13th annual Howard Aslinger endurance run set for March 17
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The 13th annual Howard Aslinger 24/12 endurance run is on its way. On March 17, participants will get a chance to hit the 100 mile or 50-mile mark or set personal bests.
Bryan Kelpe says the idea behind the race is to stand by Howard Aslinger motto.
“One of his sayings uh was it’s not handicapped, it’s an inconvenience,” recalled Kelpe.
Kelpe says this run was a way to honor Aslinger. And as the years have gone by, the race grew with runners from all over attending. The race is an opportunity for runners without disabilities to partake and runners with disabilities like John Payne, who is one many memorable runners, to join forces.
“He came up a couple of times in his wheelchair and uh did over 100 miles; actually, went beyond the 24-hour world record in 12 hours, participated in the wheelchair and then his 26th mile he got up and actually walked a mile in the ReWalk, which was pretty amazing and pretty emotional.”
Kim Kelpe, Aslinger’s daughter, says the funds will go to scholarships to individuals with disabilities to further their education.
“Being able to provide those scholarships by people coming out and doing what he had to do his whole life was you know inconvenience, and you know, he didn’t let his disability stop him from doing anything that he wanted to do,” she said.
