For a group of elite runners who challenged themselves to complete a 110-mile-race that started on the eve of the 26.2 marathon, it was more than just the love of the run and the spirit of the cause.
David Green isn't your average business owner or runner. Green is not only an ultramarathoner and Ironman competitor, he is also the CEO of 110%, a Jacksonville-based company dedicated to helping athletes go the extra mile.
Last Saturday, on the eve of the 26.2 with Donna, a group of runners, lead by David Green, passed through areas of Nocatee as part of a 110-mile trek to raise awareness and fundraising support for breast cancer. Although Green’s company was a corporate sponsor of the 26.2 with Donna Marathon, it wasn’t enough and he wanted to do more.
Green learned of the challenge proposed by Delores Barr Weaver, former co-owner of the Jaguars, if the race funds increased $100,000 from the previous year, she along with the Weaver Family Foundation would contribute an additional $100,000. Green set out to make this a reality for Donna Deegan. He decided to do the incredible; David Green and Jim Philips created the 110% Give Harder Foundation with the goal to raise $110,000 by running 110 miles.
“The way we think is, “Let’s just do outrageous things. Let’s go to the end and do something that’s unimaginable,” says Green.
The runners who participated in the 110 mile challenge included 5 solo runners: Green, Jim Philip, Ted Philip, Steve Kaufman, and Kevin Marasco. Kellie Smirnoff, Epicman Ultra-Triatholon winner, and her sister, Heather Jones- Proctor, split the distance. Each runner completed roughly 68 miles. There were also two relay teams, one men’s and one women’s, whom each of the runners covered 5 mile legs.
The trek began at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, winding through Ponte Vedra, Nocatee and the Guana Reserve. The 110 mile race began at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, running through the night, returning to the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club around 2 a.m. Sunday; from there they ran to the starting line of the marathon.
Nocatee was thrilled to be a part of the experience and given the opportunity to raise awareness for breast cancer.
“Breast cancer awareness is an important and worthy cause,” said Portland Swan, Marketing Director for the PARC Group master developer of Nocatee. “We were eager to offer assistance and give the athletes who participated in this amazing 110 mile challenge a round of applause.”