Alzheimer's Inspires Couple to Run

Together, Westborough couple Trish and Dave Reske will run over 33 miles in one weekend, hoping to bring awareness and funding to the Alzheimer's Association.

The pair is participating in the 2011 New Hampshire Reach the Beach (RTB) Relay which takes  place on Sept. 16 and 17. Starting at Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire, relay teams of no more than 12 will rotate through 36 transition stations, running 200 miles in total to finish at Hampton Beach State Park, New Hampshire. Relay team members will each run 3 legs of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, keeping the same order throughout.

Because much of the relay takes place through the hilly terrain of the White Mountains, Trish and Dave have been training by running hills and going for long distance runs. Trish’s longest leg will be an 8.5 mile stretch rated “hard” for elevation climb. In total, she will be running 19 miles and Dave will be right behind her with 14.5 miles over a 36 hour period.

While this will be Dave’s first year participating in the race, it is Trish’s fourth consecutive year with the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association is a charitable sponsor for RTB and has 20 teams in total participating in the relay. Trish’s running team, aptly named Run for the Memory, is comprised of runners who are all active participants with the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter’s endurance charity events.

When asked about her team Trish said, “Many of us are veteran runners from the Alzheimer’s Association Boston Marathon team. We’re a very close group who have all been directly impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.” For Trish, the passing of her mother in 2008 from Alzheimer’s motivates her to keep striving to help eradicate the disease, ideally in her lifetime.

Running in the RTB is a huge commitment both in time and energy. Still, Trish said that, “It’s a lot of fun in a twisted sort of way! It’s a round-the-clock, challenge, and you rely on your team members to get you through.” One of the hardest parts, she said, is running through the night.

Two of the four Reske children, Caleb and Chloe, participated by volunteering at the finish line with Dave last year. This year, though, Dave is off and running as part of Trish’s team. It is a dedicated team with a heart and passion to make a difference. 

“I’m proud that our group commitment to RTB grew into a great partnership in just four years, where in 2011 we are a significant charitable partner with Reach the Beach NH and MA Relays,” said Trish.

As written by Dave on his and Trish’s Donation Page, “Trish and I will be raising money for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Proceeds go directly to those affected by Alzheimer’s, by providing enhanced care and support for all affected and through the advancement of research.” 

As a team, Run for the Memory has raised $4,000. The Alzhermier’s Association as a whole is hoping to raise more than $100,000. 

For information on the relay or to donate, visit their page at http://alz.kintera.org/fallrtb2011/trish

For any runners who might be interested, there will be another Reach the Beach Relay from Wachusett to Westport on May 18 and 19, 2012. For more information or to register go to http://ma.rtbrelay.com/