Westfielders to Race Across Iceland for Paul Jackson Fund

For Paul Harbaugh and Chris Jacob, their upcoming race across Iceland is more than just the challenge of a lifetime, it's a way to pay tribute to the memory and life's work of their friend Paul Jackson.

In 1989, Jackson, 28, underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his spinal cord. The life-long athlete and Westfield resident was left paralyzed. When insurance would not cover his rehabilitation program, Jackson's medical bills began to mount. Family and friends rallied together to raise funds and The Paul Jackson Fund was born.

Jackson spent the last 20 years of his life making it his mission to return the generosity and kindness that had been shown to him during his time of need. 

For both Jacob and Harbaugh, the charity of last resort is a cause that is not only close to their hearts but one they've been actively supporting for a number of years, explained Harbaugh, who grew up playing little league and high school football with Jackson. 

Jacob had a chance to compete alongside Jackson when the two participated in the NYC marathon, with Jackson in a wheelchair as part of the Achilles club, which provides a community of support to  athletes with disabilities.

Harbaugh shared how this unique journey and fundraising opportunity came about.

"It's part of an ultra marathon series 'RacingThePlanet' so, it’s a race, seven days, 155 miles and it’s self supported, which means you have to carry everything on your back," he said. "My Mudturtle rugby buddy (Jacob) and I had our NYC marathon cancelled due to Sandy and were thinking of something else we could do…so 15 beers later we found RacingThePlanet Iceland 2013."

Harbaugh said the duo is hoping to do a combination walk/run. "(We're) not sure what seven days with a 35-pound backpack is going to feel like but, we plan to enjoy the journey. Iceland looks to be a fascinating place."

The country of geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, fjords and green hills will provide a dramatic backdrop for the 2013 roving race, according to RacingThePlanet's website. Competitors will meet in the capital city of Reykjavik and the race will begin on Aug. 4. Harbaugh said he expects it to be 52 degrees and raining for much of the time, though he recently heard there is still snow on the course.

To prepare for the race, the friends plan to "cut back on the Budweiser, watch our diets and do just about anything; run, walk, hike, water walk, cycle, lift, yoga, swim, learn about nutrition and all this crazy survival equipment."

Though Harbaugh said the pair has gotten a late start in fundraising, he's grateful to have the support of their fellow Union County Rugby Mudturtles and, as an 8th grade offensive line football coach, said he'd love to see his team "kick in" and support The Paul Jackson Fund.

"Even a dime a mile would help the Fund," Harbaugh said. "The Paul Jackson Fund does so much on so little, that a small contribution will change someone’s life."

To learn more about the lengths Harbaugh and Jacob are going to for the charity, visit RacingThePlanet: Iceland2013's website.  To make a donation or learn more about The Paul Jackson Fund, visit the Fund's website.