Running seven marathons across seven continents

Running seven marathons across seven continents

JACKSONVILLE, Fl., Sept. 10 - At 55, Linda Quirk has been on an amazing journey -- seven marathons across seven continents. She began her trek across the globe by running the Boston Marathon this past April.

At 55, Linda Quirk has been on an amazing journey -- seven marathons across seven continents.

The goal of this heralding feat is to help raise one million dollars for Caron Treatment Centers' addiction scholarship program that helps families in need pay for addiction treatment at Caron. Caron has already given $9 million in scholarships this year. To help achieve her goal, Linda launched http://www.run7on7.com/, a captivating website that has been documenting her adventure around the globe while accepting much-needed scholarship donations.

"The road has been long, but filled with so much excitement and incredible support," says Linda Quirk. "However, I still have three marathons to go and need more donations to reach my goal of raising one million dollars so families in need can get the treatment they deserve."

Caron is a nonprofit addiction treatment center that helps those affected by alcohol and drugs and their families begin a new life. Linda's stepdaughter began her journey from methamphetamine addiction to recovery at Caron Renaissance in Florida, something Linda is forever grateful for.

"We're honored that Linda has chosen Caron as the recipient of such a substantial fundraising initiative," says Missy Orlando, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning and Communications at Caron Treatment Centers. "As a Caron boardmember, Linda's leadership efforts will help provide funds for so many families that need our care."

Like many of the families that have benefited from treatment at Caron, Linda actually experienced the heartache and inspiration of helping a family member overcome chemical dependency. Now she's sharing that experience with the nation on Run7on7.com in hopes of informing other families that there is a solution and that addiction can happen to any family.

Physically, Linda is a far cry from your typical 55-year old grandmother of three. She's a trained runner who has participated in multiple marathons and triathlons around the world including Big Sur, Alaska and Berlin.

She has also completed numerous extreme races including many Ironman full, half and Olympic distance triathlons, including: Ironman Florida, Long Course Worlds in Sweden, Ironman Lanzarote, Ironman World Championships, Kona Hawaii and Ironman 70.3 Worlds in Clearwater, Florida.

Linda's definitely fit for the challenge," says Linda's coach and trainer, Keith Brantly, 1996 Olympic Team Member, Marathon. "However, she's experiencing some of the harshest conditions a runner could face, from desert heat to sub-zero temperatures. It's a testament to her devotion to the Caron Renaissance Institute."

To help get the word out and to support her mission, Linda has partnered with BP Products North America Inc. and SkirtSports. Currently, Linda is speaking on behalf of the launch of BP gasoline with Invigorate, a unique formula that helps cars run younger for longer. She is also spreading the news about BP's exciting online promotion, that includes a chance to win $10,000 in BP gift cards at bpinvigorate.com.

SkirtSports, an athletic apparel company, has fitted Linda with her running clothes and is offering a 15% discount to all online shoppers, with proceeds benefiting Caron (visit skirtsports.com and use the "7on7" promotional code).

Linda's journey began with the nation's premiere Boston marathon and continued on to China (Great China Wall), Easter Island, Africa (Kenya) and now she's preparing for Iceland (Reykjavik, Australia (Melbourne) and Antarctica.

To learn more about Linda Quirk's incredible story log onto http://www.run7on7.com/