Los Angeles Resident To Take on Charitable Race in Mexico

Feb. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Hauling thousands of crayons, pencils, Frisbees, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm for running Patrick Sweeney, of Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, will be heading to Copper Canyons this March 2 to run 51 miles in the Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon. While raising funds for locals and handing out toys for the kids, Sweeney has his eyes set on a finish in the top ten.

“Patrick is an example to everyone that you can do what you love and give back to those in need,” said Emily Fu, CEO of Thirty 48 Socks. “We’re honored to partner with Patrick, and to help bring his passion be an inspiration for running to hundreds of kids in attendance.”

Sweeney runs in sandals and Thirty 48 compression sleeves which is sponsoring his trip. He is making his fourth appearance in this race made famous in the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougal with goals to enjoy the experience, and finish under eight hours to make up for previous race attempts that were foiled by the hot weather and injuries.

Two years ago Sweeney passed out while racing from a lack of hydration. Last year he suffered a bad fall in mile four which resulted in scars still visible today. Sweeney has been training vigorously for the race, and has run over 400 miles since January 1st this year.

“I run between 14 and 20 hours a week, doing slow, soft sand runs,” said Sweeney. “I don’t keep track of how many miles that is, but I’ve easily done over 400 miles in 2014.”

Sweeney will be running with around 400 indigenous Tarahumara Indians, 50 or so international runners from all over the world, and about 100 Mexican nationals.

Follow the race on twitter using the hashtag #CCUM2014, follow Sweeney’s blog at http://bourbonfeet.blogspot.com, and learn more about his sponsor at http://www.thirty48.com.