A year ago, Gary and Kenny Frith were the talk of the American Discovery Trail Marathon. Gary, a retired Air Force Academy graduate (1978), pushed Kenny, his son who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, in a large wheeled jogger for the entire 26 miles to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs.
But Gary has bigger plans this year. He has enlisted the help of about 50 of his old AFA squadron mates. The plan is to push Kenny to a new ADT Marathon record on Sept. 6. And he has a goal of raising $26,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Association. Gary Frith is calling the project "26 for the Kids." Donors can send checks in directly or donate online at www.CPAPPR.org.
Gary is chief pilot at the business he owns, Aces Up Aviation (www.AcesUpAviation.com.) Kenny, 28, works at Goodwill in Old Colorado City.
Gary Frith gave us the rundown on his plans for this year's ADT Marathon.


We understand Kenny is going for the American Discovery Trail Marathon record. Can you tell us how this idea came to be?
I wanted to do something different this year than just running by myself - my first thought was to get the USAFA Marathon Club runners to push him for the record but I figured they would be training themselves this time of year and also had problems contacting their coach/OIC.  So then I thought I would contact my old squadron - the one I graduated from in 1978 and see if they would be interested in going for the record. They were very open to the idea and look for community projects to in. The AOC, Major Brett King, has been a great help in organizing this endeavor.  It will not be officially sanctioned by the Air Force Academy as they are not allowed legally to use their name with fundraising but it will be squadron volunteers from the Heritage Club of 1st Squadron, better known as 'Mach One'. I am looking to get 50 of them, preferably the fastest 50, but 50 dedicated to the mission - break the ADT Marathon record of 2:32:30 (Justin Ricks, 2009).  My daughter, son, and I will also run for a total of 53 runners, or approximately a half mile apiece. That works out to 2:54 half miles that need to be run on average by the group!  Not an easy task but a great challenge. 

Tell us about fundraising this year. How is it being done, do you have a goal, why is
this cause important and how can folks participate?
Our goal is $26,000 - or just $26 from 1000 caring individuals. The neat thing is 100 perent of the donations will be used to help those with CP and the families raising kids with CP. The donations are also 100% tax deductible as the association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donors can send checks in directly or donate online at www.CPAPPR.org. The cause is especially important this year as our primary funding source was cut from $30,000 to $8,000 for the next two years - the money raised from this fundraiser will be the majority given out to families in need, and believe me when I say the needs are great!

You pushed Kenny the entire way last year, that's an admirable feat by itself. Can you describe your feeling when you hit the finish line?
It was truly amazing and hearing Kenny ask for his medal the last 5 miles was starting to get to me - so it was a relief to have him finish and get his medal - the smile on his face was worth every step!  That was my fourth marathon and the real surprise was that it was my PR for marathons, even pushing Kenny! Now it was down hill but I was really motivated and trained a lot harder for this run. Kenny kept my spirits up and with the help of my daughter and cousin pushing the uphill segments we all had a blast.

What does Kenny ride in?
I call it his 'Big Baby Jogger' - that is what it looks like. Check out the photo on the flyer (above).  It is made by Advance Mobility and is their largest size jogger. He's pretty comfortable and enjoys his iPod music with speaker attached so the 'pushers' are happy too!

How does Kenny like racing and what is his reaction while you're rolling down the trail?
I didn't know how he would react or if he would really enjoy the running when I purchased his jogger.  I just knew he felt left out since his sister and dad were always out training for the marathons and running the races.  So when we did start running he was real excited. Now, after many miles, he settles into the vibration and just cruises for the most part. He does like interacting with the other runners and cheering them on, even the ones that pass him! And he loves to sing when he hears a favorite song of his, and he has lots of favorites!
 
This will be Kenny's second ADT Marathon, has he done other races?
Last year was the first trial and it was a success - we (I) sort of loafed the rest of the year and now this is our goal. The fundraiser for next year is to get into Boston if they will allow us - we are writing those request letters as we speak. I'll start training for that race in about two months - just have to avoid burnout if you know what I mean. Not bad for an old guy. I'll be 54 in November!

As a race, or as a community event, why did you choose the ADT Marathon for this endeavor?
The best part is it runs in Colorado Springs - all the money raised stays in this community!  The second reason is easy - DOWNHILL is key to a successful marathon with Kenny. Kenny and his chair weigh about 160lbs. Needless to say I'm not looking forward to Boston if we do get in, but others have made it and so will we!  And finally, Sara (race director Sara Wulfkhle) is the BEST. She  has been on board since we first asked last year and I'm sure she'll be running along side Kenny when he breaks the record! Hope that is what you were looking for.  Again, Kenny and I, as well as the Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs thanks you for getting us some exposure and I'm sure some donors too!

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For more information about the Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs, check out www.CPAPPR.org.