Walkers and runners have an opportunity to train for the Honolulu Marathon in December and raise money to help fight arthritis. Arthritis group to field
runners in marathonParticipants in the event can
raise funds to fight the diseaseStar-Bulletin staff
The Arthritis Foundation's "Joints in Motion" training team is open to men and women of all fitness levels, including first timers and walkers.
Coach Chet "The Jet" Blanton will monitor each person's progress, and there will be weekly group runs to encourage participants.
Training will begin in August but early training can begin upon registration. Upon registering, participants will receive a detailed fund-raising kit and tips on marathon running and walking.
Participants will collect pledges at various fund-raising levels to help fight arthritis, which affects about 189,000 Hawaii residents.
Arthritis is not just one disease but more than 100 different diseases that affects the joints and other parts of the body. It affects people of all ages.
The Arthritis Foundation since 1948 has provided more than $200 million to support research for study of pediatric and adult rheumatic diseases. Millions of dollars have been raised by Joints in Motion marathoners.
For more information, call Donna Donahue, Joints in Motion coordinator, at 596-2900. Neighbor islanders can call 1-800-462-0743 or e-mail ddonahue@arthritis.org.