Helping kids move forward while running backwards

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)–Running a marathon is not easy, no matter how you look at it. Wilmington citizen Tracy McCullen will make that daunting task even more difficult on Saturday morning during the Wrightsville Beach marathon.

McCullen will run the 26.2 mile race this weekend, but not in the conventional way. A few months ago he made the decision to run the marathon backwards, to help raise money for the Community Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington. The goal he made for himself was $100,000.

“That is what, this is all about. It might be great for me to finish, but the truth is , its really about the kids. I am so excited to have them run with me across the finish line,”said McCullen.

Tracy has been training now for months, all for this weekends marathon. He has now run over 200 miles backwards in his preparation for the event and will joined by hundreds of other racers on Saturday in their trek around the Cape Fear.

“Tracy out there running for the Community Boys & Girls Club and then doing something exceptional that not many people have done, just elevates the experience for us all,”said marathon race director Tom Clifford.

Tracy McCullen at 60 years old,will be one of the oldest runners to ever try and accomplish this feat. When he finishes the race on Saturday, he will have something to be very proud of. He knows there will be a since of pride, but what he cares most about is the organization he’s doing it for.

“I want to continue doing everything I can to help them have a better facility and a better environment. So, they can be off the street and in the club,doing some really cool things,”said McCullen.

If you would like to donate to Tracy’s run,you can find that information here.

The marathon will get underway at around 6:40 a.m. on Saturday from Seawater Lane in Wrightsville Beach. The runners will hit the finish on the campus of UNCW on Price Drive.