November 5, 2005

Kyrene Middle School’s track will be alive with activity Dec. 17 as Today’s Miles for Tomorrow’s Runners begins.

A race with three relay options, the activity raises funds for various good causes. The money will be allocated to scholarships, families who cannot afford the pay-for-play policy, cross-country and track and field equipment, uniforms, transportation and coaching stipends.

“Cross-country and track programs are poorly funded,” said Dean Hebert, founder and coach of RxRunning, the organizers of the event.

In the relays themselves, team members alternate every 400 meters (one lap). The three types of relays include: an eight person 200-lap relay (50 miles), a four person 200-lap relay, and an eight person 100-lap relay.

There is no entry fee, though each team is asked to make a minimum $400 tax credit donation, or $50 per runner. This concept was the brainchild of Hebert, who turns 50 this year and claims this idea to be how he is celebrating his birthday; each mile represents a year of his life.

Hebert hopes that participants--and even those not involved with the event--will consider donating, as part of the amount can count as the school-tax credit.

Having a storied history of running, a few of Hebert’s accomplishments include setting an age record in the 5k at 38, with a time of 15:55 and earning the Arizona Co-Master’s Runner of the Year in 1996.

After getting so much from running, Hebert says he hopes to give something back. Hebert hopes to gather enough of the current generation of runners to help the next generation.

“[We’re going to] promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Hebert.

Those looking to register should act fast, as the race is being limited to 20 teams of eight people. Hebert hopes those interested will share the same enthusiasm he does.

“I firmly believe in this and want to do whatever possible to make this a successful endeavor,” said Hebert.