MILES COLLEGE EDUCATION FUND

(photos: Shane Miles & his partner in life and running Heather Gardiner)

The Board of OBX GO FAR, Inc. non-profit after school running program for children across the Outer Banks awarded a special name to its College Education Fund—The Miles Education Fund.  GO FAR honors Mr. Shane Miles to recognize Shane’s love of running that he has shared with children and adults across “The Banks” and beyond for many years.

Shane has served faithfully as one of the start up GO FAR Coaches when the program had just begun in the Outer Banks and continued to volunteer over the years.  From his running store downtown in Manteo he offered Go Far race participants who finished the end of the season race successfully their pick of running socks if they just dropped by and showed him their finisher medal.  OBX Go Far is proud to name it’s College Education Fund in honor of Shane Miles who is courageous and faithful and serves as an example to children and adults as he also fights against colon cancer.  His example is one we all can point to as a light that shines.

Sarah and Rodney Benson along with their family helped to begin this fund which awards scholarships each year.  The fund is growing and when asked about this naming opportunity that was given as a gift from the Benson’s they offered this “We send Congratulations to Shane and OBX Go Far. The Miles College Education Fund will carry Shane’s name as a legacy of love and courage for many years, helping many children to achieve their dream of education and running the bigger journey of life.”

The college education fund recognizes participants of OBX GO FAR who have remained engaged in running, volunteerism, teaching others the life long sport of running and engaging the family in healthy life styles to combat childhood obesity.  To date, OBX GO FAR, Inc. has awarded $9,000 dollars in college education funds since 2018.

Following the release of the new Miles College Education Fund, Shane sadly passed away.  He was such a shining light for so many in our running community.  He brought forth unyielding perseverance, determination and grit, skills we hope to instill in our GO FAR runners.  His legacy will live on in our little runners and through the college education fund.  Click the donate tab below to help us set up Dare County youth for success outside of high school; help us help our youth to GO FAR! Your contribution will help children in this community understand the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, nutrition and goal setting.

Criteria and Application Guidelines

College and Continuing Education Fund Purpose:  The vision for our healthy and vibrant GO FAR athletes is that they will learn life-long positive character traits and healthy living habits to carry with them on their journey to college and beyond.  The mission of OBX GO FAR is to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and good character building skills to elementary and middle-school students to reduce the incidence of Childhood Obesity throughout Dare County.  This goal is being supported through the OBX GO FAR organization by providing college and continuing education funds to students who would like to pursue their education beyond High School.

Criteria:  The criteria for the college and continuing education fund awards include but are not limited to, demonstration of participation over the years in OBX GO FAR as a participant and/or Volunteer with the OBX GO FAR organization. OBX GO FAR would also like to have the applicant demonstrate a love for the life-long sport of running and engaging others to enjoy and try out running, especially family members. Volunteerism with OBX GO FAR is also an important aspect in the evaluation of award recipients. Applicants should be able to demonstrate volunteerism within the community or the OBX GO FAR organization during middle and/or high school. (Examples: OBX GO FAR participant, school program or activity volunteer, race set-up/break down, peer to peer assistance, helping with other OBX GO FAR events as a volunteer, helping out with other local events, etc.)

Timeline: The funding awards will be made in April annually.  Applications should be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. March 21st each year. Submit your application online by emailing to OBXGOFAR@GMAIL.COM

You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours of your submission.

Award Amounts: There will be a minimum of two awards of $1,000.00 dollars each annually.

Process: Applications will be in the form of an essay to include: How OBX GO FAR influenced their life so far? And how will running or OBX GO FAR influence their future? Photos and the use of additional media outlets are strongly encouraged. Letters of reccomendation are not required. Essays should be emailed to OBXGOFAR@GMAIL.COM.

If you have any additional questions please contact Executive Director, Samantha Lock by calling 252-305-1414.

Adopted April 16, 2018

Updated March 19, 2024

Board of Directors, OBX GO FAR