BETHESDA, Md. (WUSA) -- This Saturday, runners will be hitting the streets of DC for the SunTrust Rock 'n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. Some of the racers on the route are running for a higher purpose. We met up with one local racer on the Capital Crescent trail in Bethesda as she preps for her the upcoming half marathon.
Alice Till participated in her first marathon at age 57 as a race walker and now 11 years later she is still going strong and added running too. She has a unique running style that has helped her complete several half marathons at ease even in her late sixties.
"I am run/walk 2-1 run/race walk," said Till. "It gives different muscles a break and helps you with your endurance," she continued.
But for Alice, crossing the finish line is more than just a personal accomplishment. She pushes herself for her honored teammates.
"In 2001, a good friend and colleague a young women a mother of a two-year-old little girl was diagnosed with leukemia," she said.
Alice knew she had to do something to help her friend Debbie and the more than 1 million others suffering from blood cancers.
"I am researcher but I can't find drugs for cancer. I can donate, I can also use my legs. As long as my legs work. I can raise money and walk and honor these people."
And that's what she has tirelessly done. Alice joined Team-in-Training, which helps people train for distance run, bike rides or triathalons. TNT'ers also raise money through events like the Rock n Roll Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Alice's friend Debbie won her battle with a bone marrow transplant but one of Debbie's friend didn't.
"She said 'Alice you have to keep walking because some still don't make it.'"
To date Alice has finished 11 events with Team-in-Training and has raised almost $230,000. And she's not finished yet. She says a lot more fundraising is still needed to help defeat this deadly disease.
"That is a drop in the bucket when you see what is needed for research and patient support," she continued.
Alice's goal is to reach $250,000 dollars by here 70th Birthday.
Join us Saturday morning for live coverage of the Rock n Roll Marathon from 8am to 11am.