Web site tracks 2,175 miles for ALS
By Julia Melloni • Correspondent • November 28, 2008

http://www.2175forals.com
In September, when temperatures were mild and the sun was still high in the sky, 29-year-old Ben Davis started out in Baxter State Park in Maine, to run the entire Appalachian Trail to raise money and awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He finished the 2,175 mile trek Wednesday night.

Davis' journey started even earlier, with a search for a Web designer to bring his message to the masses. Davis, of Virginia, posted an ad that attracted Burlington's Ben Brunt.
Though the running is over, the mission is not. Brunt maintains the 2175forals.com Web site for Davis. Brunt said the project is entering the promotion stage now.

"He now needs to put a face to the whole thing," Brunt said. This fall Brunt spent a couple of weeks running the trail with Davis.

"This guy is incredible, he does Iron Man competitions and ultra marathons, but this is the biggest thing he's ever done." Brunt said. "I'm a hiker, and the day after a hike is always bad, and to see him do this day in and day out is definitely incredible."

Over the past 66 days, Davis has run the equivalent of 83 marathons, running between 35 and 50 miles a day at a 20-minute- per-mile pace. Along the way, his crew has helped maintain the Web site, which follows the route with updates on trail conditions and a daily log dedicated to those supporting Davis on the trail.

On Monday, Davis took a break from the trail to chat by cell phone from Georgia about helping individuals with ALS and his goal to raise $1 million by inspiring 1 million people to donate $1.

"I'm passionate about ALS, and I've been inspired by a couple of individuals that I've met through community triathlons," Davis said. "One of my friends passed away and a colleague is currently dealing with the disease."

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease where patients loose muscle control, which may lead to paralysis and eventually death. There is no cure but there are treatments and clinical trials to help patients live with the disease. The donations Davis earns will benefit the ALS Association.

At about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Davis reached his destination -- Springer Mountain in Georgia. To date Davis' effort has raised more than $10,000.

Many people came out to see him on the trail, posted comments on his Web site and donate money at www.2175- forals.com.

Davis said he went through five pairs of running shoes, a multitude of nutritional supplements and 14 pounds of peanut butter.

"I also ate doughnuts and cookies so I wouldn't lose too much weight," Davis said. "Every picture of me on the Web site is of me eating. We only rested about four hours a day toward the end, and I'm looking forward to resting now that I'm done."



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