An Inspirational Beach Story

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Maura MacNeill is a resident of Ft. Myers Beach, an avid runner and an experienced triathlete. Every year since 2014 she’s done something very personal and special. She completes a solo run on July 11th, in memory of her father Bill MacNeill on his birthday.

The route Maura runs is between all five of the 7/11 locations on Fort Myers Beach. She calls it “A Mill for Bill” and friends and family donate to the Melanoma Research Foundation. The route is approximately 10 miles..

Jim Hilliard is Maura’s husband who tells us his wife began running at the age of 47 when she did a fundraiser in her mom’s memory for the Leukemia foundation at Disney World.

The 7-11 run starts at their house and Maura runs straight to 7-11 #1 (the northern-most) across from Lynn Hall Park, then to 7-11 #2 across from the Cottage, then to 7-11 #3 (ours) across from Junkanoo, then to 7-11 #4 by the Outrigger, then to 7-11 #5 across from Santini Plaza. She finishes up by running north back to 7-11 (#3).

The run was a little different this year because her regular stops for water and to use the bathroom are no longer there.

Maura tells Beach Talk Radio News, “For me the very start of the run is a little tough, but I settle in after a mile or so. After that it was smooth sailing until the sun came up. It was HOT! When the going gets tough, as it was today, I just imagine my dad running the Boston Marathon at age 16, and that helps me get to the finish.”

Maura’s sister Adrienne Macneill says, “My sister is one of the most inspiring and empathic people I know.  From her work with patients and colleagues, to helping neighbors and showing kindness to the local homeless, she is a special person and someone I truly emulate.”

Reach out to Maura by e-mail at machilliard@hotmail.com and send your inspirational beach story to edryan@asdfads.

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10 COMMENTS

  2. Maura and Jim are both wonderful giving people. Way to go Maura getting recognized. You are indeed a very special person. Always giving of your self to others.

  4. What an inspirational story. I have had the pleasure of meeting Maura and Jim and they are truly a lovely couple.

  5. Maura is an amazing human being. She and her husband are the most generous people I have ever met. They give their time and expertise so freely and generously. They are always helping others. Fort Myers Beach and the World are a better place with Maura and Jim in it!

  8. Maura & Jim are amazing!!!!! We were neighbors until Ian displaced us. Some of the greatest islanders! <3

    • U go Maura ! I miss seeing u,running on my way home from work,in the am! U certainly an inspiration!

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