day I could write a book about this whole experience. Although, I hate Leukemia with all my heart and wish Troy didn’t have it, I am forever changed by this experience.

Sincerely,

Heather Wendt

To London's Run and all involved:

2008-02-29T08:42:00.001-08:00

When Tucker was first diagnosed with Lymphoma & everything that was going on in my life at the time, I didn't know how I was going to get through this cancer thing with Tuck. With him now being cancer free, and because of London's Run I think, how come everyone else going through cancer with a loved one isn't as lucky as we are. The opportunity that has been given us to be apart of London's Run, has allowed for my children and I to see what serving your fellow man really means. It has allowed for us to rub shoulders with Heavenly Fathers finest, it has allowed for us to breathe financially when we could not have otherwise. This time in our life will not only be a memory of going through chemo, and how hard that was, but it will also be very tender memories with much gratitude for so many complete strangers to us. People that went out of their way and went way above the call of duty. London's Run leaves me with the feeling that I can try harder to become more than I am now.

Thanks to you all,

Love, Sandy Mc

Thank you!

2008-02-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

I cant tell or thank everyone involved in London's Run enough, for everything they've done for me and my family, and everything they continue to do. The event, honestly is LIFE CHANGING, and the aid it has given is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I love you all for all the priceless time you put into making this great thing possible, and especially to London and her family, for knowing and agreeing in the pre-existance what they were going to do, and how many lives they were going to bless.

Thank you, I love you all, and I cant wait till next years run.

Tucker McElhaney

Committee Dinner Honors Volunteers

2008-02-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a dinner at Heather's house to honor our volunteers and all those who make London's Run a success. For those of you who weren't able to make it, we missed you and wished you could have been there. We had a yummy dinner provided by Food City and then a London's Run Trivia Quiz. Then there was a little program led by Heather where she named our 2 volunteers of the year: Shanda Riggs and Michelle Solomon. A nurse from Phoenix Children's Hospital shared her experience working with children who have cancer and how much fundraisers like this mean. Then we presented the Wendt and McElhaney families with the money we raised for them. They were able to share a few words too. After emphasizing that London's Run's mission is not to just raise money for cancer patients and PCH, but it's also to provide the opportunities for families to do something for someone else and raise awareness about these childhood cancer, our 2008 net total of $40,000! It was a really neat evening and was an excellent way to close an excellent year!

Nancy

From Caringbridge.com

2008-02-17T10:12:00.001-08:00

You don't know me. My friend Kandee Baldwin showed me this site. I have enjoyed with mixed emotions reading about your daughter and looking at her pictures. We have one thing in common. I lost my little girl to cancer 3 years ago. Jan. 25th. I think Charlee and London know each other. Charlee would love London for a little sister. She loved animals too, lived at PCH, had a bald head and endured chemotherapy. I had heard about you from Kandee and my heart goes out to you. I wish I would have visited this site before now. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Love,
Char Hawkins

Another London!

2008-02-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

My name is Melissa Palys and I am writing to you from Concord, New Hampshire. I came across this website while looking at homes in Queens Creek as my family is looking to move to the Phoenix area. I wanted to share that I have a 1 year old named London as well. What a beautiful name. I wish I could attend the run--maybe next year when I we relocate there. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Palys
Concord, NH

Honored to Participate

2008-02-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

My name is Terri Galvan, I participated in London's Run this morning. I have several friends that have told me about London & I was honored to participate today. When I was coming around the last turn of the 10K, I looked at the photo on the sign & recognized Heather. I used to serve in the Stake Sports program up by Red Mt High School with Heather. I remember what an amazing mom she was & what a great example she was to me. I just wanted to let your family know that you are in our prayers, keep up the good work & you will once again hold London in your arms.
Sincerely,
Terri Galvan

