 | A Few Words With... Mercy Ray |
PRINT |
|
6/26/2009 - by TJ Dwyer |
Mercy Ray, a member of the Run N Fun women’s racing team, is coordinating the Rock for Broc 1 Mile Fundraising Challenge at Macalester College on Tuesday, June 30. TJ caught up with Mercy to ask her about her own background and to get more details about the upcoming event.
What's your running background? Track background?
"I started running when I was 4 years old. My mom is Suzanne Ray [Ed. note: former Minnesota age group runner-of-the year now living in Oregon] so it is in my blood. I ran all through high school and then for one year in college. After a bad experience there I took a few years off of racing and training hard and then picked it back up again with the help of my mom and also finding a new love for it again and enjoying running on a team. I ran track in high school and made it to state in the mile my freshman year in Alaska. I was a cross -country girl but ran track - the mile, 4x400, 4x800, and sometimes 2 mile.
How did you decide on a track event as a fundraiser for Cindy? How did you decide on one mile?
"I run weekly with Pam Weier, Kelly Keller, and Kristi Larson. We were talking about something we could do to help Cindy out and thought some sort of race would be a good idea. I looked into a fast road 5k first and the costs were high. We decided on a mile track time trial because we thought it would be fun and the costs would be low so more of the money could go to Cindy.
How many people have pre-registered?
"I have received a ton of emails saying people will be pre-registering and also we still have the pre-registration open at Run N Fun until Friday (6-26). Hopefully we will get a lot more over the next few days - but it looks like the majority will be race day registrations.
Are you still looking for volunteers?
"We have had an unbelievable amount of volunteers and are all covered for race day.
How can people help out in other ways - if they're not running or volunteering?
"It is always fun to have people in the crowd. It will be a fun event so everyone is welcome - even just to watch and enjoy the raffles.
Can you tell us more about the wristbands and buttons you’ll be selling at the event?
"We will be selling Rock for Broc silicone wristbands (like the Livestrong style) and also buttons. There is another fundraising event that will be held later on for Cindy through some of her co-workers at Best Buy so we worked out the order with them. Several people attending our event have family members and friends who can't make it and this is a way for them to bring something back to them and a way to make a little additional money. Plus with people wearing them it will be a reminder for prayers and good thoughts for Cindy.
Can people donate money at the event? Can they donate money for this event in other ways?
"Of course, donations are welcome at the event. If people cannot attend and want to mail in a donation they can mail it to:
Rock for Broc
c/o Mercy Ray
205 Owens St
Stillwater, MN 55082
Is there going to be a fee for spectators?
"No - it is free to come and watch. However people will most likely want to bring money since we are having some awesome raffles available - anything from running watches to snowshoes! Prices per raffle ticket will be $1 - $5 depending on the item and you do not have to be present to win.
Are you still looking for other items for donation - food/drink, or raffle?
"If anyone would like to donate anything additional - please contact me at mercymray@gmail.com."
Source: Click for complete Rock for Broc information |