Burrito mile raises money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008

Burrito mile raises money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

by Bradford Pearson | Staff Writer

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After most people eat a burrito, the last thing on their minds is to run a mile. But that’s what nearly 350 people did Saturday morning, as part of the Burrito Mile, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, held at Walter Johnson High School’s track in Bethesda.

The goal is simple: Eat a burrito, and then run a mile. But while the goal may be simple, the execution gets tricky.

‘‘Everyone seems to have had a good time,” said Raif Moersen, the 18-year-old coordinator of the second annual event, ‘‘but 12 people did throw up, so I’m not sure about them.”

Participation numbers were up dramatically from last year’s 100 participants, and the donations proved that. Moersen said he expected to raise $2,000, and the event pulled in more than $3,500.

The event hasn’t been school-sponsored for its two-year history, Moersen said, despite being held on the school’s track. Prior to last year’s event, some area residents criticized the event, saying it promoted binge eating and was unsafe for the participants.

‘‘Just like last year, the school didn’t sponsor the event,” said Walter Johnson Principal Christopher Garran. ‘‘While we encourage kids to think of new ideas and think outside the box, we just couldn’t support this fundraiser.”

Walter Johnson is currently raising money for the society through its Pennies for Patients program, which the Burrito Mile, despite not being a school-sanctioned event, supported.

‘‘Since it wasn’t school-sponsored, I just happened to donate $3,500 the same day as the Burrito Mile,” the Walter Johnson senior said.