Tim Burke’s running Death Valley for a cause

On Monday, July 2, CWEnder Tim Burke will begin a 146-mile run through Death Valley (yes, you read that correctly), from the lowest point in the U.S.–Bad Water, California at 282 feet below sea level– to the highest, Mt. Whitney. If Tim hadn't already named his blog about the upcoming extreme-sport adventure "1inspiredidiot.com," I may not have felt comfortable questioning his sanity when we met last month. Wondering what a well-dressed runner wears in Death Valley? Check out Tim's running gear in the photo above. With 100-plus-days in our forecast, I can't imagine running in temperatures of 115 to 120 degrees, but that's what Tim will face starting at 5 a.m. Monday…all for a good cause.

Tim, who works for Edward Jones in Chesterfield, is on the board of Southside, a 126-year-old early childhood center located at 2930 Iowa off Gravois. The pre-school is geared toward underprivileged children who are overwhelmingly from immigrant families that have recently moved to St. Louis. Currently the children are mostly Spanish-speaking, whereas 15 years ago they were eastern-European. The focus of the school is to ready the children socially, emotionally, and educationally for kindergarten. Tim who is more than passionate about the subject, said a recent study shows that every dollar spent on early childhood education gets a $16 return over time; and it leads to better jobs for the parents as their children are in school. The Board of Directors of Southside is raising funds to build a new facility at Hwy. 44 and Jefferson that will enable the school to increase enrollment by 45% from the current 97 children. The Board has raised 60% of its $3.5 million goal, which includes a donation from the United Way and private fundraising efforts.

Tim is dedicating this challenging run in Death Valley to the children at Southside. He was never a runner, in fact he ran his first marathon last year. Mental and physical barriers prevented him from being a runner, but the more he thought about what the children at Southside go through, the more they inspired him to run the toughest stretch of road in the U.S. His goal is to raise $140,000, a symbolic figure representing the 140 children who will be enrolled in the new facility. He has raised $16,000 so far. By the way, Tim is covering his own expenses for the run. 

Sandra and Tim Burke settled in the CWE a couple of years ago after spending eight years in London where Tim worked in the Edward Jones office there. Prior to that they lived in Chesterfield. The couple has two adopted sons, ages 2 (Joseph above), and three-months-old. Tim said that he and Sandra always wanted a large family, and by helping Southside they can help many children at once. I spoke to Sandra about Tim's endeavor, and while she is supporting this Death Valley Run in spirit, she doesn't wear the challenge lightly. She has been told that it's best to remain at home, where she'll be following his progress virtually.

Only 600 people have finished the 135-mile* Death Valley Run in its 25-year existence. To be official, the run must take place during July and August. The organizers take only 90 competitors a year. Everyone who competes brings his own crew. Tim had enlisted a crew of two traveling in one vehicle, though he was thinking of adding a second crew and additional car. Runners start early in the morning, rest during the hottest part of the day, and start up again after the sun goes down. Most people drop out after mile 42. Tim has gone to Death Valley to train following his virtual trainer's schedule. The California-based trainer, Scott Weber, has run Death Valley 18 times.

Donate to Southside Early Childhood Center by supporting Tim Burke's run here. You can also join the virtual crowds that will follow Tim's progress from his blog site too.

*Tim's plan is to reach Trailhead at the base of Mt. Whitney at mile 135 (the official end of the run) and keep going! He is not allowed up the mountain until July 5, so Tim has to finish the 135-mile stretch by July 4.