The #22tooMany event is a wonderful fund raising event that I highly recommend anyone of any age to participate. The name of the event reflects the purpose. Every day 22 US Military Veterans ends his/her life. Every 65 minutes. The lack of VA support and financial resources are a focus to make additional help available for counseling and treatment for those who suffer from PTSD or other combat and life related difficulties and results in suicide.
Registration was easy. The use of Active.com was the main method to ensure your spot in the race, which did sell out and onsite registration or participation was full. The cost was low ($22) and the proceeds were sent to the charity. The event raised $8,000 through registration and donations.
Every runner was provided a bib and was able to select a photo card of a veteran who lost his/her struggles. My selection was in memory of CPL Jeffrey Mount, USMC 5/26/14.
The run location was in Tempe near Tempe Marketplace as a run by the river as an out and back track. The weather was perfect at 6 am when check-in began. There was no prior day check in available for the event. The event was well attended and pushed the start time back by approx. 30 minutes. The expo consisted of only a handful of groups which was good for the size. I picked up some great info on RWB and the group had by far the most runners at the event. Ragnar promotion events was also interesting to talk with and find resources for communication to find a team or start one.
As the event was a 5k on very low elevation solid footing paths along the water, there were no aid stations for the event. The course scenery was pleasant and the path had areas of shade as well as open to the sun. Proper hydration before the run would be a good idea on this one.
Parking for the event was plentiful as check in was at the Marketplace early in the morning. As this was a smaller event under 500 race management did a good job separating people into groups for the release at the start. Race management was a little backed up on registration in the am as I mentioned and it did slow down awards at the end, but everyone in attendance was appreciative and understanding.
The Medal at the end was fantastic. It represents the Boot, Rifle and Helmut of a fallen soldier being honored with the 22 surrounding the silhouette.
The run was very inspiring and motivational. I was pleased to finish 3rd with an average time of 7:32min/mi and a PR for a 5k event.
This was a run with purpose and the variety of people participating had different experiences personally with the lost lives. I think I will run this every year. It was not loud or an over the top type event, but perhaps it should be. Talking with fellow runners I spoke with a woman who was looking through the cards and found her husband. Running is a community. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to experience the purpose for one another to run.

Happy running!

PJ
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