When Middle School Social Studies Teacher Wallace Inge crosses the finish line of the New York City marathon on November 3, he’ll be celebrating months of intense training. In addition, the end of his 26.2-mile trek will likely be more than a little emotional. Mr. Inge, who has been a runner for nearly three decades, is raising money in conjunction with the marathon to benefit Comfort Zone Camp (CZC), which provides grief support to children who have lost a loved one. 

The non-profit’s work is important to Mr. Inge, who served as a CZC counselor in 2002.

“I was there to help my ‘little buddy’ with his healing process,” recalled Mr. Inge, “but I had no idea how much healing I would go through. My father died suddenly when I was seven years old. [At the time] I didn't know how to grieve. I’m running the marathon as a member of CZC’s six-person Grief Relief team to give children the opportunity I didn’t get.” Mr. Inge will meet the other five members of the team for the first time at the starting line of the race. 

Asked what he enjoys most about running, Mr. Inge said, “I love the challenge, exploring new places, and the alone time. It’s just me and the goal I set, whether that is running three miles, a trail, or a marathon.” Although most of the time he is a solo runner, he noted, “I also find the community of races, including the other racers and all the fans, very energizing.” 

Mr. Inge is duly proud of the fact that he has run past his original fundraising goal and is a few steps away from a new one.  

“Together, the Grief Relief team has raised enough money to send 30 kids to camp,” he said. 

We are so proud of you, Mr. Inge!