SANDPOINT - Finishing a marathon is a special feat.

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon, as Sandpoint runners and close friends Rod Crawford and Barbara Brown recently did, is even more impressive.

But both of those accomplishment pale in comparison to what the pair decided to do next, using the historic Boston Marathon as an opportunity to raise money for the Sandpoint Special Olympics.

The idea came to Crawford after another friend recently asked the most simple of questions about running a 26.2 mile race.

"She said 'Who are you doing this for?'" recalls the 56-year-old Crawford. "I said, 'Myself.' Then I got to thinking it would be a great way to raise money for a good cause."

The two friends who run anywhere from 20 to 30 miles a week together, decided to solicit pledges for each mile of the Boston Marathon. Brown ran in the prestigious race last year, her fourth marathon, and says she'll enjoy it even more this year because she knows what to expect.

"The Boston crowds are tremendous; busy, noisy and enthusiastic," describes Brown, whose best finish to date is four hours even. "I'm not worried about the time at all. Getting there was the challenge, now is the fun part."

Crawford qualified for Boston by clocking a 3:43.27 at a marathon last summer in Sun River, Ore,, joking that he spent three hours in the medical tent afterward. He has been a ski partner for Sandpoint Special Olympian Robert Edwards in the past, so the fundraising idea is close to his heart.

Special Olympics has tapered off in Sandpoint in recent years, but six local athletes recently went to McCall to participate in the Idaho Winter Olympics. The group is also planning to attend the Summer Olympics in Boise in June. Crawford hopes whatever money he and Brown can raise will help grow participation in future events.

"If we're going to run 26.2 miles, we might as well make some money for some other people," says Crawford.

Anyone wishing to help can mail contributions to: Rod Crawford, P.O. Box 2549, Sandpoint, ID 83864. Make checks payable to Sandpoint Special Olympics.