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Gallant completes 26.2 mile distance
Jump to full article: Elkton (VA) Valley Banner, 2003-11-26
Author: TED HAYES / Valley Banner Staff Writer
Intro: Jim Gallant, who gave up smoking completely two years ago, celebrated the occasion by completing a marathon-length (26.24 miles) "Walk-A-Thon" to raise money for the American Lung Association.
The event, which was on Montevideo Middle School's track, was aided by the volunteer help of organizer Jessica Montgomery, a Spotswood senior, and some 50 youth volunteers from Mount Olive Church of the Brethren. . .
"We need this kind of event," said coordinator Montgomery, who had heard about Gallant's effort and called him to volunteer to manage the event.
"We tried to reach all groups, but especially younger ones," she continued. "Smoking starts at an earlier and earlier age, so we have tried to reach kids both in high school and in middle school.
"About 45 percent of high-school age kids smoke," added Montgomery, who was also instrumental in advertising the event among non-church groups.
At the marathon, which started at 8 a.m., Girl Scouts were present with a petition asking kids not to smoke at all, as part of the anti-smoking program sponsored by Girl Scouts.
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