Rank Strangers tune up at Madison Marathon

Time for the pre-GMA taper? Not for Rank Stranger Jeff, who was on the course of the Madison Marathon on Sunday, May 27. Two weeks earlier Jeff tackled the 20 mile Syttende Mai Run. Sound nutty? He knows what he is going -- this was the 3-time Rank Stranger's tune-up routine in 2005 and 2006. Monique, a Rank Stranger from 2005, was another Madison finisher on Sunday.

'06 Stranger in the news

2006 Rank Stranger Ryan Lipscomb was in the news last week when a delivery truck ran over his head, leaving him only with a concussion and a mangled helmet.

The team has dedicated 2007 legs 12 and 13 to their comrade - wishing him a quick recovery and a good result in his UW exams.

"It feels really strange to have a truck run over your head," Ryan said. More at (and hundreds of other places) http://www.canada.com/topics/news/oddities/story.html?id=ee9584b4-658e-425d-b1e7-962502bb4149&k=89384

Photo: Jamie and Ryan at 2006 GMR

The AVON Foundation has designated the Chicago Abused Women Coalition ( http://www.cawc.org/) as its GMR Relay fundraising beneficiary for this year's event.

The CAWC mission statement: CAWC is committed to ending domestic violence. Using a self-help, empowerment approach, we provide a shelter for women and children, and counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence. We work for social change through education, service collaboration, and institutional advocacy.

Please join Rank Strangers in supporting this cause. It is easy to make a cash donation: select Give to Avon Foundation and follow directions to "Support Rank Strangers!"

The Great Midwest Relay is part of the Avon Foundation's series of relay races to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence. Please join Rank Strangers in supporting this cause. It is easy to make a cash donation: select Give to Avon Foundation and follow directions to "Support Rank Strangers!"