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Doug's Run For Riley
On Sunday morning September 19, 2004, Doug Nitsch set out to run the Lewis and Clark-St. Charles, MO Marathon. This 26.2 mile journey began months prior to the actual event. Just 4 months after the silent birth of his daughter Riley Claire, on February 8, 2004, Doug started training. He trained long and hard, emotionally and physically, for the marathon he would "Run for Riley."
Doug was blessed with an incredible support system. He and his wife, Bridget, teach at a Junior High school where staff members and students began cheering him on. On Fridays leading up to the marathon individuals wore pink t-shirts with "Doug's Run For Riley" on the front. They made it their goal to motivate Doug so he could accomplish his goal, 26.1 miles.
On the morning of the marathon, family members, friends, fellow staff members, students, and Doug's soccer team joined together to cheer him on as he crossed the finish line. We were so excited for Doug that he was able to accomplish his goal, and we all thought about Riley, gone but definitely not forgotten. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.
Doug raised money during the months prior to the marathon, money which he donated to the National Share Office to help carry out their mission and help bereaved families. He did this in memory of his daughter Riley. Thank you to Doug and Bridget - we know Riley is proud of you!
