About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

essie garrett.jpgPortz-Shovlin, Ellen. 'The Human.' Runner's World. October 1990.

'She exhibits an endless capacity to give. Colorado's Essie Garrett, a 43-year old ultrarunner, raises money through running to contribute to as many causes as she can. Last year alone, Garrett collected thousands of dollars in pledges for Save the Children, Children's Hospital, the American Heart Association and cancer research. 'Running is my way of giving back to the community,' Garrett says.

Last November, Garrett ran 168 miles in 48 hours, raising nearly $1,000 for the Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver, where she works. The pledge money provided the students with food, clothing and financial assistance. Six months later, she ran 700 miles in her second seven-day Sri Chinmoy International Marathon, bringing her pledge total over $5,000 in that event. 'Every mile is more money for research or an additional wheelchair,' says Garrett. Sports Women of Colorado named Garrett their Most Inspirational Athlete of the Year last February.