By Cort Reynolds

Despite injury, Ada distance runner Donald Robey will be participating in a challenging race to benefit local Marine parents and families.

The event is called the Gnaw Bone Dances with Dirt 50-miler, to be held Saturday, May 13 in Nashville, Indiana.

"My son Andrew is entering the Marines in July," said Donald Robey. "I have always been a big supporter of my children and this event just seems to be a perfect fit with my love of running.

"The money raised will go to charities helping Marines and their families," he continued.

Those who want to donate can either go to Robey's facebook page and click
on the TMP link in his news feed, or go directly to teammarineparents.com and search the term participants.

The goal Robey has set for this year is $500.

The event is a trail run and will depend on the weather to determine whether it is a dirt or mud run. The course is filled with rocky sloped climbs and descents Robey will be running across streams and creeks.

"So in other words 50 miles of awesomeness!" said Robey, who has coached the Ada cross country teams in recent years. Robey was recently diagnosed with six herniated discs in his lower back and neck, so he will be doing this event at a comfortable 10-12 minute mile pace.

"Again, the main goal is to raise money for the charity. I thank everyone for their support," he added.