Inspired by the Fight Against Cancer

2008-02-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

I too ran today in the Half Marathon and was moved to emotion at the display there at the race; the pictures, the story of London's brief life and her fight with cancer. It was both touching and inspiring to read about and to hear you talk about your daughter and what had happened. I feel like I can relate with it in so many ways.I have a nephew who was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) a little over a year ago while serving his mission in Seattle. He was sent home to begin 2 1/2 years of very aggressive treatment. We all thought things would go smoothly but the roller coaster ride had barely just begun. If it wasn't one thing it was something else. First he developed double vision. Then they realized the double vision was a result of a blood clot that had developed in his brain caused by one of the chemo drugs. In addition to chemo they then put him on heavy blood thinners. They made a mistake with his prescription for blood thinners to treat the blood clot and for several weeks the blood clot worsened before it was discovered. In addition to that, osteonecrosis of the spine - another nasty side effect from a different chemo drug also set in. He ended up on a morphine drip for 6 weeks to treat the pain from the osteonecrosis. This and several other things. Currently he has 1 1/2 years left of treatment. It has been heart wrenching and difficult being thousands of miles from them and unable to do anything except pray and put their names on the prayer roll at the temple. It is a helpless feeling. I tried to do something though and got involved with Team in Training and ran a marathon (my first - St. George) to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was a challenging and rewarding experience. There were times during training and during the race I wanted to quit and stop but I didn't.My nephew and his family still have plenty of challenges ahead. Already he and they have been an inspiration to me and to many others. He once remarked to my sister that he was grateful for having Leukemia because it has changed him and how he views life, the world and what's important. He couldn't imagine going through life without something like that to help him see. I have no doubt that you could probably say something similar, that your perspective on life and what is important has been vastly altered by London's life and her fight with cancer.When I signed up for this race (London's Run) I didn't really look at London's story or the details behind the race. The race initially appealed to me because it was on Saturday. I realize now there is so much more to the story. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and London's story with the rest of us today. It gave me a new and deeper reason to run and to finish well. It reminded me of my nephew and his fight. I wanted to find you after the race and hear and learn more about you and London and tell you about my nephew. Thank you so much for putting this event together. It was inspiring and I enjoyed all of it. I am already looking forward to next year's run and I know a few people I am going to bring with me as well.Thank you and God bless.
Stephen Thompson
Tempe, AZ
United States

London's Run Committee Member

2008-02-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

Thank you for letting me a part of London's Run. Your vision and belief in leading London's Run is impressive. How do you do it? It has been a truly a rewarding, inspiring, and heart warming opportunity for me I have watched your family with admiration and respect X-Hotmail-From: from the moment I moved into the ward. You are amazing - such spiritual strength. London touched my heart in ways that few have in my life. She gave me a great desire to serve others. She gave me a window into the suffering of others and their tremendous courage in the face of it. London's Run was an opportunity for me to be a part of your journey, it was a privilege. Funny how simple tasks like stuffing goodie bags or picking oranges can bring such satisfaction. Thank you for your patience with my endless questions about things that were not your main concern, I'm sure. Thank you for allowing me the chance to grow. I'll be even better next year ! I'll look forward to hearing the results of all our hard work!
Thanks again,
Much Love,
Melinda

Arizona Running Events Fan

2008-02-11T18:12:00.003-08:00

THANK YOU for a great London's Run this morning! I know there was a delay for the 1/2 marathon times, but frankly, the longer the race, the less I care about the time details. Besides, I have a functioning watch, and it registered a welcome 7+ minute PR, at approximately 1:44:10 (the latter probably 11 or 12 on your official clock). My previous best was 2 years ago in my first 1/2, the Phoenix/Tempe Rock & Roll, with 1:51:24. It's been a long road back from over 18 months of rotating injuries, "earned" while preparing for my first marathon, which I was not able to run. Maybe next year...My daughter also ran this morning, and also had a PR (1:53-ish on your clock; 1:49-ish on her watch, as she stopped her timer for an "incredibly necessary" port-a-john stop @ 7 miles). Her previous best was 1:56 & change, also 2 years ago at the Rock & Roll. Even with the stop, it was a 3 minute PR.First of all, we did NOT miss the loud bands of the R & R!! We both much prefer the quiet paths and streets of rural Queen Creek. However, next year, could you arrange for a temperature of approximately 10 degrees warmer at 7 a.m.? Thank you so much.... ;-)Your events are my favorite in which to participate. The last one before this was the similarly-enjoyable Gilbert Days 5K. You are the best!!!I've attached a photo of daughter & me soon after her finish.
Bruce

