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Massena woman’s 110 mile-ultramarathon to raise foster care, adoption awareness

Posted 11/15/18

MASSENA -- A SUNY Potsdam graduate student and mother of five children -- two of whom were adopted -- plans to run 110 miles in 24 hours to raise awareness about the 110,000 children in foster care …

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Massena woman’s 110 mile-ultramarathon to raise foster care, adoption awareness

Posted

MASSENA -- A SUNY Potsdam graduate student and mother of five children -- two of whom were adopted -- plans to run 110 miles in 24 hours to raise awareness about the 110,000 children in foster care across America.

Jessica Hurlbut, earning her master of science in teaching degree in childhood education at SUNY Potsdam, is undertaking the ambitious campaign from Friday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 17, in honor of what some refer to as “National Adoption Day.”

Hurlbut, who adopted two of her children from the New York State foster care system, hopes to increase public attention on the thousands of children across the country who are waiting to find their "forever families."

Her 110-mile ultramarathon running course will take her throughout St. Lawrence County Friday and Saturday, with stops in Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, Moira and the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, before she finishes in her hometown of Massena.

"I want to do something hard," Hurlbut said. "I want to show people that pursuing the 'hard' things in life will bring the most fulfillment and purpose. Running 110 miles is hard. Adopting is hard. But it's so worth it!"

The weather forecast is not the best, with a threat of snow, and she says she will be prepared, but if she has to change her plan she said SUNY Potsdam has offered their indoor track if she needs it. “I’d rather not run around a track a thousand times, but...”

In addition to pursuing her graduate studies and training for her ultramarathon, Hurlbut is a pastor at New Testament Church in Massena, and has competed on "American Ninja Warrior," an NBC primetime athletic competition.

Hurlbut plans to start at Massena's Trinity Catholic School parking lot at 9 a.m. Friday, with a send-off from the school community. All are welcome to participate.

To learn more about the 110-mile Adoption Day run, visit https://www.facebook.com/110-Mile-National-Adoption-Day-Run-2150113911920411.