Philadelphia Distance Run: In Memory of Dennis
This September 20th, I am organizing a group to participate in the Philadelphia Distance Run. Originating in 1978, it led to nearly fifty years of races that begin and end near the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum in September. From the vision of Gene Martenson, it showcases the beauty of Philadelphia with a course that winds through its historic skyscrapers, up and down the Schuylkill River along Kelly Drive and MLK Junior Drive. My father, along with his brother, my grandfather, and myself have raced through the course dozens of times over the years. And this year, I want to embark on the journey again in memory of him.
Back in 2014, I remember heading to Illinois to run in the Chicago Marathon with him. He was 54 at the time, and he had been running with me in other races, like the Philadelphia Marathon, Philadelphia Distance Run, and the Marine Corp Marathon, over the previous decade. When I became interested in running marathons after high school, my dad reminisced about memories running with my Uncle Charles and my grandfather back in the 1970’s. His perseverance to train for a marathon thirty years later was inspirational, and I enjoyed every second of our time together.
I will run the Philadelphia Distance Run in his honor, remembering all the memories and his legacy. For those that want to join, I created a group in his name. You can run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines. All that matters is that we keep my dad’s memory alive.
https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-2115539?raceId=135930
