Tulsa-area runners sought to enter Israeli marathon
BY BILL SHERMAN World Religion Writer
Saturday, October 20, 2012
10/20/12 at 5:48 AM
A Tulsa firm is putting together a running team to compete in the Tiberias Marathon in Israel.
The world-famous race in Tulsa's sister city is run annually along the south shore of the biblical Sea of Galilee.
Ben Ferrell, with BMCFerrell company, said he hopes to find 20 Tulsa-area runners who will compete Jan. 10 in the marathon, a half-marathon or a 10k race.
The team will represent Just One Life, a New York-based Orthodox Jewish organization devoted to supporting Israeli women in crisis pregnancies who want to keep their children.
Runners of all ages and faiths are invited to participate, Ferrell said.
Participants will be expected to find sponsors to support their run. Just One Life will pay the airfare, lodging and food for runners who raise $4,200 or more, he said.
He said the race will be an opportunity for people who have always wanted to visit Israel.
Runners will receive online professional coaching and training plans.
BMCFerrell provides advertising and promotional services to Just One Life.
Rabbi Pesach Sommer, team director and spokesman for Just One Life, said the ministry offers counseling, financial support, a mother and infant center, home visits, and advocacy to women in crisis pregnancies.
"We look for mothers who want to keep their babies, and are excited about being pregnant, but are facing financial or emotional challenges," he said. "We're also there after the birth, to help the family."
He said that in the past two decades, they have helped with 13,500 births
For more information about the race call Sommer at 973-668-7672 or Ferrell at 918-794-0413, or go to tulsaworld.com/tiberias
Original Print Headline: Area runners sought for Israeli marathon
Bill Sherman 918-581-8398
bill.sherman@tulsaworld.com
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