Carloads of supporters arrived at sunrise to kick off the "I'm Running with Benny Shendo, Jr. because He's Running for All of Us" Run and Bike through northern New Mexico, at the Rio Rancho High School track field this morning."I expected to be the first one at the site, but Benny was already there, ready to run," said campaign manager, Todd Doherty. "And the energy of all those people cheering was very exciting. It was early Saturday morning, but there was no need for coffee!"
This Run and Bike through over 100 communities will present a real challenge for the lifelong competitive runner. Benny has been running 4 to 8 miles a day in the past few weeks and cycling many more, so he's in good shape and ready to take on the challenge.
The route on this first Run and Bike will take the runners and bikers throughout the western part of northern New Mexico from Rio Rancho, out to Gallup, up to Farmington, over to Taos, down through Santa Fe, finishing up in Rio Rancho on the seventh day.
Benny Shendo, Jr. shared a few words about the Run with the crowd of supporters. "I grew up running and competing in these communities, so what better way for me to take my message of real progressive change to the streets? And to connect these communities and to hear from the people what their priorities are for me to take to Washington, that's why I'm running."
Kick-off events and end-of-day rallies are planned for each of the seven days and will feature local food and performers. Another Run is planned for the eastern part of the 3rd Congressional District in the coming weeks.
