While Ewing’s specialty may be selling sprinklers, it’s also earning a reputation for running.
Ewing employees finished the 2014 P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon on Jan. 19. Team Ewing had more than 700 participants from 25 states, earning the team first place in the Rock Corporate Challenge Corporate Large Division, a competition that energizes companies to train for the half or full marathon.
“We encourage fitness as healthcare costs continue to rise, and to create healthier and happier employees,” said Doug York, Ewing president.
This year marked the 10th time the company ran the race. In 2005, Ewing first sponsored employees and their family members to encourage greater health and wellness throughout the company.
David Bower, an agricultural irrigation design specialist with Ewing, took part in his first full marathon, learning the benefits of walking 26.2 miles through his months of training in Grants Pass, Ore. He lost 35 pounds, gained physical energy and renewed his mental clarity.
“When I reach the end of myself, my problems and my challenges, it is then that I can truly relax for just a short while and enjoy the opportunity to be refreshed,” he said, and added he began a lifetime habit through his training.
Kevin Gallagher, Ewing service professional in Carlsbad, Calif., ran his first half marathon in 2 hours, 34 minutes. He was motivated to run, rather than walk, once he was out on the racecourse and saw a man doing the event on crutches.
“I thought if he could do it, why can’t I?” Gallagher said. “I have no idea who that guy was, but he gave me the motivation to keep pushing until the end.”
Team Ewing surpassed its goal this year of raising $25,000 for Autism Speaks. Runners raised $30,000 and Ewing donated an additional $20,000 for a total of $50,000 donated to Autism Speaks.
In total since 2009, Team Ewing has raised more than $200,000 for the organization.
The funds benefit Autism Speaks finding more treatments and offering more resources and education to families and communities affected by autism, said Amy Hummell, the Arizona director for Autism Speaks.
Today, one in every 88 children is diagnosed with autism. By raising funds and awareness “we’re making a better life for those adults and children,” she said.
In addition to participating in the marathon, Ewing’s wellness programs this past year included Walk 10,000 Steps-a-Day; Eat Better, Eat Together; and Know Your Numbers: Biometrics and Health Risk Assessment.
