26.2 miles, sore muscles, hard work, time commitment, training goals, perseverance and strength. To many, running a marathon might seem impossible, but with help from community, faith and a greater purpose, local runners from Team World Vision remind us that nothing is impossible.
Team World Vision is a group of runners who will participate in the Twin Cities Marathon to raise money for World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization that focuses on bringing clean water and other resources to communities across the globe.
“It’s less of a charity and more of a ‘Hey, we’re going to come stand alongside you,’ ” says Team World Vision coordinator Sinead Barry-Lukas. Team World Vision builds relationships with these global communities in places like Africa and works with them to create a sustainable future.
For most of the local Team World Vision runners, the journey begins at church. Thirteen runners affiliated with Cross View Lutheran Church in Edina will participate in the Twin Cities Marathon on October 1. “It really fits with our mission,” associate pastor Toby Schmidt says of partnering with Team World Vision.
Leading up to marathon day, runners connect with each other during group runs organized by the church. Some also participate in group runs with the larger Twin Cities Team World Vision crew. Community and encouragement become important when some of the runners are participating in their first marathon. “You see some of the most unlikely people,” Barry-Lukas explains. “They start from the couch, and five months later they’re running a marathon.”
Team World Vision provides a training plan tailored for newcomers and marathon veterans alike. They will begin recruiting runners for next year immediately following the 2017 Twin Cities Marathon. Donations are always welcome.
