A Long road to 51 marathons

	http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/16182143.htm Posted on Thu, Dec. 07, 2006
	2 TO FINISH FEAT SATURDAY A long, long road to 51 marathons BRETT HONEYCUTT bhoneycutt@charlotteobserver.com Jerry Schaver and Linda Thompson will accomplish Saturday what few people have done. At Charlotte’s Thunder Road Marathon, each will attempt to finish a journey that will have seen them run a marathon in 50 states and the District of Columbia — or 1,336.2 miles. Unlike Sam Thompson and Dean Karnazes who gained attention this year by running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days to bring awareness to an immediate need (hurricane relief) or as a promotional stunt (new book), Schaver and Linda Thompson are doing it for the love of running. Schaver, who lives in Albany, Ill., and is the director of the 50 and DC Marathon Group, will complete his circuit of marathons after 11 years. Thompson, from Polkville in upper Cleveland County, is using this race to raise funds for the Leukemia Society. It will have taken her 11 years to complete the circuit, as well. She is believed to be the first woman from North Carolina to accomplish the feat. Thompson said she ran her first marathon “because I just wanted to do one.” “I’m very internal,” said Thompson, 45, who ran nine marathons last year and will have run 11 this year after Saturday’s race. “I don’t need radios, I don’t need earphones. It’s a time for me to think.” According to 50statesmarathonclub.com and 50anddcmarathongroupusa.com, about 300 people have run 50 marathons in 50 states and D.C. SCOUT’S HONOR: John Wimbish will lead a group of 18 boy scouts and leaders from Waxhaw who will take part in nearly every aspect of the marathon. Fourteen scouts and two leaders will run the 5K, one leader will run the half marathon and Wimbish will run the marathon. After the scouts finish the 5K, they will be shuttled to mile 22 of the marathon and will hand out water as a service project. LIVE UPDATES: Runners can be tracked crossing various points through the race at runcharlotte.com. POST-RACE BENEFIT: After the race, at Mac’s Speed Shop on South Boulevard, there will be a party with live music starting after 6 p.m. to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. STILL TIME TO REGISTER: Anyone wishing to enter the 5K, half marathon, marathon or three-person relay can do so today or Friday. Visit runcharlotte.com.