Way back in April, Dr. Larry Grogin told WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana, that he was looking forward to a good sit-down.
Back then, Grogin — a chiropractor, acupuncturist, herbalist and long-distance runner from New Jersey — was about halfway through his quest to run 100 marathons in 100 days. That effort, dubbed “Strides for Humanity,” is a fund-raiser and attention-getter aimed to help people with Parkinson’s disease. Grogin himself was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago.
On Wednesday in Calabasas, Grogin kept his promise to his Parkinson’s-battling peers and completed that 100th marathon. His goal was to raise $250,000 along the way for Parkinson’s patients. The totals weren’t in yet, but Grogin was confident that they’d made it this week.
“We aim to help Parkinson’s patients to live their best lives,” said Grogin, who promotes fitness and motion as the best strategies for coping with the disease.
“Movement is medicine is our motto.”
More than 90,000 people are diagnosed with the condition each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
The foundation Grogin supports is named for Davis Phinney, an acclaimed cyclist who won 328 competitions worldwide, competed in the Tour de France and earned an Olympic bronze medal in 1984. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2000 and has rallied to support people with the disease since his retirement from cycling.
Phinney was on hand to congratulate his friend on Wednesday.
Grogin’s quest began on March 24, his 71st birthday, in Franklin Lakes, N.J.
He launched his 100th and final run from the parking lot at the Albertsons supermarket in Agoura Hills about 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. Escorted by a wave of cyclists, he hit the proverbial finish line at the Calabasas Civic Center at mid-day.
Grogin didn’t get a chance for that coveted sit-down upon completing the race. He was too busy being congratulated by a throng of a few dozen supporters who gathered on the steps of the center.
Grogin grew emotional as community leaders presented him with cards and plaques and flowers and more.
“What’s next?” asked a well wisher.
“Bed!” he said with a laugh.
More on Strides for Humanity: dpf.org/runlarryrun.