Nicole Bowman-Layton's Fundraiser:

I am Nicole Bowman-Layton. I have been selected to be a charity runner for Team Red White and Blue (RWB) at the 2015 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

My family has a rich and proud tradition of serving our country in the military. My siblings are both in the military, my father was in the Air Force Reserves, and I have several uncles and in-laws who have served.

I joined Team RWB after learning about it as a member of the Sub 30 Club, a group created by Runner’s World blogger Ted Spiker. Although the name of the group is a celebration of achieving a sub-30 minute 5K, it is also a place where runners of all speeds, shapes and sizes celebrate their triumphs, share their sorrows and share in the joy of running.

One of the Sub 30 Club members is a Team RWB member from Texas, Kim Johnson. She often shares pictures of her runs with the nonprofit, carrying the flag and working with other people. She inspired me to look into Team RWB.

I joined in 2014. Since then, I have seen how much of a positive force the organization has in the lives of its members and the community. I have been affected by their enthusiasm and friendship.

I usually am able to attend only the weekly runs, but the chapter also has monthly socials, yoga and crossfit classes, and community-service projects.

Any donations given to my fundraising effort go right back into the local chapters, such as the one I am a part of. A $25 donation gets a veteran a Team RWB shirt, while a $100 donation can get them a pair of running shoes.

Team RWB is not just for veterans. It’s is a group where veterans and civilians work together toward a common cause, to improve the lives of its members and those in the community.

I am honored to be a representative of Team RWB – Morgantown Chapter

Please consider a donation so I can run in the Marine Corps Marathon. Thank you in advance for your help. I plan to update this site weekly with Team RWB and other fundraising news, so stop back often.