The Murfreesboro Half Marathon Donation

The Murfreesboro Half Marathon, in partnership with Soles4Soles, donated 532 pairs of new shoes to the Murfreesboro and Rutherford County school systems in Tennessee that will benefit needy and homeless students.

Rutherford County Schools has reported that more than 600 enrolled children within their educational system are homeless and have homeless parents for the year 2007.

"Right now we have 605 pupils in the Rutherford County Schools that reported being homeless," said Kim Snell, the homeless student liaison provided to the schools under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act passed by Congress in 1986. "That's not including the Murfreesboro City Schools."

In addition to the 532 new pair of shoes, over 1,000 pairs of gently worn shoes were collected during the half marathon. These shoes will be inspected and shipped to third world countries and disaster-stricken areas.

Soles4Souls Collecting Shoes at "Middle Half" Run

Registration for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center begins May 1, 2008. Soles4Souls will be collecting new and gently worn shoes at the second annual "Middle Half" run held in October. Last year’s race sold out with 1000 participants in only 34 days.

“We’ve increased the limit to 2000 runners and lowered the age limit to 14,” said Natalie Tate, race director. “Last year we wanted to learn how to conduct a race on a smaller scale with fewer runners. We’re ready for more participants this year.”

New features are being added for the 2008 race. Spectators along the course are encouraged to cheer on the runners with signs and music. Admission is free to the MTSU Track and Soccer field where the runners will cross the finish line.

This year, look for Soles4Souls donation boxes to drop off your unwanted shoes. Runners and spectators are encouraged to bring all styles and sizes of men's, woman's and kids footwear.

Runners may register online at http://www.themiddlehalf.com/.