Never Give Up Hope 10K * (See below)

October 29, 2006  9:00 AM
Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, Md

In Memory of Hope Benson Machedon
June 1, 1960 - March 3, 2005

• USATF Sanctioned Race
   

• Certified 10K course (race professionally timed by the MCRRC)
  Course map
   

Hope Benson Machedon, an actuary (FSA) from Bethesda, MD. was an inspiration to all who knew her. Since childhood, she had almost superhuman drive and determination.  At age 37, Hope rediscovered her passion for long distance running, and in two years progressed to a marathon personal best of 2:55:07.  One year later, at age 40, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but continued to train like an Olympic athlete until weeks before the end,  averaging 80 miles per week on her treadmill.  She never gave up hope that she would recover and someday qualify for the Olympic trials.  Within the running world, Hope was loved and respected for her raw honesty, sense of humor, and her grit and determination.

Hope's story "In her own words"