This week, one Milwaukeean is travelling 140.6 miles for charity- on foot.
Milwaukeean Brian Burton, undertakes his second Ironman Triathlon in New York this weekend to raise money for the American Heart Association in the Milwaukee area. In particular, donations raised benefit the American Heart Association's Heart Ball, an annual event support the organization's heart disease initiatives at the Pfister Hotel.
Burton, Regional Director of Sales for Marcus Hotels, moved to the Milwaukee area 18 months ago and completed his first Ironman in 2007. Consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26 mile run, Burton currently trains six days a week and has covered just over 3500 miles in training for this year's race.
"I always wanted to do an Ironman. When I did it a couple years ago, it was kind of just a check off the list, but once I did the first one, I wanted to keep going. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on a dare and I've been running since. Triathlons are a nice way to break up training," Burton says.
In 2007, Burton raised $3,000 for the American Heart Association. This year, thanks to a matched $3,000 donation by Marcus Foundation, Burton has collected over $7,000 to date and the donations are still rolling in.
"My goal was $50 a mile. With a 140 mile race, that would've been $7,000, so we're right on track. I can't believe what we've already been able to accomplish," Burton says.
All donations received before July 25 go towards the Janus Charity Challenge, a contest at each Ironman rewarding top fundraisers with additional donations to their charity. Currently, Burton is in 6th place, ensuring additional donations from the Ironman Organization.
"The American Heart Association does really great work. Heart disease is still number one cause of death in America and almost completely preventable. The money they raise goes right back into disease prevention; nearly eleven million dollars into Wisconsin every year," Burton says.
For additional information or to donate, please visit www.marcushotels.com/heartball.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
