Second One Run For Boston Underway

Second One Run For Boston Underway

Nearly a year after he was severely injured in the bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, John Odom walked the first 20 meters of the second annual One Run for Boston cross-country relay.

The One Run for Boston is a 3,300-mile, non-stop relay run from Santa Monica to Boston, which shows support and raises funds for the victims of last year's bombings at the Boston Marathon. Odom was at the finish line to cheer on his daughter, Nicole Reis, when the first bomb went off. He was in and out of hospitals and rehabilitation for five months.

Last year's One Run ended on Boylston Street when Odom was pushed across the finish line in his wheelchair by his daughter.

One Run raises funds for victims like Odom and his family through One Fund. Last year, $91,000 was raised. So far this year more than $275,000 has been raised.

"This is a way to fundraise for the victims, as well as give hope and positivity to all runners across the United States," said Danny Bent, one of the creators of One Run. "It gives everyone the opportunity to show support."

The relay, which started on March 16, will take 28 days and pass through 14 states in 336 legs with the help of over 2,000 runners. On Thursday, the runners were in the Texas panhandle nearing Oklahoma. The relay will end April 13 on Boylston Street in Boston, a little more than a week before the start of the marathon.

Each stage has a lead runner, and up to 25 people can sign up to run in a stage on One Run's website. There are also a selection of group runs in major cities that allow for more runners.

Molly Barrett, a marathoner from New York, ran a 10-mile leg in Connecticut during the first relay, and will be running two consecutive 10-mile legs this year in the early morning hours of April 13 in honor of each of her parents.

"I am running for those who can't," Barrett said. "My experience last year was amazing. I was very moved by the support and teamwork demonstrated for a common cause."

This sentiment was echoed by Bent, who said the strength of the running community after the bombings came through during the relay.

For last year's relay, Gary Allen flew to Texas from Maine to pick up three consecutive stages. Allen ran over 30 miles through the night during a severe lightening storm. Bent said that many of the stages through desert regions of the country were arduous as well.

"These guys are superheroes," said Bent.

There are a few ways to get involved in the One Run for Boston. Check the website to see if the relay will come through your area and sign up to run a leg or a group run. You can also run a "virtual leg" for a $10 donation, or you can support any of the runners' fundraising goals on the website.