As an editorial board we're supposed to be unsentimental, but we can hardly look back at what happened last weekend in the Attleboro High School lobby without a tear coming to our eye. Hollywood couldn't have written a more moving script.

To recap: Martin Tighe had set out to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. His plan was to run more miles on a treadmill than any other person ever has in a 24-hour period. In the process, he would raise funds and recognition for the Network, Attleboro's alternative high school program, where he is an adjustment counselor.

Smart money said he would succeed. Tighe is a world-class endurance runner, winner of a marathon at the North Pole, of all places, and a competitor in many other daunting challenges. Six hours into his campaign, though, at a point where he had run 40 miles -- one and a half marathons -- he was overcome by dizziness and taken by ambulance to Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

Failure, right?

Wrong. Tighe's supporters simply refused to let his banner fall to the ground.

Network students kept the treadmills moving. Police and everyday citizens climbed on board, keeping the campaign in motion until after midnight. The next day the Attleboro High School track team took over. They were supposed to be at a state track meet but decided, in the words of captain Erik King, ``this is more impor tant.''

In the long run, thousands of dollars were raised for the Network. More importantly, even if his deed failed, Tighe's lesson had been taught. He had called the campaign ``Go the distance,'' and his students had done that. In spades.

There's a lot to be learned here about motivation... about sharing a dream... setting your sights on the highest challenge... teamwork... care for others.

We can mull these things for months to come. For now, a round of applause is in order to the community of supporters who rallied around Martin Tighe's cause. They have gone the distance in a most meaningful way.