PO Box 188

    Lancaster, SC 29721

    ph.# 803/285-6488

   Thank You

   Lancer

   Baseball

   Support Runners

   Cameron Baker

Mobley Jeter

Aaron Story

Shawn Thomas

Blaine Walker

Ryan Burt

Kory Davis

Colby Edwards

Jake Andrews

Michael Cobb

Rick Davis

Trent Frala

Ramel Graham

Ethan Ward

Tim Wilson

Cory Wines

Jonah Smith

Tripp Cameron

Derek Parker

  Demontez Jones

 Khoury Hammond

Justin Gross

Kyle Hohman

Chris Wall

Ben Pinckney

Trey Paul

Jacob Oren

and Support Runners ...

Rick Walters

Larry Blackwell

Mark Baker

Laura Baker

Teresa Mullis

Drew Mobley

Tori Jones

Preston Simpson

Anna Bradley

Jonathan Hinson

Jessica Weir

Josh Pauling

Kristy Pauling

LHS Cross Country

...also

 special thanks to

Jan Blackwell

Eric Jaillette

Larry Bennett

Donna McKinnon

Mike Prochaska

Steve Williams

       &

 all who donated

        to the

    2008

Extraordinary "Feet"      

 Mark Blackwell's

 "Run for One"

On October 25th, 2008, Mark Blackwell, Matt's uncle, went the distance in his attempt to accomplish an extraordinary feat as a fundraiser for the Foundation. Mark, an avid runner, has participated in several marathons over the last few years and has dedicated several of these runs to Matt and the foundation that bears his name. This year, Mark, a resident of Alpharetta, Georgia, came back to his hometown of Lancaster, and amazingly ran 51 miles along a course that took him to several significant locations throughout Lancaster County. Beginning at Matt's home, Mark traveled past Buford High School, Andrew Jackson High School,and Lancaster High School along the way, ending his journey at home plate at the Lancaster High School Baseball Field, a place very special to Matt and The Matt Blackwell Foundation. "When charting my course, I wanted to include places, such as the schools, that the Foundation supports through scholarships and other means. I also wanted to include places that meant something to Matt while he was with us", Mark said. And why 51 miles? "While in Matt's room one day, I noticed the many trophies, game balls, plaques, ribbons, and awards Matt had received for athletic accomplishments during his young life. "Mark answers. "I then decided to run a mile for every trophy I counted in his bedroom", he added. "Matt has been such an inspiration to me, and so many others. Knowing what he did in such a short time inspired me to go beyond my normal marathon distance of 26 miles. This was a major challenge, but Matt's spirit motivated me all the way to the finish, " Mark concluded.

Mark's marathon, or "Run for One", began at 4 am on Saturday, October 25 and concluded at 2:10 pm that same day. Along the way, several volunteers joined him at various mile markers. USC-Lancaster Baseball players, Lancaster High School Cross Country team members, and many of Matt's friends and family joined Mark at different times during his journey. When it all came to an end, Mark had reached his goal, going the distance and raising over $10,000 for The Matt Blackwell Foundation. If, by chance, you crossed his path during your travels on that day, and wondered what was taking place, you now know and can appreciate the remarkable length someone went to honor a special young man and to help the children of our community.

Thanks Mark!

from

Run Photos

(click on picture to enlarge)

Photographs by Jan Blackwell