Charity runners cross Lowcountry

Twenty runners.

Eleven days.

More than 1,500 miles.

Last month, two teams of runners from around the country pounded pavement from Boston to West Palm Beach, Fla., in an effort to raise money and awareness to fight childhood obesity and cancer.

Proceeds from the event went to two charities that support those causes: the Florida-Based Pursuit of Life Foundation, and Massachsetts-based DMSE Children's Fitness Foundation.

Each participant had to raise at least $5,000 and run about 16 miles a day in the massive relay.

"It's been a great experience," said Hannah Berg, who also runs cross-country for Palm Beach Atlantic University. "For me, actually, I just found out a few days ago on the phone that my Grandpa just started chemo. And so, we're running for cancer, and we're running for children's obesity, and it inspires me to raise awareness for people out there."

The group started their first day with the Boston Marathon. Then after a day of rest, they started their trip in earnest.

On each team of 19, two pairs of runners jogged at a time, supported by a van that made sure they had water, ice, or whatever else they might need on the trip.

The rest of the team rode along in an RV, taking a break to eat and waiting for their turn.

The runners came from diverse backgrounds — from age 18 to 57, some from around the country and about half from Boston and Florida.

On April 25, the group ran from Georgetown through Summerville and into Hardeeville. It was a humid day with temperatures in the mid-80s as runners pounded along in the South Carolina sun.

Bekkie Wright said that when they started, the cold and rainy weather favored the Massachusetts crowd. But as they headed farther south into the Carolinas, the temperature and humidity skyrocketed, favoring the Floridians.

"Some of the late afternoons on the straight concrete highway with no shade were a little rough," the Manchester, Conn., native said with a laugh.

The group's original goal was to raise $75,000, and as of press time they had raised $91,000 for their cause.

Runner Joe Poliquin, also of Manchester, Conn., said the crushing heat and mammoth fundraising effort were well worth it.

"I've done relays, I've done ultra-distances, but I've never done anything that was in essence a fundraising event," he said. "It's added an extra reason to help others."

Reach Lucia Walinchus at 937-5921 or at lwalinchus@postandcourier.com.