Success! A "Run to Remember" to Keep Kids Alive

Tom, Sean, Shawn, Michael, Matthew and Mike Everson at the 

"America the Beautiful" monument on the summit of Pikes Peak. Katherine Lee Bates wrote the song "America the Beautiful" while on the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893. The Pikes Peak Ascent always begins with a rendition of this hymn to America. It is inspiring.

Just returned from Colorado and the "Run to Remember" as part of the 
Pikes Peak Ascent Trail Race - 13.32 grueling miles up a single-track trail with a 7,800 foot elevation change. It all peaks out at 14,115 feet above sea level at the summit.


6 Eversons - my 3 sons (no, not Rob, Chip and Ernie!), 2 of my brothers, and yours truly completed the race. We ran to remember 51 loved ones who have died in traffic incidents. Their family and friends commissioned us to carry the memory and spirit of the love they shared, and continue to share, with all who love them. We were honored to do so. 


The photos that follow tell just a small portion of the story (and I will add more photos as I receive them).

The "Run to Remember" Team just before 
our final training run on August 18th

The "Run to Remember" Team looking out from the summit of Pikes Peak at the beauty beyond, and at the trail they would run the next day. The "Memory Wall" of those we ran to remember appears on the back of our running shirts. Through the years, over 1,000 of these shirts have been distributed to family members of those we run to remember. On race day - August 20th this year - they wear these shirts in solidarity with us as we ascend Pikes Peak. All shirts are paid for through the generosity of our donors, who help to make the "Run to Remember" possible.

Michael Everson's (Age 21) shoe, on which he drew a wing and the initials of Erika Joy Rowan of Cozad, Nebraska.

Sean, Mike, Shawn, Matthew, Michael, and Tom Everson at the starting line the morning of the race - yes, it was early!

Jan Anstett with her Dad at a Detroit Tigers game on the day of the 

"Run to Remember." We ran to remember her daughter, Erika. Jan is wearing this year's "Run to Remember" shirt.

Mike Everson, the 1st of the Eversons to finishg the "Run to Remember." He's heading up the trail towards the summit, well above timblerline.

Sean Everson, age 19, stands on the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak after a great first-time "Run to Remember." Sean's face reflects the effort involved in climbing 7,815 feet in elevation over the 13.32 mile course on a single-track trail (wide enough for one person).

If you would like to be involved in the 2012 edition of the "Run to Remember" the weekend of August 18-19 (as a runner on our team or to be present to support the team), please send an e-mail Tom@kkad25.org or give me a call at 402-334-1391. 


We are also looking for sponsors/donors for next year. Potential sponsors are welcome to contact me at the above e-address and phone #. Tax-deductible donations can be made throughout the year at KKAD25 Donate, or checks can be sent to:


Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144


Your generous giving will always go towards keeping kids living. Thanks!


Tom Everson
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
402-334-1391
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org