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Runner raises thousands to benefit youth

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years, 6 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | December 21, 2011 5:22 PM

Zach Perrin was exhausted but satisfied after running 50 miles Saturday.

The Flathead High School junior sought pledges for the run to benefit 12-year-old Jamie Founds of Marion. Founds suffers from acute lymphoid leukemia and is receiving treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Perrin’s run raised $2,559.47 plus and an additional $700 in verbal pledges

Running 50 miles was a first for the cross-country and track athlete.

“Yeah, for sure, I was pretty tired [afterward],” Perrin said.

The run was spaced out with several pit stops where Perrin was joined by coaches, teammates, classmates, friends and family.

The run took more than nine hours to complete.

Perrin said his focus was staying injury-free. He said he didn’t run into any surprises except for a stretch of fog near Columbia Falls.

“It was a perfect day, wasn’t too cold. I got pretty lucky for running in December,” Perrin said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].

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