Running is for the Dogs

This year’s Citizen’s Bank Philadelphia Marathon held on November 23 had some unique participants.   One of them was 11 year old Kelsie Cain of Warrington, PA, winner of the "Not Your Typical Runner" contest selected to participate in the marathon.  Kelsie raised over $2600 for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit organization that breeds, trains and provides service dogs to individuals with physical disabilities. Funds were also provided by Citizen’s Bank who sponsored the contest.

Kelsie, who has cerebral palsy "ran" the 26 mile course in a special wheelchair pushed by members from several local running and sports clubs.  Every two miles a new pair of runners, many of whom ran the entire way with Kelsie, pushed Kelsie on.  She reached the finish line in 4 1/2 hours, and as she approached, her CCI service dog Rose met her to celebrate her achievement.

Kelsie’s team wore bright pink shirts, her favorite color, and were emblazoned on the back with the slogan "Running is for the Dogs."

Local teams and interest groups assisting Kelsie included the Ambler Area Running Club, Tri-State Multisport Association, Valley Forge Striders, the South Jersey Athletic Association, New York Road Runners, Newtown Veterinary Hospital, GMAC Commercial Mortgage, PECO Energy, and CCI.

AARC was represented by Hilary Goodman, Matt Ryan, Kathy MacWilliams, and Kate Traylor.

For more information about CCI, visit the local chapter’s website at www.cciphiladelphia.com.