By Beau Bowman
@beauknows2
Most participants at the University of Iowa Dance Marathon’s big event focus on the dancing, while others focus more on the marathon.
Dance Marathon Marathon takes the program to a whole other level. DMM members do everything a regular dancer would, but they also raise one thousand dollars and run in the Chicago Marathon.
During the Big Event, Dance Marathon Marathon sets up two treadmills and have people sign up to run all night long.
Running Wild located at 121 E Washington St. sponsors the group and for every mile ran on a treadmill, they donate a certain amount of money to Dance Marathon.
Runners take shifts at Dance Marathon’s Big event running for 15 minutes at a time.
Runner Allyson Naeve said making it through the Big Event can be tough, but it’s worth it.
“It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do,” she said. “But it’s also been the most rewarding, but it’s nothing compared to the cancer treatments the kids have to go through. My journey is nothing compared to theirs.”
Dance Marathon Marathon is allotted 200 places in the Chicago Marathon every year, but it’s not an easy race to get into.
Forrest Gassman said the group exists to inform people about DM.
“Dance Marathon Marathon is all about raising awareness for Dance Marathon,” he said. “We have 200 runners raising one thousand dollars a piece. That money really adds up fast.
One of the chairs of the organization, Becca Cohen, talked about their racing experience.
“When I’m running I know it’s tough but I know I can do it,” said Cohen. “I know I can do it because if the kids can do what they are going through, then I know I can do this.”
The other chair, Lauren O’Sullivan, said the event is tough but worth it.
“We raise almost $200,000 every year,” she said. “And even though it’s one of toughest ways to raise money, its also the most rewarding because there is no better feeling than finishing that marathon for the kids.”