Inspired

2008-02-11T18:12:00.001-08:00

This was a wonderful event and I'm glad it was a success. I particularly liked seeing the pictures of the various children along the way. That definitely inspired me through some of the challenging portions.

I will definitely run this again next year.
Jay

In the Country

2008-02-11T18:11:00.002-08:00

Just wanted to let you know I really enjoy your event – the peaceful run in the country is wonderful and the cause is even better.
Jack

Short and Sweet!

2008-02-11T18:11:00.001-08:00

Thanks so much for a wonderful day! We enjoyed the route, food and great friends!
:) Mitzi

Stay At Home Mom

2008-02-11T18:10:00.002-08:00

I am a normal, run of the mill stay-at-home mommy who has been running to get fit after having 3 kids. I have been running for several months now, but only did my first race on Thanksgiving day... a 5K! I was so proud of myself for participating in that race. My sister in law, then, sent me the link for London's Run. I felt so strongly about this! Even just through the website. It invigorated me and really motivated me to be ready and be strong for my 2nd run... my 1st 10K at Schnepf Farms! I worked through different pains and injuries and time constraints and weather conditions and flu season with 3 children. All components put together did not stop me or even dampen my spirits. So many times I would want to walk or stop while training for some distance runs, but I would always tell myself that 'I run for those who cannot run for themselves!'. Being able to be even a small part of London's run was awesome. It reminds me to be joyful for my body and grateful for my health and the health of my sweet children. I helped recruit a few more racers for that day, but after telling so many about my emotional experience running for that cause, hopefully they will be there running along with me next year. Until then I will continually run for those who cannot run for themselves every time I run!!

Thanks for the amazing experience!
Alisa

Inspiring to Everyone!

2008-02-11T18:10:00.001-08:00

It was great running for a wonderful cause and being able to help some families with their treatments. I was hit by a drunk driver almost 12 years ago and was tagged dead. It wasn't unti the 3rd day that they knew that I would make it. I have a rod in my femer, screws in my pelvic, and I had a collapsed lung that was punctured by some broken ribs. I had temporary paralysis for about 7 months and had to teach myself to sit, walk, move my legs, and the upper right side of my body again. 4 years later I was a passenger in a vehicle and the tire blew and we rolled on the freeway 5 times going about 85 miles at the time. I suffered brain injuries. I have always loved to run, but haven't since then. It was to painful. Last year I had a trainer encourage me to try and run the PF Changs Run in January this year. I started training in Nov. I could barely do 1.6 miles of a combination of running and walking together and afterwards it felt like someone sat on my chest the rest of the day. There were days that I wanted to give up but I kept telling myself that I couldn't give up because I would give the control back to those who hit me in my car accidents. I knew I couldn't be ready by January, so I went online and found the London Run and told myself that I was going to do that run no matter what.

As I ran on Saturday, I saw those kids pictures and they are fighting for something that I was fighting for for years- LIFE- just in different ways. What an awesome group of kids and how much they have inspired and strengthened people just by their example. This experience has changed my life forever, I am grateful for the strength they gave each of us to help us finish the race. I did it!! Ran the whole thing in 2 hours and 33 minutes. You guys- keep on smiling and keep up the hard work.

Indebted,Sariah

PCH lover

2008-02-11T18:09:00.002-08:00

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the experience and to have it be for such a wonderful cause makes it so much more rewarding. This was my first ever 1/2 marathon. I'm so glad I chose London's run. My work frequently takes me to Phoenix Children's Hospital - it is a special place - thanks for giving me a way to feel that I am helping. Troy and Tucker - you are heros - keep it up.

