2 friends running 400-plus miles across South Dakota

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: April 30, 2008 - 9:30 AM

Two 30-something friends, inspired by parents battling cancer, are running across South Dakota, a trek that is scheduled to end next week in Ortonville, Minn.

The Chemo Is Harder Cancer Research Run, undertaken by Brendan Murphy, of Rapid City, S.D., and Nolan Taylor, of Great Falls, Mont., began Saturday in eastern Montana and measures 429 miles.

"No support crew, no 'sag wagon,' just two self-sufficient runners, covering an average of 30 miles per day while pushing roughly 45 pounds of gear, raising awareness and financial support for cancer research," the two explain at the website www.chemoisharder.com.

Taylor's father is fighting tonsil cancer, and Murphy's mother is a uterine cancer survivor, while his father died of melanoma skin cancer in 2003, the website says.

Through the run, "Nolan and Brendan are hoping to raise financial support and awareness for cancer research through a positive outlook on life and a healthy lifestyle," the website continues.

The 14-day trek goes along Hwys. 20 and 12 and should end May 9 in Ortonville.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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