PLYMOUTH, MA…
On August 14 at 8:30am, Boston Marathon legend Bill Rodgers will focus on an extremely significant road race. And while August 14 is the day the women’s marathon at the Olympic Games in Rio, the former Olympian will be locked in on another, much shorter race that day: the sixth annual 4.58 mile Run for Faith at Plimoth Plantation where he will be signing copies of his book, Marathon Man.
“As a cancer survivor, the Run for Faith has a special place in my heart,” said Rodgers, who overcame a bout with prostate cancer. “While I certainly wish all the participants well in Rio, my attention will be on the Run for Faith and helping Matt and his team of volunteers raise money for ovarian cancer research.”
“Matt” is Run for Faith Race Director Matthew Romboldi. The Run for Faith is dedicated to the memory of Romboldi’s mother, Marcy “Faith” Romboldi, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2010.
“I was a little too young to see Bill compete in the Montreal Olympics but he is a living legend when it comes to marathon running in this country,” said Romboldi. “We were delighted to have him last year as our grand marshal and pleased he’ll be back in that capacity this year, as well as signing copies of his book, Marathon Man.”
Marathon Man: My 26.2 Mile Journey from Grad Student to Top of the World will be on sale at the Run for Faith for $28 (payment is by cash or check only). The book highlights Rodger’s rise from obscurity to become the United States’ elite marathon runner, winning the Boston Marathon and New York Marathon four times each and competing in the 1976 Olympics. Rodgers will also be signing copies of his poster showing him winning the 1979 Boston Marathon. Posters are $20.
Today, in addition to his book and making appearances, Rodgers owns and operates an online store, the Bill Rodgers Running Center (www.BillRodgerRunningCenter.com) with his brother Charlie.
“One of the things I love about running is even though it’s a solitary activity, it can bring people, communities and even countries together,” said Rodgers. “I’m honored to be a part of the Run for Faith community.”
To date, the Run for Faith has raised more than $100,000 for local and regional causes. That includes two annual scholarships for graduating Plymouth North and South high school seniors, an annual donation to the Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, and contributions to other local cause that were near and dear to Mrs. Romboldi, such as the Plymouth Public Library.
In its short history, the Run for Faith has become known as the Plymouth run offering something for everyone. The scenic 4.58 mile rural course offers a challenge to both experienced and novice runners alike. First place finishers for men’s and women’s will receive $150, $100 for second and $50 for third. There will also be trophies for age group winners and medals will also be given out.
All women runners to receive tank top and men to receive TechWick T-shirt. Chip timing will once again be embedded into runner’s number. This technology enables photos to runners to be taken. Water stations are plentiful. Walkers and runners with strollers are welcome.
To amuse younger family members, a jumpy house will be available. A number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares before and after the race.
The entry fee for the Run for Faith is $25 for individuals before day of the race; $30 for registration on the day of the race. One hundred percent of Run for Faith entry fees go to the aforementioned charities.
Runners can register at www.runforfaithplymouth.org. You can view the course online at http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/plymouth-ma/run-for-faith-plymouth-ma-route-115100461.
Interested sponsors can contact Matthew Romboldi at info@runforfaithplymouth.org.
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