Two Local Ultra-Runners Raise Over $36,000 for Research

2 LOCAL RUNNERS COMPLETE LEADVILLE 100 ULTRA-MARATHON, RAISING OVER $36,000 FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

On August 18 and 19, local runners Johnathon Stevens and Eddie Thomas participated in the legendary “Race Across The Sky,” a 100-mile high elevation ultra-marathon in Leadville, Colorado, to bring awareness and raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA). The Leadville trail race begins at 10,200 feet above sea level, and reaches elevations of up to 12,600 during the course.

Stevens and Thomas both completed all 100 miles of the Leadville 100 race in less than 30 hours, joining the elite 50% of participants who are able to finish the challenge. Not only did they accomplish an amazing physical feat, they raised over $36,000 for BCRFA in the process, through the help of donors across the region. Fundraising efforts were spearheaded in part by Grantland Rice III, the CEO of Cobbs Allen, where both Stevens and Thomas work.

Co-founded by Johnathon Stevens’ mother-in-law, Dolly O’Neal, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama is a nonprofit organization supporting innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent and eradicate breast cancer.

“We have all been touched by breast cancer, in some way,” said Stevens.  “Why not raise money for the cause by doing something we love. This is our way of being part of the solution. I want my kids and grandkids to not suffer from cancer, and if they do, for there to be a cure for the disease.”

Started with only 45 runners as the Leadville Trail 100 in 1983, the Leadville Race Series now consists of seven running events and four mountain biking events, plus six events in the Leadville Qualifying Series. The Race Series stretches across three months, and hosts thousands of racers on foot and on mountain bike in some of the world’s most iconic events. Endurance athletes worldwide now make the pilgrimage to Leadville, Colo., with the single goal of competing in “The Race Across the Sky.”

Thomas went a step further, taking on the challenge of the entire Leadville Series, including a trail marathon, a 50-mile mountain bike ride, a 100-mile bike ride, a 10K run and closing with the Leadville Trail 100-mile Run. Successfully completing all of those events with a qualifying time has earned Thomas the title of Leadman.

About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama is an independent 501C3 nonprofit organization supporting innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent and eradicate the disease. Since its inception in 1996, the BCRFA has contributed over $7.7 million to fund research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and their collaborative partners. All funds raised stay here in the state of Alabama, but the research has a global, life-saving impact.