The Fundraising Page of Ann McGrath

I have been running Grandma’s Marathon since 1996 and it has truly become part of who I am. Over the years I have taken a couple of breaks to raise my kids, which honestly felt like its own kind of marathon. Last year my youngest ran it instead of me, which was both surreal and one of my proudest mom moments. I have run through just about everything you can imagine. Pouring rain, blistering heat, and even the year of the army worms when it felt like the road itself was moving. I have taken cover from thunder, stood in line for buses that never seemed to come, and watched school bus drivers turn into the real heroes of race day. Every single time I cross that finish line, no matter what the weather or chaos throws at us, I am reminded why I love it so much. This year I am running for Ruff Start Rescue, a cause that means the world to me. They rescue and care for animals who have been abandoned, neglected, or forgotten, and give them a chance at a new life. Running and rescue work have a lot in common. Both take heart, endurance, and a deep belief that every small act can make a big difference. So here I am again, lacing up for Grandma’s. For the animals. For the people who never give up. And for all the soggy socks and tired legs that remind me why I keep coming back. Thank you for supporting me and Ruff Start Rescue. Every donation helps save lives and keeps me going when my legs start to question my life choices somewhere around mile twenty.