Nocturnal Solstice Run through Leelanau supports education in Ethiopia
From staff reports
Endurance Evolution and On The Ground have teamed up to raise funds to build a library in a remote village in Ethiopia. Area runners are invited to run The Solstice Run, which will travel from the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula to the beaches of West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City. Runners can choose the a full 40 miles, 20 miles, or a four-person relay (roughly 10 miles per runner).
The Solstice Run will begin at sunset on Thursday, June 20. at the Leelanau State Park Lighthouse. Runners will then continue south through the night, ending approximately 40 miles later with a view of the sunrise over West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City. This run is all about fun and adventure – it’s not a race!
The Solstice Run has occurred during both summer and winter solstices, ranging from 30-40 miles during the shortest days and nights of the year with a group of running friends, many of whom were participants in On The Ground’s Run Across Ethiopia (2011) and Run Across Palestine (2012).
Participating runners are asked to solicit pledges in support of the library project in Hase Gola, Ethiopia, using the same model of solidarity as the 250-mile Run Across Ethiopia organized by On the Ground in 2011. Funds raised will directly support the completion of the library.
For more information and to register, visit OnTheGroundGlobal.org or EnduranceEvolution.com.
About the Organizations
On The Ground’s purpose is to support sustainable community development in farming regions across the world. The accomplish this mission by partnering with other philanthropic agencies, donors, and communities to provide opportunities for indigenous communities around the globe to build lasting infrastructure. In concert with sustainable trading practices by OTG partners, this infrastructure makes it possible for these communities to create real and meaningful prosperity for all their citizens. Learn more about them and donate at www.onthegroundglobal.org.
Endurance Evolution is a Traverse City-based event management company specializing in triathlons and running races. The company has put on the Traverse City Triathlon on Old Mission Peninsula every August since 2009. In 2013, Endurance Evolution will host five races: Runaway Hen Snowshoe Scamper, Traverse City Trail Running Festival, Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon & 5K, Traverse City Triathlon, and Sleeping Bear Mara- thon & Half Marathon. Learn more about them at www.enduranceevolution.com.
