Running for veterans

By Kristin Molinaro, The BayonetApril 22, 2010

John Teeples
Ultra-marathon runner John Teeples tackled a four-day run across the state of Georgia last Memorial Day. He was able to raise nearly $15,000 for the House of Heroes. This year, he is planning another trek from Fort Benning to Savannah, Ga. Teeples is... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Ultra-marathon runner John Teeples is running for the heroes and hopes you will join him. Teeples, a supporter of the Columbus-based House of Heroes, is expanding his annual Run for the Heroes to include individual runners and relay teams who would like to participate in the 260-mile trek from Fort Benning to Savannah, Ga., over Memorial Day weekend to drum up donations for the nonprofit organization.

House of Heroes provides minor repairs and improvements to the homes of elderly or disabled military and public safety veterans and their spouses at no cost. Since 2000, it has repaired more than 360 homes in the tricommunity area, said Susan Gerkin, executive director of House of Heroes-Chattahoochee Valley Chapter.

Teeples' inaugural run last year raised $15,000 for the organization. This year, he hopes to raise $40,000 - a little over half of what House of Heroes needs to repair its goal of 40 to 50 homes this year.

Teeples said individual runners who want to participate should be in good physical condition and will have up to five days - or 120 hours - to complete the run at their own pace. Relay teams, however, can have up to eight people and are better suited for runners used to completing 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs. Teams will have 40 hours to complete the run. The run will begin at the National Infantry Museum at midnight May 27 for Teeples and individual runners. Relay runners will begin at 6 a.m. May 29. Runners will cross the finish line along River Street in the heart of downtown Savannah and those who arrive May 30 will be greeted as part of the Armed Forces Festival. A post-race party is scheduled for the evening of May 30 at nearby Emmet Park near the Vietnam Memorial.

For more information on the run, visit www.runfortheheroes.com.

To learn more about donating to House of Heroes, visit www.houseofheroes.org.

Entry fees:

For military

$175 for individuals

$350 for teams

All others

$250 for individuals

$500 for teams

Runners are encouraged, but not required, to raise money for the House of Heroes.

The runner or team who raises the most money ($1,000 minimum) will have their entry fee reimbursed.

Related Links:

House of Heroes

Running for the Heroes