Southern California Native, World Record Holder and Hero Dad Christian Burke Launches Second Ultramarathon Record-Attempt Event To Raise Money For Local Schools

    HERMOSA BEACH, CA, June 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Christian Burke, a Southern California native who embarked on a 24-hour ultra-marathon sand run to raise money for local schools last year, setting a Guinness World Record in the process, announced his next fundraising event/record attempt will take place on June 18, 2011.

Known as "The Hermosa 24," this remarkable endurance event attracted hundreds of curious onlookers over the 2010 Labor Day weekend and raised nearly $20,000 for local schools. For this second world record and fundraising effort, Christian is inviting the solo runners and teams of runners to attempt to break both his fundraising goal and his Guinness World Record.

24 Hours, Running in the Sand = Absolutely Worth It
In 2010, parents of Hermosa Beach school children donated a total of $530,000 to fill in a budget shortfall of more than $1.2 million. As in most districts around the nation, after school programs, physical education, the arts, and more are being cut at an alarming rate.

The value of an education cannot be stressed enough, and through "The Hermosa 24," Christian has paved the way for creative fundraising for education. Beyond his hope to raise money again for local schools, Christian endeavors to inspire people in communities across the country to "run" similar programs in their hometowns.

Commenting on the fundraising efforts of "The Hermosa 24", Christian says, "Back in September, with such a successful event, we made a significant dent in the deficit. The June 18th event has been created to further inspire people to reach into their pockets and preserve the educational resources that our children need to thrive. The event allows people not to just watch history but participate where children and adults, weekend warriors and ultra-runners can compete and challenge themselves on this unique stage of pain in paradise all the while knowing their effort is going to the most worthy of causes."

Calling All Runners - Run Solo or Create a Team
In an effort to create enhanced community spirit and open fundraising efforts to more schools, Christian has opened up this competitive event up to amateur and elite runners, and students of all ages. Runners can register for the solo category, or alternatively, teams of up to 10 runners can compete in the relay category. Runners will run Pier to Pier, specifically Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach Pier, for 24 hours.

Through solo and relay categories, "The Hermosa 24" is creating opportunities for those individuals or teams to raise funds for any school or cause that a team wishes to represent. A pledge drive system has been created to allow relay groups to gather donations for miles or laps completed, or a one-time donation that upon completion of the event will be directed at their school or cause.

Added Christian: "The relay category is particularly desirable because it gives all types of runners an opportunity to participate in something that is groundbreaking and serves a great cause. I am really proud of what I accomplished last year and I'm excited to have others join me and share in this sense of accomplishment, knowing it's all for the kids."

The course starts and finishes at the entrance of the Hermosa Beach Pier. From there, a well marked path in the soft sand will lead runners to the Manhattan Beach Pier (1.7 miles from pier to pier) where they will pass under the pier, then reverse the course tracing the same path back to the Hermosa Beach Pier over and over again for 24 hours.

DAY OF THE EVENT:
When: Saturday, June 18-19, 2011. Race starts at 12pm.
Where: The run will start and finish at the Tim Kelly Memorial statue located at the entrance of the Hermosa Beach Pier (1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254)
Register online: www.hermosa24.com

About Christian
Christian is known amongst his friends, family, and fellow athletes as a person who takes on mind-numbing, over-the-top physical challenges for reasons unclear. He's travelled the world to take part in extreme multiday endurance events that cover hundreds of miles over unspeakable terrain on very little or no sleep. Christian has found that his new given title as Guinness World Records holder for Greatest Distance Run On Sand in 24 Hours, has provided him a unique opportunity to raise even more funds with the challenges and exposure that this year's event can offer. Christian's 11-year old daughter Halle attends school in Hermosa Beach, Calif.

# # #