The Network's program coordinator Kathy Vespia said that Tighe is running this race as an example to his students of what can be accomplished in this world.

Having worked with adolescents in the last 30 years, they like to see if adults walk the talk. Are we role models? Do we walk the talk?'' asked Vespia. `` Martin has taken this to another level. He's walking the talk.''

Tighe -- who also is a middle-distance cross-country coach at AHS -- say the value of being a role model to students at risk cannot be measured in miles just like a race.

 Athlete

Since high school, Martin Tighe has endeavored to explore his own physical limits, while experiencing some of the most beautiful and dangerous places on earth.  In 1985 Martin visited Nepal and over a three month period of time scaled some of the more difficult peaks in the Himalayan region of Everest National Park.  Three years later, fulfilling another dream, Martin reached the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. In addition he has kayaked the white waters of Europe and North America, raced in numerous marathons in Holland, Germany and England, and continues to successfully compete in marathons in and around New England.

Martin Tighe stepped to the starting line for an extreme running adventure. Global Expedition Inc. has announced that the world’s first competitive marathon race at the Geographic North Pole will take place on April 17^th, 2003. Martin won the North Pole Marathon in  5 hours two minutes and 10 seconds. It was a magnificent achievement for all concerned to finish a marathon at the North Pole under such circumstances. (more North Pole Marathon)

Martins' is always challenging himself. He will go for the Guinness Book of World Records by breaking the mark for miles run on a treadmill in 24 hours. Go the distance will take place on April 29-30, 2005.