James Steller
James Steller is running for the kids.
He plans to circumnavigate Whidbey Island by foot — that’s 160 miles of running — over Labor Day weekend, while raising funds for the Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools.
Steller, a distance runner who has competed in everything from a 5K to a 120-mile stage race, is attempting to go where no one else may have gone before.
After checking with local historians and scouring the internet, Steller believes he will be the first to attempt the feat on foot.
The run, set for Sept. 1-3, is being organized as a fundraiser for the foundation, which supports school children in need, gives grants to teachers and awards scholarships to graduating seniors.
Steller will launch his run from Mickey Clark Field at Coupeville Elementary School, and the plan is to run to Langley on day one.
Day two will send him back to Coupeville, with day three (after a “power breakfast of cinnamon rolls from the Knead and Feed”) featuring a run North to Deception Pass Bridge, then back again.
He’ll be following perimeter streets, trails and beaches, and plans to update his progress on the Foundation’s Facebook page as he runs.
“Well, at least when there is cell service,” Steller said with a laugh.
While a regular 26.2 mile marathon is enough to scare off most people, averaging 50+ miles a day for three straight days is a monumental challenge.
“I am not sure if I can do it, but that is what inspires me to start,” Steller said. “I think this will be great for our community, the schools and the foundation and a great way to kick off the new school year!”
After moving to Whidbey Island in 2001, Steller, whose son Grant currently attends Coupeville Middle School, picked up the running bug.
He ran his first marathon in 2004 and has gone on to compete in more than 70 events, tallying 1,300 miles of competitive racing. Not to mention the thousands more run on his own time.
Over the years, Steller has competed in prestigious events like the Boston Marathon, while also taking on the challenge of unusual events such as a marathon where racers ran up the Matterhorn.
He joined the Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools after seeing the impact the organization had, then concocted his own way of giving back to the community.
“It was seeing the care and excellence of the teachers in the district that inspired me to get involved, join the Foundation board, and concoct this crazy attempt,” Steller said. “They have made a true difference in our community – and this seems like a great way to support them.”
The goal is to raise at least $5,000 for the Foundation, with he and his family agreeing to match any donations up to $2,500.
Donate $100 and you’ll be entered into a random raffle for a two-night stay at Steller’s guesthouse, which overlooks the water and the Olympics.
For more about Steller, his run, and how to donate, pop over to:
http://www.4coupevilleschools.org/circumnavigate-whidbey-is.html