Sincerely,
MaryAnne

First Time

2008-02-11T18:09:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to thank all those involved in the run on Saturday. I had never participated in a race, nor an event like this. I had never run more than 2 miles at a time but I’ve always wanted to try a race. I only saw the newspaper article last week but I decided to try it anyway. Thank you also for having it on a Saturday and at a reasonable price. So I ran the 10K and surprised myself that I finished and with a better time than I anticipated. Anyway, it was a marvelous event. There was so much spirit and energy and camaraderie there. London’s mom’s opening remarks brought me to tears and I appreciated the Star Spangle Banner and opening prayer by her family members. The pictures along the race route inspired me to keep going because London and others have endured much harder things. Thanks to you and all the volunteers for a wonderful, memorable day. I’ll be back.

Kathy

P.S. The weather just couldn’t have been more perfect!

2008-02-11T18:08:00.002-08:00

This was our first year running in London's Run as we are new to the area. We really enjoyed not only the run, but all of the events associated with the day. The part of the run we enjoyed the most was the pictures of the friends and family of London posted along the route. It was so inspiring and really did push us to perform our best in the run. More pictures in future runs - we loved them! We look forward to participating and/or volunteering in years to come.
Barb & Jason

Great Race!

2008-02-11T18:08:00.001-08:00

I had a great time at London’s run last year and also this year. I love that it benefits the children and young adults but there are even more positive aspects to the race. First of all the volunteers are the best! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Thank you for the fire pits beforehand, a delayed start (I was in line for the bathroom so I can really appreciate this!), and goodies on the half marathon course which this year include powerade and Gu (very helpful treats!). I also loved seeing the smiling pictures along the way- the strength and spirit of the kids is very inspirational!

Also, the course is pretty and relaxing. This is my favorite run in the valley because it has a little bit of everything and is a very nice experience. I hope all the positive things I experience from this event trickle down to those who the event benefits. I recommend this event as a must-do for anyone!
Anne

Recovering From Knee Surgery

2008-02-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I participated in the 2 mile Fun Run and what a wonderful experience. My daughter Trellany is friends with Ashley Denham who I believe is London's cousin and they ran a few years ago when 'London's Run' first took off. The signaficance of this year's run for us was that Trellany had major knee surgery the middle of December due to her knee cap being dislocated during her Volleyball season at Gilbert High School. This was a major knee surgery due to the fact that in order to secure he knee cap and fix it from permanently dislocating they went in and broke part of her tibia, shifted it over and then placed two screws through her knee to tie everything in place. It has been (6) weeks since her surgery and she is doing really well with all the physical therapy and strengthening exercises she is working on to rebuild her leg but we are still a long way away before she will know whether she will be able to compete in Volleyball again which is her greatest passion and she has been playing since 7th grade.

The reason I am sharing this with you is because she is a fighter just like London and there was nothing that was going to stop her from participating in the event this year. When she asked me if she could do the event I said "sure but honey you won't be able to run" and she said I know Mom but if I can just walk the 2 miles then I will have made a small contribution.

We walked the 2 miles and WOW...not only were we excited that we did it for London but it was also a milestone for Trellany to know that all the hard work she is doing with physical therapy and building her knee back up that she is progressing (slow baby steps) but to have been able to achieve this one small goal was a bright shining moment for all of us.

When she completed the walk she said to me "Mom...I want to do the 10K next year" so the goal has been set and we will proudly be back next year to walk/run for London.
Tava

Experienced Runner

2008-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Over the last decade, I have participated in races ranging from one to one-hundred miles. Most I run for the health benefit. This is the only race I look forward to each year and run for the soul.I am not of the community and am not intimate with the families. However, this race exudes family and community. You go for a few hours and for a few hours you belong. There is no other race like it and while I have mostly given up my other racing pursuits, I look forward to participating in this event next year and the years to follow. Don