Racing for Veterans in the 20th Annual Air Force Marathon

 Racing for Veterans in the 20th Annual Air Force Marathon
Paralyzed Veterans of America named charity partner for historic September race

Washington, D.C. (April 29, 2016) – Runners participating in the 20th annual Air Force Marathon now have the opportunity to race on behalf of over 60,000 paralyzed veterans and their families. Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans), the nation’s foremost service organization dedicated to supporting veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, announces it will serve as an official charity partner for the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio.

Paralyzed Veterans is partnering with the Air Force Marathon as part of its REVolution (Racing to Empower Veterans) endurance racing program. Team REVolution is comprised of able-bodied runners who compete in races across the country, all while raising funds to help provide the care and resources paralyzed veterans need to live full, productive lives. Paralyzed Veterans serves many Air Force veterans and passionately supports the Air Force Marathon’s efforts to honor both active duty military and veterans.

Instead of simply racing as individuals, runners who join Team REVolution race with a strong purpose: contributing to the research, advocacy and services that are vital for seriously injured veterans. This includes everything from helping leading universities identify the best treatments for paralysis to providing a veteran the chance to participate in a sports program that would have otherwise been unavailable. Team REVolution is the Air Force Marathon’s only charity partner that works specifically with paralyzed veterans.

“Team REVolution provides a unique opportunity for runners to use their hobby in order to help others,” said Julia Walker, program manager for Paralyzed Veterans. “The money that the participants raise will contribute to a number of areas, including spinal cord injury research, legislative advocacy for veterans and other disabled individuals, and adaptive sports programs and other recreational rehabilitation services.”

The race will be held on September 17, 2016 at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. The marathon has grown in the past twenty years into a 15,000 participant event, and the weekend will feature a full schedule with a sports and fitness expo, gourmet pasta dinner, breakfast of champions, finish line festival and after party.

“Paralyzed Veterans of America has been working on behalf of our nation’s seriously injured heroes for nearly 70 years,” said Al Kovach Jr., Paralyzed Veterans’ National President, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who is also a two-time winner of the LA Marathon and a 1996 Paralympian. “REVolution is a new program that we believe can provide another great way for people to give back to our veterans. It means that running a race transforms from a sport into a rewarding chance to support a cause that can influence lives.”

To run the Air Force Marathon and support Paralyzed Veterans of America, please register here.

About REVolution

REVolution (Racing to Empower Veterans) is Paralyzed Veterans of America’s charity endurance racing program that raises funds to support all veterans, with an emphasis on paralyzed servicemen and women and their families. REVolution empowers able-bodied athletes to improve paralyzed veterans’ quality of life through funding research to find a cure for paralysis.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, Paralyzed Veterans has ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation, monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units, and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation, and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.