By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—Most people only dream about being on the cover of a magazine.  Jerry Clifton and his running partners, also known as Jerry’s Crazies, are trying to make their dream a reality.

Runners World is holding a contest looking for new faces to be on the cover of their December issue.  Runners can nominate themselves and then the public has a chance to vote on them, through social media.  The runner, or runners with the most votes can score the coveted cover.

Below, is the submission that Jerry Clifton made to Runners World. The contest deadline is July 20, 2016.  You can go online and vote once a day.  Jerry Clifton and his “Crazies” are always the first to help with any fundraiser in our community, now is our time to help them.

To Whom It May Concern:

Hello, my name is Jerry Clifton, and I’m writing to nominate our local group of runners to be featured on the December cover of Runner’s World. We have an interesting story to tell, and I’d like to share it in hopes of inspiring other runners.

Since I began running nine years ago, I have reaped tremendous physical and mental benefits. But the most joy I get from the activity — the part which keeps me enthusiastic and motivated — is the sense of community that running inspires.

A small group of people from our town began running together several years ago, and as we challenged ourselves we earned a special title. By tackling our region’s steep terrain (such as a 400-feet drop in elevation) and inclement weather (running in snow, rain or blistering heat), our family and friends began calling us “Jerry’s Crazies.”

Not only was this a fun way to identify our group, it attracted more attention to running and inspired other people in the community to join us. It motivated businesses to launch wellness programs. We supported one another, encouraged one another and fed off each other’s accomplishments. This sense of togetherness led us to organize the first Rainsville Freedom Run 10K/5K in 2009. The purpose of this event was three-fold. We wanted to: 1) create an event that would be fun for everyone involved; 2) introduce new people to our city; and 3) raise money for charities in our area. We never imagined the success we would have on all Fronts.  Across seven years, the Rainsville Freedom Run has become an annual highlight for our small Alabama town. Hundreds of runners have visited Rainsville from several different states. And thousands of dollars in profits from the event have supported such causes as women’s health, food for the hungry, freshwater wells for families overseas, youth programs and children’s advocacy initiatives.

We just wrapped up our 2016 event this past weekend. Our town of 5,000 saw an incredible 850 runners take to the streets — an increase of more than 30% over the previous year. While online registration fees are still being tallied, we expect to donate some $30,000 to charity from this year’s run alone.

Running has brought us great enjoyment. One of the highlights of the past nine years for me was when I and four of “The Crazies” got the opportunity to be part of the Runner’s World VIP trip to run the Big Sur International Marathon.

Nothing, however, compares to the joy we get from seeing all the good that has been accomplished through our Freedom Run, thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses in our city and the greater running community at large. It’s amazing to think that it all started with a desire to improve health and enjoy an activity with friends.

Thank you for your consideration. You won’t find a group more excited, or one that will represent Runner’s World and the sport at large with any more passion and enthusiasm, than Jerry’s Crazies. We look forward to hearing from you!

    Sincerely,

—Jerry Clifton