Some P.A.C.E. Trek 2009 Media Items...

This trek has received minimal media attention, particularly in the state of Alaska. That's okay, because I don't do this for media attention. However, I thought I would share with you some of the online articles I've recently read about this Alaska adventure:

First Baptist Students' Marathon Effort

Lakeside Students Join P.A.C.E. Trek

LEMS Sets The PACE

Paul Elementary School Students Take Virtual Trek Across Alaska

Media Coverage And Sponsorship Of P.A.C.E. - Or The Lack Thereof...

I often hear from people that they can't believe that there isn't more media coverage of what I'm doing through P.A.C.E. each year. The fact is, I have a very difficult time getting any media coverage of P.A.C.E. Trek, and even a harder time finding anyone who wants to make donations (product or financial) to P.A.C.E. Trek. Yes, these are difficult financial times the United States is currently in. However, the lack of media attention and donations for P.A.C.E. dates back to 2005 when I was preparing to run solo across the United States. I approached numerous media sources and potential sponsors about that coast-to-coast run and was turned down. In fact, after successfully running across America to keep a promise to 40 students in my hometown I was told by a prominent running magazine that it was a "non-story". That still puzzles me.

Those of you who know me are keenly aware that I do not do this for media attention. However, I do want to see the P.A.C.E. program grow each year - with more schools participating. The only way that those schools can learn of the opportunity is for P.A.C.E. to make it into newspaper articles, magazine stories, and/or radio and television coverage. P.A.C.E. does not have a "marketing budget", primarily because I am the only person that organizes these annual challenges. I don't have a staff... I don't have a book to sell... I don't have a big-time media connection... and I don't make any money from my efforts. In fact, I personally spend thousands of dollars each year to make P.A.C.E. Trek happen for kids.

My biggest disappointment is that local media sources for those schools involved do not give any news coverage to their local participating students. A few local news sources have done that, as is shown by the few articles I've linked near the top of today's journal entry. However, most media outlets simply do not give any attention to the great efforts that students make each year during a P.A.C.E. Trek challenge - even in my own hometown. P.A.C.E. kids deserve recognition; however, they usually never get noticed. Childhood obesity and the decline of youth health and fitness has been a significant topic in the United States - and globally - for many years. There are a variety of programs that work toward turning the tide on the problem and P.A.C.E. is simply one of many. However, there is no other program going on like P.A.C.E. where kids are involved in truly "active learning", running and walking at their schools (virtually with an endurance athlete) while learning about the places that they are virtually trekking - as well as gaining more knowledge about health/fitness, goal setting, and concepts around persevering and doing your best.

Before each P.A.C.E. Trek I personally send out a press release to various national media sources, as well as statewide media in the location that I and the kids will be running. This year was no different. However, most of the time my press release is filed in the "G" category - and "G" is not for 'Good' but rather for 'Garbage'. Again, I don't have a staff, budget, product to sell, or big time connections. All I have is desire for trying to encourage and inspire kids, and an ability to persevere from milepost to milepost. Perhaps from a commercial standpoint that is simply not worth a sponsor's dollar, or it does not make for a noteworthy news story. However, I believe in what I'm doing and based on the hundreds of guestbook entries I've received from teachers and students over the past three weeks I'm convinced that P.A.C.E. is worth every planning, preparation and financial hurdle I have to personally conquer and every bit of pain and struggle I endure to get to the finish line.

I'm open to any and all suggestions or assistance regarding ways to get P.A.C.E. better known, funded and/or recognized as a worthwhile program for kids. I've kept P.A.C.E. free for schools, absorbing most of the costs myself. I want it to continue to be free so that all schools, regardless of financial condition, can participate and benefit from what P.A.C.E. Trek offers. I am currently communicating with an attorney about making P.A.C.E. a non-profit organization. This may be beneficial to P.A.C.E. in the future. Also, I may attempt to sell banner advertising for the P.A.C.E. Trek web site. Again, I believe in P.A.C.E. and have committed countless hours, significant finances, and thousands of leg-pounding miles over the years to make it a reality. I will continue to do so for as long as I can, hoping that the right doors will open so that the program can grow and prosper in the coming months and years.

That's all from this post-trek milepost. Run back here tomorrow for some more information!