Staging a marathon is extremely stressful and very labor intensive, offset however by the many special moments each marathon reveals. Our greatest rewards are by far the people we are privileged to meet and the incredible stories they share with us. One such encounter occurred Marathon Sunday 2002.

While most people were finished with their race and the task of break down and clean up had begun, a member of our staff was approached by a young woman requesting her brother's marathon medal. A call went out over the radio for the event directors to meet at the command center. A hush went over the group as the young woman, who introduced herself as Jill, quietly spoke about her best friend. She explained how six months earlier he had excitedly committed to run his first marathon and had chosen ours to run. She promised him that she would be there for him when he crossed the finish line and together they planned for a special trip to San Diego. He was not there on race day. Jill's best friend, her brother Joshua, had perished along with thousands others in the World Trade Center as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. In spite of her still fresh pain Jill knew she had to keep her promise to her brother and without telling her family or friends she made what was to be a fun trip to San Diego with her brother, alone.

We were all so touched and inspired by Jill and her brother Joshua who we've come to know through Jill. From this encounter the Spirit of Joshua Award was born. This award is presented annually to someone who has overcome great obstacles to get to the marathon. It is a living tribute to Josh and to his sister Jill, who despite her brother's death, kept her commitment to him.

2007 Shair Hume and son Connor

Running had always been an important part of Shari Hume's life (in photo on left side with Jill), but when two of her young children were diagnosed with serious illnesses, running took on a new meaning. While running, she could work out the devastations, the frustrations and the fear that come with chronic illnesses and she could return from her runs with a new strength and a renewed sense of purpose. In 2003, Shari and her husband, Tom, formed Cure JM Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness, provide support, and fund research into a cure for Juvenile Dermatomyositis, a very race genetic disease, which her 8-year old son, Parker, had been battling for four years. Shari then made the decision to use running to help achieve the goals of the new foundation. She began training for the Carlsbad Marathon, collected pledges for each mile she ran and since that time she has been able to raise almost $250,000 for Cure JM. While doing this she and Tom learned that their youngest son, Cole, was suffering from Kawasaki disease, an equally rare and very serious disease.

Last year, Connor joined his Mother’s fight showing much courage and strength in the face of adversity. Connor has been the biggest supporter of his brothers, comforting them during their hospital stays, holding their hands when they get shots, pushing their IV pole down the hallways, finding ways to distract his brothers from their pain and knowing just what to say when they are feeling bad.

In addition to supporting his brothers, Connor has also spent a great deal of time volunteering for Cure JM Foundation, which is also a member of the Charities in Motion Foundation. Connor has helped organize lemonade stands, bake sales, spare change collections and a jog-a-thon at his school. Connor does everything he can to help find a cure for his brother. Parker. In fact, Connor said he would give his heart to his brother to save his life.

Last year, Connor was an active volunteer for the Carlsbad Marathon. He helped organize and recruit volunteers for Cure JM, and also stuffed goodie bags for the Cure JM Team. He served as a course guide and made signs to cheer on the runners.

This year, Connor recruited a group of friends to walk the first few miles of the half-marathon with Parker to show their support of Parker and Cure JM. Shari continued her battle to raise funds for JM research by running the half marathon.

“Shari and Connor, on behalf of the Carlsbad Marathon and the Birnbaum family, we are extremely honored to present you with the Spirit of Joshua Award. You are everything this award represents.”

Submit your recommendation and candidate information no later than December 15.

Submissions may be sent via email to info@inmotionevents.com subject line: Spirit of Joshua Award candidate or, faxed to: Sprit of Joshua Award Candidate, fax number: 760/692-2901.