Diamond Rio (photo: submitted)
Country group Diamond Rio has enjoyed a slew of hits at country radio, from “One More Day” to “Meet in the Middle” and “Beautiful Mess.” But right now the only hit the band is concerned with is their feet hitting the pavement.
For the past eight years, the band has organized Team Rio, a group of walkers and runners who want to participate in the 13th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan. The participants pledge to raise $300 each for Diamond Rio’s favorite charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and for that they get to train for the marathon alongside members of the band and have access to trainers and organized runs. Any age and fitness level is welcomed.
“We go all the way from someone who just wants to walk the half to someone who wants to improve their time in the whole marathon,” explains Rio’s Jimmy Olander. “We have people coming from the music business, people coming from Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have hardcore athletes and we have couch potatoes. “
Olander says the coaches help participants figure out the best way to set goals and train for the runs, as well as make sure they understand how to take care of their bodies in the process.
“There is a huge accountability and social network that goes on with this,” Olander says. “You’ll make some lifelong friends doing this, doing stuff you’ve probably never done before and accomplishing a goal you’ve never done before. It’s infectious.”
For more information or to join Team Rio, visit www.teamrio.org.
