One of the Travis Mills Foundation team’s favorite aspects of the Miles for Mills Memorial Day 5K is the stories of runners, walkers and handcyclists about why they run this particular race.
For many, its personal.
Dale and Lauri’s Story
Woolwich, Maine, residents – Dale and Lauri have been running the Miles for Mills Memorial Day Weekend 5K since the inaugural run in 2012.
“We ran back when they thought they were going to have 50 people and ended up having several hundred people,” Dale said.
Looking back, the couple could not think of a race they have missed in the past years.
“We even did the virtual one during COVID,” Laurie said.
When asked why they participate in the 5K and their motivation, Lauri described the event as a moving experience.
“I have the utmost respect for [SSG (Ret.)] Travis Mills,” Lauri said. “He’s just so inspirational. He’s a veteran and not only did he serve his country and all the injuries he did acquire from that, but he’s been able to get through that well enough to live a happy and fulfilled life and give back to others.”
Dale finds his inspiration for participating in the race from that, but also the attitude that Travis displays in his day-to-day life.
“Never give up. Never quit. To run a 5K with that many people who are all running for the same cause is very inspirational. Then to shake his hand and get a picture taken with him is very inspiring,” Dale said.
Get a copy of Travis’ story, “As Tough as They Come”!
The 12th annual Miles for Mills Memorial Day 5K, presented by New Balance Foundation, will be held Sunday, May 28 at Brunswick Landing, the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. The race will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. Registration is $35.
About the Travis Mills Foundation
The Travis Mills Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports post-9/11 veterans who experienced life-changing injuries while in service to our country. The Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat offers our nation’s recalibrated veterans and their families a week-long, barrier-free, all-expenses-paid experience at its world-class retreat in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. It offers various programs that help these brave men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. The Foundation also offers Warrior PATHH (Progressive & Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) for combat veterans and first responders, the nation’s first-of-its-kind program designed to cultivate and facilitate post-traumatic growth. Learn more >>>