The Marathon has a long and noble history dating back to the 1980's, when Key West native Art Tilsdale ran all the way to Marathon Key to inform the residents that Sloppy Joes was selling Margaritas 2-for-1. What makes Tilsdale's accomplishment even more remarkable is that he was only wearing a pair of leather chaps and body paint - apparently the incident took place during Fantasy Fest.

[Some say the ancient Greeks were also a part of the history of the Marathon, but there was no alcohol involved, so the story isn't nearly as interesting.]

Okay, now I'll try to be serious. As a past member of the Jaycees, I often recited the creed, which states "Service to humanity is the best work of life." Your goal is lofty but through your sweat and pain you will be helping to ease the pain of others. Can there be a more noble aspiration? I wish you luck and godspeed.