The Merrick 5k in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Daniel sporting his new uniform, given to him by the family in Jamaica.

Mr. Jamaica got out of bed this morning with a viral infection. He coughed like a dog barking. Mother Stephanie called me at 7:00 am and asked me if Daniel should run. Stephanie knew better than to ask that question.  Seventeen year ago, if she came to me telling me that she was sick. I would ask her, “How does your illness stop you from running?” The situation and questions have not changed. What is good for the mother is good for the child.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2muJ7DQjE8&feature=youtube
Daniel's interviewer at the starting line.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ni_KpqoeQ8&feature=youtube
The speech before the race and the horn.

Daniel just as the horn sounds. He is the smallest and youngest in the race.

Daniel's Medal.

The Merrick Fund Foundation exist as a safety net for sick and injured adoptable animals in the care of rescues and shelters so the suffering that Merrick endured is not repeated.  

Below is the 3.1 Mile course that Daniel ran. Daniel was the youngest and the smallest one racing. However, his illness and his age did not stop him from coming in second in the “14 and Under “ age group with a time of 26 Minutes 21.1 seconds. Overall he placed 66 with 209 people in the race.  

This is the cross country layout where Daniel ran 3.06 miles. He ran between 6.8 and 7 Miles Per Hour. His Pace was between 8.29 and 8.49 Minutes Per Mile. He burned 440.6 Calories in the race.    

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RIeLZtxSA&feature=youtube
Daniel's Post Race Interview

 

This is what Daniel won for his father, a bucket of tools. This race was not for small children. He was never suppose to be in this race.