Middleburg man to run marathon in fall to raise awareness about addiction

May 4—MIDDLEBURG — Middleburg resident Richard Miller will run a marathon this fall to raise money and awareness about addiction.

A 1992 graduate of Mifflinburg High School, Miller aspired to be a sports reporter. His dreams were dashed when he started abusing drugs and alcohol while pursuing a journalism degree.

For two years, between 1994 and 1996, Miller indulged in his addiction until he discovered his faith and surrendered to God.

He took up running during his recovery and eventually married and took a job at Snyder County Prison. Today, Miller is employed at FCI Lewisburg and he and his wife, Jennifer, have two children.

"In my sobriety, I've wanted to give back and help people who are struggling," said Miller who's done some missions work.

For him, "running has always been my therapy," but arthritis caused him to curtail the exercise. The thought of not running again was a blow, but eventually Miller regained the ability and attributes his physical improvement to his faith.

"Since God has given me the opportunity to run again, I'll use my legs to continue my mission to bring awareness of the problem of addiction," he said of his involvement in the 49th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C., on Oct. 27.

Miller has joined Team Shatterproof, a group of athletes raising money for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on raising awareness and ending the stigma of addiction.

In his appeal for support at https://fundraise.shatterproof.org/participant/21130, he cites the "Run with a purpose" Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 9:26.