(Photo courtesy CRWRC)
USA (MNN) ― At the end of August, Minnesota's Mike Pluimer crossed the Ironman finish line in second place and over $38,000 in donations. He spent the last year training and raising money for the worldwide AIDS programs with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee.
"I see a day in the future when HIV/AIDS is no longer a pandemic in Africa and when we can see our brothers and sisters cross their finish line in good health, achieving a goal that also at one point seemed impossible," Pluimer explained about the motivation behind his race.
By placing second at the Janus Charity Challenge, Pluimer obtained an additional $8,000 for CRWRC programs. The Charity Challenge is a unique Janus Capital Group fundraising program that encourages tri-athletes to raise money for their favorite charities while training for events. In his personal appearances at schools and churches, Pluimer encouraged young people to join him in his "Join the Race" fundraising campaign.
250 "i-joiners" from three countries, eleven U.S. states, and three Canadian provinces each committed to run, bike and swim to raise money for CRWRC's AIDS programs. Combined, they rode 2,532 miles, ran 1,208 miles, swam 67 miles, and participated in 45 hours of additional exercise. These kids also sent $30,000 in fundraising donations and pledges to Pluimer.
"The Ironman takes endurance and commitment," says Pluimer, "not only by me but by the strong support group who train, cheer, and pray me through."
Additional donations for "Join the Race" are being accepted through the end of this month. You can "join the race" by clicking here to make a donation.
"Our brothers and sisters in Africa who are fighting HIV/AIDS are in an even tougher race that requires much more endurance and commitment than the Ironman. They need a support team much more than I do...I am so grateful to the CRWRC for being their support crew. [Their] commitment will help them finish their race."
