The third race has come and gone and seems to be an annual favorite among area runners.  I thought it would be fun to present a recap in a “CJ’s-By-The-Numbers” format.   So here ya go!

3 – number of years CJ’s Resolution Challenge has been in existence
1.6 – miles in the loop of the race
180 – the minutes a participant has to complete the challenge
138 – runners who took on the challenge (30 in the Last Man Standing, 108 in RC Revolutions)

1617.6 – miles run by all those runners this year

Photos courtesy of R. Glendye, Precious Moments Photography
45 – quarts of soup fed to all those hungry runners
25 – hearty volunteers who set up as early as 5am and stayed until well after 2pm
47 – number of virtual runners who came from…..
21 – different states, and…….
3 – other countries- the UK, Tanzania, and Antarctica!
8700 – dollars raised to benefit the Northeast Bradford Elementary School Life Skills Classroom, a class in rural Pennsylvania that serves children with autism, Down’s syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
One and only “CJ”
As usual, I’d like to include some of my favorite comments from this year’s participants:
“Thank you CJ’s Resolution Challenge for a perfect race. I could not think of any way that this race could improve! Easy registration, indoor restrooms before the race, a beautiful course – half trails, half road – lots of friendly people to talk to on the course, tons of fueling options, great music blasting at the finish/start line, and yummy hot soup and home made goodies for after the run. What could be better? I will definitely be back, and I hope to be able to bring some southern PA friends to the 2017 race!”  Laurie H.
“Great time today… So positive. Loved the course with beautiful trails and road combo. Soup, homemade cookies, etc. perfect and delicious. Ran 13 miles today – a personal best for me – something I never thought I could accomplish. Looking forward to the 2017 event! Thank you for all the hard work that went into creating an extraordinarily positive experience.” Jeff R.
“As any of my running group can tell you, “I HATE TRAIL RACES”. That being said, this morning’s race was fantastic – the perfect combination of trails and road. I was looking forward to it all month. I ran it the first year and had a blast but missed last year due to an injury. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was. It was great to be back, and the weather was about perfect for a January race. Thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers for a well done event.”  Tom C.
“Thanks Janell and volunteers for a fun and unique event! The trail was beautiful and I loved the smell of pine through the woods. Race directing is a ton of work and you all did a great job. Shirts were great as was all the support. Will be back. Thanks!”  Marjorie L.
An event like this cannot be pulled together alone.  I’d like to offer my deepest, heartfelt thanks to everyone who has a hand in this race.  I could not (repeat, could not!) do it without you.  To my family and friends who for three events have frozen on the mountain by my side, you believe that this is more than just a race.  You understand that this is to honor my son, to shine a light on autism, to have the conversations that make an impact, to connect someone to the resources they may need, and to build a network of support that could last lifetimes.  Surely, it’s more than just a race.
Thank you.