California is home to dozens of fine runs that support many important causes. Short runs and longer runs and double marathons and the one for United Way of the Desert that goes straight up, or seemingly so, a few miles of San Jacinto.
But treadmill runs? And, for that matter, the treadmill marathon? Those are far fewer, at least on the organized-event front. So when one jogs into view, and it will raise funds for National Alliance on Mental Illness programs, it deserves our attention, attendance, and, of course, donations.
The 2nd Annual Treadmill Marathon will leg it, in place, at Busby's East on Sunday, Nov. 17. Yep, that's Busby's East, the bar (a full marathon run inside a tavern is indeed an unusual thing). "Teams of 2-26 will be running 'team marathons' on the treadmills," all machines that will be provided by Global Fitness for the day.
The Santa Monica Sports Club, which is one of the organizers of the fundraiser (along with Starstream Entertainment), does have another feather in its fund-raising cap, in the form of club president Blake Dirickson. Mr. Dirickson will run a whole marathon, on his own, on a treadmill.
Serious stuff, indeed, and a whole different kind of athleticism from hoofin' it on the open road.
Busby's East'll be open and serving food and drink for purchase, so people are invited to come by and root on the treadmillers. And donate, too. That, in fact, can be done online, and money raised helps NAMI, "the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization (that's) dedicated to improving lives of all of those affected by mental illness."
You can support a specific team or runner or the day in general. Click here to begin.
