Press Release
Saturday, 14 March 2009 21:20 Advance Notice for Event: March 29, 2009For More Information Contact:
Robert “Raven” Kraft: 305- 531-7283 (11am – 4pm and after 8pm EST)
Press inquiries: 954-924-6135 (Also, see www.ravenrun.net)
RUNNING LEGEND REACHES 100,000 MILES ON MARCH 29: 34-Year Streak of 8-Mile Runs Miami Beach, Florida. On March 29, 2009, Robert “Raven” Kraft will achieve an unparalleled record for streak runners by completing his 100,000th mile and 12,507th consecutive day of running. His run begins at 5pm at the South Beach 5th Street lifeguard tower and will be preceded by some prepared remarks.
Jogging daily on the sands of South Beach since January 1, 1975, Kraft will have covered well over the distance of four times around the circumference of the Earth, without taking a break. Kraft has shown up in spite of sickness, injury, and dangerous conditions including lightning storms, driving rain, hailstorms, and hurricanes with winds of 86 mph. He is a familiar icon on South Beach.
Of his accomplishment, Kraft says, “The run is about good health, fun, inspiration, not quitting, setting a goal, motivation, achievement, and pride.” A songwriter by profession, Kraft is releasing a CD of his songs along with a book, “Lifeguard Murders” (a fictional mystery by Lee Williams) this month. “Experiences in life and on the run have influenced my songs. It is a way of telling my story and those of others to the world.
“Streak running” is defined by the U.S. Streak Runners Association as “running at least one continuous mile within each calendar day under one’s own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices).” According to the official list, only 10 streak runners have exceeded the number of uninterrupted days that Kraft has run. Unlike other streak runners, however, Kraft has always run a minimum of eight miles every day, and has done it on the sands of South Beach, whereas other runners have varied their distances and locations. Moreover, Kraft’s accomplishments have been well witnessed and documented; he is almost always accompanied by other runners and keeps records of who shows up; he has run alone only two days in the last ten years.
Over 800 people from 60 countries have run with Raven over the years, each earning a unique nickname once they completed the eight mile run. They are regulars, one-run wonders, or vacationers who run with Raven year after year. But all share a common bond with him running. His dedication inspires and motivates them.
“Raven is an inspiration and a blessing to all who are fortunate to run with him,” says Karen “Firecracker” Leicht (874 runs). Viridiana “K9” Lavalle (10 runs) further explains, “Raven’s level of determination, inspiration, dedication and motivation is out of this world.” Says David “Creve Coeur” (248 runs): “His determination and perseverance through discomfort and injury illustrate dedication and sacrifice that’s become so rare in our ‘couch potato’ culture.” But the admiration is combined with enjoyment; according to Steve (Chocolate Chip) Morrow (506 runs), “being with him makes EVERY run both different, and very much fun.” Joanne “Poutine” McCall (380 runs), says “when I ran with Raven I acquired a sense of determination. I overcame obstacles and accomplished goals I never thought possible.”
Mary “Seaside Sparrow” Munson (81 runs) concludes, “In a world of change, uncertainty and insecurity, it’s comforting to know that Raven is a constant.” She adds: “His run is a metaphor for life: in spite of pain, bad weather and the knowledge it must end someday, it keeps going on.”