A group called Project Athena, which helps survivors of medical or traumatic setbacks live an adventurous dream as part of their recovery, has announced they’ll be bringing one of their fundraising adventures — a “Relay Marathon” — to Richmond in July, 2012. Teams of four will each run a 10k lap (for a cumulative “marathon” time) through downtown Richmond area. The course has not yet been set. Thei goal is to have at least 300 teams of “Fundraising Gods/Goddesses,” as well as to honor 50 local survivors at the start (all of whom receive free entry and training).

 All entry fees are a 100%, tax-deductible gift to the 501c3 Project Athena Foundation. 85% of donated funds currently go to programming costs for survivors.  All female survivors can apply to participate in the Richmond event for free, and additionally have the opportunity to apply for a larger “Athenaship” or scholarship that could fund and support their dream adventure as a part of their recovery.

 Registration is expected to open in early 2012. For more information, please go to www.Projectathena.org

From the Project Athena press release:

Project Athena, a 501c3 non-profit, was founded in 2007 by two-time adventure race world champion, 10-Time Ironman finisher and professional firefighter, Robyn Benincasa. Robyn was diagnosed with stage 4 0steoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, in 2007, and completed a marathon 20 weeks after hip resurfacing surgery as a proud owner of two metal-on-metal bionic hips. Inspired by a support group of girlfriends who were also survivors, Benincasa started the Foundation to create a “god and goddess” network, to help other women who face medical setbacks embrace recovery and conquer physical fitness and adventure goals. Whether it is trekking across the Grand Canyon, climbing the Mount San Jacinto Sea to Sky Trail or realizing a lifelong athletic goal regardless of the setback. Project Athena helps make these adventurous dreams a reality.