Local Man Top American in Sahara Race

The Globe reports that a Charlestown man has done the unthinkable. No, not break his thumb in a fight. He spent seven days running across the Sahara, and finished fifth out of a group of ninety-six folks crazy enough to do the same. George Chmiel, who's only been running for two years, came in near the top of the Sahara Race yesterday, after a series of blisters, lost toenails, and items (including pants) left behind to save weight in his backpack. Chmiel ran for his honorary "niece," Luci, who has panhypopituitarism. Learn more about Luci and her disease at Luci and George or the Magic Foundation. Congratulations to George for not only mastering the race, but also supporting such a great cause.