The Amazing Race host rides for awareness

News-Times/Eric J Eckert - Phil Keoghan waves to Sutton Elementary Students as he leaves on his windy 75-mile trek to Lincoln.

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By Eric J Eckert
Director of Digital Media

Published: Monday, April 20, 2009 12:00 AM CDT

SUTTON — The host of the multi-Emmy award winning reality television show, “The Amazing Race,” Phil Keoghan was in Sutton Thursday morning, April 16, as he was approximately at the halfway point of his 3,500-mile bicycling journey from Los Angeles to New York.

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He is making this trek in order to raise awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS).

Sutton residents and elementary students gathered at the Park Pavillion to give Keoghan a warm welcome and send-off. Keoghan took time to speak to the kids about healthy living and the positive benefits of bike riding.

Sutton Public Schools, South Heartland Health Department and the Sutton Education Association donated $550 to Keoghan's cause.

Anyone willing to give it a shot had the opportunity to ride alongside Keoghan on his way to Lincoln. Several took part, coming from Sutton, Doniphan, David City and as far away as the Capitol City, his short-term destination.

Keoghan started working with the MS Society about four years ago when he did a cycling event for them.

"I just really loved their energy and enthusiasm for doing something positive,” Keoghan explained. “Since that time, I've done a number of their rides and when I was thinking about riding across America, it just seemed to make sense to tie in it with MS. I love the idea that people train to get ready for one of their events, but at the same time do some good for a great organization."

Don Hutchens, a Lincoln resident, came out with a group of riding friends to help support the cause. "It's a good cause,” he said. “It gives you another incentive to get out and do something. We're fortunate, we can get out and do this. Some people, with MS, can't."

Stephanie Spearman, also of Lincoln, is training for a half-Iron Man competition this June and wanted to take advantage of the chance to ride with “The Amazing Race” star.

As for his favorite part of his trek so far, Keoghan said that being with his dad has definitely been a huge highlight and that being able to meet all the different people has been hugely rewarding.

"I feel very lucky, very blessed that I'm able to do something like this,” Keoghan said before departing on yet another stretch of his trip.

Interested persons can follow his progress or donate money to the cause at his website: philridesacrossamerica.com.

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