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Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy is a spectacular way for every member of the community to take a stand against cancer on their home turf.
For those who will participate in the marathon, half marathon or 5K, it’s a chance to test their athletic prowess in a truly unique venue and cross the finish line with the knowledge they have helped raise funds for the new cancer center.
For hundreds of others it is an opportunity to use their time, talents and skills as volunteers that will aid the cause in a tangible way, make this year’s inaugural event a success and turn it into a stellar attraction for years to come.
Meet some of the residents who have already signed up as volunteers and learn the reasons behind their decisions to assure the A2A is a success.
Phillip Capshaw
A local massage therapist and triathlete, Capshaw has been described as a “faithful” A2A planning volunteer. But helping plan the event isn’t the only volunteer role Capshaw will play. He will head a team of masseurs and masseuses who will provide massage therapy to marathon and and half marathon runners after they finish their race, easing sore muscles, aches and pains as well as the stress of competition.
“There are three main reasons why I have volunteered. The first is that I’m an old marathoner and I’m thrilled we are having one here in Ardmore,” he said. “Second, the A2A is a great cause and one I hope everyone supports. And third, as a massage therapist and a run I know how badly those who run marathons can sometimes need a massage when they’re done. I’m just really thrilled to be able to participate in the A2A.”
Sandy Lackey
A late blooming runner and a core A2A volunteer, Lackey has already created the A2A’s Web site Training Page. She is also serving as chairman of the registration and race packet committee.
Before the Race for Mercy on March 28, Lackey and her team of volunteers will assembly hundreds of information packets for runners. The day before the race and the morning of the race, Lackey and her group will be at Ardmore Convention Center to register those who have come to participate in the race.
“The big drawing card for me (to volunteer) was that 100 percent of the proceeds will stay here and benefit the new cancer center and because of that it will benefit those who live here. The A2A is something that is giving back to the community,” she said.
Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy is a spectacular way for every member of the community to take a stand against cancer on their home turf.
For those who will participate in the marathon, half marathon or 5K, it’s a chance to test their athletic prowess in a truly unique venue and cross the finish line with the knowledge they have helped raise funds for the new cancer center.
For hundreds of others it is an opportunity to use their time, talents and skills as volunteers that will aid the cause in a tangible way, make this year’s inaugural event a success and turn it into a stellar attraction for years to come.
Meet some of the residents who have already signed up as volunteers and learn the reasons behind their decisions to assure the A2A is a success.
Phillip Capshaw
A local massage therapist and triathlete, Capshaw has been described as a “faithful” A2A planning volunteer. But helping plan the event isn’t the only volunteer role Capshaw will play. He will head a team of masseurs and masseuses who will provide massage therapy to marathon and and half marathon runners after they finish their race, easing sore muscles, aches and pains as well as the stress of competition.
“There are three main reasons why I have volunteered. The first is that I’m an old marathoner and I’m thrilled we are having one here in Ardmore,” he said. “Second, the A2A is a great cause and one I hope everyone supports. And third, as a massage therapist and a run I know how badly those who run marathons can sometimes need a massage when they’re done. I’m just really thrilled to be able to participate in the A2A.”
Sandy Lackey
A late blooming runner and a core A2A volunteer, Lackey has already created the A2A’s Web site Training Page. She is also serving as chairman of the registration and race packet committee.
Before the Race for Mercy on March 28, Lackey and her team of volunteers will assembly hundreds of information packets for runners. The day before the race and the morning of the race, Lackey and her group will be at Ardmore Convention Center to register those who have come to participate in the race.
“The big drawing card for me (to volunteer) was that 100 percent of the proceeds will stay here and benefit the new cancer center and because of that it will benefit those who live here. The A2A is something that is giving back to the community,” she said.
Robbie Brooks
An accomplished runner and founder of the Road Race 2 a Cure 5K Walk-Run, Brooks is now a core A2A volunteer. The A2A 5K will honor the spirit of Brooks’ original event and she serves as chairman of the committee responsible for recruiting volunteers for A2A committees.
“I am so passionate about this because it has effected so many people I love,” she said, adding she is currently accompanying her 70-year-old father, Robert, to a Dallas hospital where he receives chemotherapy treatments for Cancer Unknown Primary-Adnocarsinoma.
“I looked around the waiting room (in Dallas) and saw once again how cancer has no prejudice – every race, creed and age set in that room facing the same struggle. I wondered how many people were alone. How far had they traveled? At what expense and inconvenience? Soon, my father and the many members of the Southern Oklahoma community that fight cancer will be able to receive treatmentright here. Our community will have the ability to provide excellent care to our local cancer patients while keeping them close to the comfort and convenience of their home.”
Curtis Davidson
A runner, president of First National Bank, member of the Mercy memorial Foundation Board and a core A2A volunteer, Davidson has taken on the task of serving as chairman of the Sponsorship Committee, the group striving to raise the funds needed to conduct the A2A.
“There are two reasons I volunteered. The first is the benefit — 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the cancer center which will save lives and help families get the best treatment available right here. Second we need community wide events that promote health and fitness and what better way to do that than the A2A,” he said.
Patricia Whitener
As the Ardmore Chapter of the American Red Cross, Whitener will head a Red Cross personnel and equipment effort at the start lines of both the marathon and the half marathon. In addition, the local chapter’s van and trailer will service coffee and refreshments to runners prior to the race.
Whitener and several other members of the Red Cross team are cancer survivors or have recently lost loved ones to cancer.
“I’ve volunteered because the new cancer center will be a facility that will greatly enhance the area and be an opportunity for treatment people would otherwise have to travel to receive. Such a facility can only broaden our base in attracting businesses and industry. A state-of-the-art facility like this gives confidence to those looking at possibly moving operations here,” she said.
Volunteer Options
From children to senior citizens, the A2A offers volunteer opportunities for everyone. Choose an option from the following list and call Robbie Brooks at (580) 504-6372 or (580) 224-6220 to sign up:
Pre-Race Options:
* Course — work on planing and staging the three A2A courses
* Registration — assist athletes in signing up at Ardmore Convention Center
* Packet Assembly and Pick up — Assembly and distribute information packets to A2A participants
* Pasta Dinner — plan, set up, serve or clean up
Race Day Choices:
* Spirit Groups — Bands, drill teams, cheerleaders, civic groups providing “spirit” along race courses
* Start and Finish Lines — Help stage, tear down and clean up sites following races
* After-Race Refreshments — Stage and serve refreshments to athletes at finish line
* Site Cleanup — Assist in cleaning up all sites along race course
