This is the oh, way too long story about the Flag Run T-shirts. Believe me, more time, effort, and debate has gone on about the shirts than just about any other single aspect of this entire adventure that we've signed on for. If it seems that there has been some contradictory info (there has) and final decisions being not so final (there were) it was largely due to changing circumstances and some misinformation with which the decisions were based upon. To be more specific, I had originally insisted that ALL runners will get a shirt for free. This idea was widely debated and then agreed on. This was also based on the assumption that the Spalding Co. was going to provide the shirts for free. Shirts sold to others would be pure profit and go to the various agreed upon charities.

Things changed dramatically when Debbie called me to say that there was a $17,000 T-shirt bill at the house in my name. Much more debate, and the decision was made to sell t-shirts to runners both on the road and on the website for $5, which was essentially cost. All others sold to non-runners through the website would pay $15, plus postage. This stuck for a few days, until the Miller Company, the sponsor that is distributing the shirts, said that they could not handle the different shipping handling logistics based on who was a runner and who wasn't. Much more debate ensued, with a lot of different and very good suggestions. All except one required a lot of work of some individuals, and a potential logistical nightmare; i.e., confirming who was a runner and who wasn't. The one cleanest idea which finally stuck was this, the FINAL decision in this matter; ALL T-shirts, both on the road and through the website will cost $15, to runners and non-runners alike. Website purchases will incur a shipping and handling charge of $2.

This may be unpopular with some, but I would hope you understand the circumstances surrounding this. I can't imagine that anyone involved in this amazing and honorable journey would complain about donating money for a T-shirt, knowing that the proceeds are going to the victims families of the Sept 11th tragedy. Also, runners are quite used to paying for shirts indirectly through the sign up fees of a race.

Thanks for your patience in this matter. Great job by all. Now go out and sell t-shirts so I can pay for them!

Mike Burr