The Glen Echo Fire Department congratulates Glen Mar Park resident Jim Donley for his successful service as the lead/solo runner in the 68th stage of the Great American Relay. The 3,500-mile run is comprised of 415 stages across eighteen states, starting on 9/11 in Boston and concluding at the Santa Monica (CA) Pier on October 19th. The run commemorates 9/11 and raises money for first responders and members of the United States Armed Services.
Jim’s stage, totaling 7.3 miles began on a rainy Thursday evening at DC Fire Station 29 and concluded at the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department. Two emergency vehicles from Glen Echo Fire Department escorted Jim along the entire route, and Montgomery County Police Department provided several additional escorts from the Maryland/DC border to the finish line. Despite rain and a 90-minute delay, Jim finished the run with a positive attitude and with shouts of support and appreciation from his many friends who took positions along the route.
Jim was warmly welcomed by the fire fighters at DC station 29 who stood with him in the rain for over an hour as they waited for the arrival of the relay baton. Once underway, much of the route followed MacArthur Blvd. and the considerable number of drivers who found themselves behind Jim and his escorts seemed to be in good spirits despite the delays.