By TODD ZEIGLER Copy Writer
On Saturday, May 31, supporters of autism treatment and research will line up at 9 a.m. at the Parklands at Floyds Fork to race in FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Louisvilles Outrunning Autism 5k Run/Walk.
The average 5k racer, even at a moderate pace, can complete a race in less than an hour. On that Saturday, one racer will start at 9 a.m. and wont stop for 24 hours.
Jim Ball, a local attorney and former co-owner of the now-closed Trail Store in Westport Village, will run nonstop until 9 a.m. Sunday morning in the FEAT of Louisville 24-Hour Extreme Event.
Ball will run four-mile loops on the trails of the Egg Lawn at Beckley Creek Park. He will attempt to keep the pace at one loop per hour for the entire 24-hour period.
This year will be Balls sixth 24-hour extreme run for FEAT of Louisville. Balls two oldest grandchildren suffer from autism. He was approached five years ago about sponsoring the 5k race due to his personal experience with the disorder, which appears during a childs first three years and affects the brains normal development of social and communication skills.
Ball thought that, instead of simply sponsoring the race, he could raise more money by running.
Its seriously worthwhile to do, he said. You start, and you enjoy it. And the great thing about the next year is, you dont remember how much it hurts.
Ball ran Cross Country in high school and became an off-and-on casual runner afterward. He had not run seriously for about three years prior to his first autism run, so he took the initiative to get back into shape to make his 24-hour goal.
Even supplementing the ninth annual 5k event, Balls run has taken on a life of its own. In his first year, celebrities such as local radio and television personality Terry Meiners and Miss Kentucky joined him for an hours run.
Originally posted here:
24 Hours on His FEAT