Betchen will be joined by a small support group comprised of a television producer, a school teacher, a potato farmer and one nun--Sister Mary Beth Lloyd. Sister Mary Beth, Betchen's friend of many years, is not only an experienced runner in her own right, but may also be the world's only marathoner who runs in a full habit.
The Samford family is encouraged to cross Lakeshore during the day to cheer on Betchen or even run a portion of the course with her.
Batchen's team will begin the run Monday, May 10, at 5:30 a.m. near Brookwood Mall and run the Lakeshore and Jemison trails back and forth several times to complete 50 miles for the day. Betchen and Sister Mary Beth will join Samford Provost and Executive Vice President J. Bradley Creed in the university's cafeteria around 6:30 p.m.