In 2010, Joseph Warlick Whitwell completed the Keencheefoonee Road Race, a taxing physical challenge. For many participants, completing a race like the Keencheefoonee Road Race is certainly an accomplishment worth lauding in and of itself, but Joseph Warlick Whitwell had something else to celebrate: it was his fourth time running the race.

“I’m proud of myself for completing this tough course four times,” says Joseph Warlick Whitwell, who is currently employed as an insurance agent in Suwanee, Georgia when he isn’t overseeing his own landscaping business. “But what’s most important is that participating in the Keencheefoonee Foot Race is that it was an amazing opportunity to raise charitable donations for Camp Sunshine, one of my favorite charities,” he adds.

When asked how much he raised through his individual participation, Joseph Warlick Whitwell said, “I have now raised almost $10,000. It’s an amazing feeling to finish a race knowing I wasn’t just doing it for myself.”

Road races often present a challenge even for seasoned runners like Joseph Warlick Whitwell, who trained every day to make sure he was in optimum shape by race day. “I knew a lot more was riding on this race than just being happy with my own performance,” explained Joseph Warlick Whitwell. “That made me work that much harder to overcome my fatigue and really push myself.”

When he realized how much money he had raised for his chosen cause, Joseph Warlick Whitwell reports, “I was pretty happy about it. But now it’s time to move onward to the next challenge. I’m hoping to continue competing in races like this one.”

Joseph Warlick Whitwell reported that he really enjoyed the camaraderie among the racers, something that most people who compete in endurance sports often find among their competitors, running buddies, and teammates.

“Everyone pushed me to do my best the fourth time around,” said Joseph Warlick Whitwell.