JACQUELINE MURPHY-SUAREZ...

"...For me, running a race is a great metaphor for life.  At some points you feel great - other times, you feel like you can’t possibly take another step.  Sometimes you find yourself running with someone - other times you’re alone.  But that feeling of accomplishment you get when you complete a great run or race can be truly powerful."    

Jacqueline, who works as a Coordinator at Covenant House, a 40 bed homeless shelter for youth age 18 - 21, has introduced running to her young people as a tool to build self-confidence and empowerment.  "Together we have celebrated 5K victories, and I could see how proud they were about crossing that finish line."

On September 18th, 2016 Jacqueline ran her first Half Ironman in Atlantic City to raise money and awareness for homeless, abandoned, abused, trafficked, and exploited youth that Covenant House supports in 27 cities across America. Running has helped Jaqueline feel a tiny degree of resilience and endurance that she recognizes in the youth she works with everyday. 

REBECCA HARRIS-LEE...

..."Not a day goes by that I don't say a silent thank-you to the community of Fleet Feet, which I credit for bringing me back, literally from a wheelchair. The camaraderie and fortitude of the running group and the people that I sought out in my recovery were MY inspirations."

And not a day goes by that this running community doesn't say how awe-inspired we are by the incredible positive energy
and one-foot-in-front-of-the-other determination Rebecca continually exudes. In 2011 Rebecca was crossing a busy street when she was hit by a car, breaking her pelvis, her arm and suffering a concussion.

Rebecca's life time dream of running a marathon NO MATTER WHAT became her focus as she spent months in a wheel chair.  She read every  book she could get her hands on.  Her attention to healing her broken body was connected to her mind’s determination to do that marathon. It took her months to return to walking. She then graduated to running a block or so with Fleet Feet's Sunday morning group before having to stop.  And nearly a year after the accident Rebecca ran a 3:38 marathon, qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Everyday Rebecca reminds us all of transforming power of running and a positive mind!

Each year since the death of our dear friend, Doug Williams, the running community joins together to honor his memory through the Doug Williams Memorial Scholarship. Seniors from Doug's alma mater, Montclair High School, are selected for the scholarship based on the following criteria: outstanding participation in track & field /cross country - academic excellence - leadership and community service.  All proceeds from The Power of Running to Inspire celebration will be contributed to Doug's scholarship fun.