Washington, DC : Mr. Mark Carruthers, a former British Infantry Officer, has worked with U.S. and NATO forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a way to recognize the U.S. service members’ devotion to their duties and country, and their sacrifices, Mark has decided to raise money in a 400 mile “Source to Sea” kayak trip that starts at the northern source of the Potomac River at Fairfax Stone in West Virginia, past the Nation’s Capital, and ending where the Potomac empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Point Look Out in Maryland.
“I wanted to raise some money for injured service members, and kayaking the Potomac and supporting Team River Runner seemed to complement each other. It can be challenge for able-bodied service members to adjust to life after the military or operational tours, and this challenge is multiplied for those who have been wounded. Activities such as kayaking offer an opportunity for injured service members to apply some of the skills and lessons they have from the military – rising to a challenge, overcoming physical challenges, overcoming fear, working with others to complete a mission, getting outside, and having an adventure! All this can be achieved while involving the service members’ family and support network and, in my view, translates directly to an attitude and ethos that assists in their transition and future success. I enjoy the Potomac because of the diversity of environment and activities that it encompasses. It has something for everyone from the adrenaline-seeking whitewater kayaker or wake-boarder, to those who prefer sailing and fishing,” said Mark.
Mark began his journey on Friday, May 16 in flood stage water levels. He has encountered a few bumps in the road during the first couple of days on his adventure due to the water conditions but has stayed positive and is continuing his journey to the sea. He is covering an average of 50 miles a day, and pitches a hammock by the side of the river at the end of each day. He is carrying all of his food in his whitewater kayak, and will drink filtered river water. He is on schedule to be passing through our Nation’s Capital on Wednesday of that week, and arrive at the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, May 24.
Mark is raising money for U.S. service members by accepting donations to Team River Runner. Team River Runner is a nonprofit that believes every wounded and disabled veteran deserves the opportunity to embrace new challenges. They believe the struggle of physical and emotional recovery needs to be supplemented with activities that spark competitiveness, invoke leadership, and promote camaraderie. Team River Runner provides an outlet to fulfill these beliefs – inviting wounded and disabled war veterans and their families to participate in adaptive paddling programs. Team River Runner, a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, provides these programs in over 45 chapters across the country.
About Team River Runner
Team River Runner believes that every wounded and disabled veteran deserves the opportunity to embrace new challenges. We believe the struggle of physical and emotional recovery needs to be supplemented with activities that spark competitiveness, invoke leadership, and promote camaraderie. Team River Runner provides an outlet to fulfill these beliefs – inviting wounded and disabled war veterans and their families to participate in adaptive paddling programs. Team River Runner was founded in 2004 at Walter Reed Medical Center. We now offer weekly paddling sessions in 45 locations nationally and locally. For more information, visit http://www.TeamRiverRunner.org.
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