How you can support vets and military heroes at the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon
For the past three years, the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon has featured athletes using handcycles after a veteran contacted organizers to ask if he and others could participate in the race.
“We made the appropriate accommodations, and about 15 handcyclists raced in the event. It was the start of a rewarding and inspiring relationship with Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Lowell Ladd, organizer of the half marathon, in a news release issued by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans).
This year, runners will have the opportunity to ensure a better life for our nation’s veterans and military heroes. For the third consecutive year, Paralyzed Veterans, the nation’s foremost advocate for paralyzed servicemen and servicewomen, is the official charity partner for the historic Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon. Hundreds of runners from across the country are expected to participate in the 13.1 mile race on Sunday, Nov. 1.
The first 20 runners who sign up to run on behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America will receive a free entry into the half marathon. They are part of a new initiative called REVolution, (Racing to Empower Veterans), a new endurance racing program and fundraising initiative that the Paralyzed Veterans of America started earlier this year. The Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon will be one of REVolution’s debut events. In addition to the half marathon, a handcycle criterium will be held the same weekend. Ladd expects about 20 handcyclists to participate on behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America.
To run the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon and support Paralyzed Veterans of America, please register here.
Applied Race Management caught up with Julia Walker, a spokeswoman with Paralyzed Veterans, to ask her several questions about the organization and REVolution.
ARMS: The Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon seems to have been a great partner over the years. Has it always been a fundraising opportunity for Paralyzed Veterans?
Julia Walker: Paralyzed Veterans of America first became involved with the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon three years ago. One of our members reached out to Lowell Ladd, the race organizer, wanting to know if he and a handful of others could participate in the half marathon with their handcycles. Lowell made the appropriate accommodations, and Paralyzed Veterans of America has had a presence at their race ever since. Recently, we launched Racing to Empower Veterans (REVolution). REVolution gives able-bodied athletes a unique opportunity to raise funds to help wounded veteran while participating in an activity they enjoy. This will be the first year that REVolution has a presence atthe event. Interested runners can register online.
ARMS: What are the other debut events for REVolution?
Julia Walker: REVolution will have a team at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., this October, and there is still time to register if you are interested. Visit www.pva.org/revolution to sign-up before August 27. We are currently finalizing our schedule for 2016 and plan to have a presence at several racing events across the country.
ARMS: I saw on your website that you work in all 50 states and have 34 different chapters. How many paralyzed veterans do you work with throughout the country?
Julia Walker: Paralyzed Veterans of America has more than 20,000 members across the country, and served more than 60,000 veterans, their families and caregivers in 2014.
ARMS: Can you take me through the process of what the organization does when a paralyzed veteran comes to you for help?
Julia Walker: We support paralyzed veterans for life. Paralyzed Veterans of America has a network of National Service Officers (NSOs), who are there to assist newly injured veterans from the very beginning of their injuries. NSOs work with veterans to make sure they receive the benefits that they are entitled to. All of our NSOs are highly trained in VA law, benefits and healthcare. Paralyzed Veterans of America updates members on issues affecting them nationally and locally; coordinates social events and participation; aids veterans in their search for a truly satisfying career with job training and employment opportunities; and provides the path to adventure through our adaptive sports program. Paralyzed Veterans of America fights for all veterans with disabilities by advocating for quality VA health care and veterans’ benefits, and pushing to make America more accessible through our Architecture department. Paralyzed Veterans of America also invests in research to find new treatments and a cure for paralysis. We provide all of these services free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
ARMS: When abled-bodied runners raise money for Paralyzed Veterans, what do you use the money for?
Julia Walker: The money raised by REVolution runners will help fund Paralyzed Veterans of America’s many programs and services that are offered to our members at no charge nationwide. These include adaptive sports programs for paralyzed veterans, benefits assistance, resources and support for caregivers and family members, legislative advocacy and research to find a cure for paralysis.
ARMS: Is this also an opportunity for athletes who already use handcycles to raise money for Paralyzed Veterans?
Julia Walker: Handcyclists are welcome, and encouraged, to raise money for Paralyzed Veterans of America, as well. Our network of veterans, caregivers and families across the country are thankful for your generosity!
ARMS: Gettysburg is also hosting a handcycle criterium. Will that support REVolution? What can you tell me about that?
Julia Walker: REVolution is a program for able-bodied athletes to support paralyzed veterans, their caregivers and families, while the handcycle criterium is an opportunity for paralyzed veterans to race through historic Gettysburg.
To run the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon and support Paralyzed Veterans of America, please register here.