Lansing Brewer is a native Carolinian, having lived in either North Carolina or South Carolina his entire life. He is a father of two girls (ages 18 and 22) who currently live in South Carolina. Lansing has spent his life educating children and communities through music and environmental programs. Now in retirement, he spends his time as a volunteer musician and entertainer for nursing homes and retirement communities.

Lansing started running to take off extra pounds after he was rejected by the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War draft. Early on, he was outpaced by most others in his age group in local and regional races. Soon, however, he began to set state age records in his 40s and 50s and won some races outright. Now Lansing maintains a daily running regimen of up to 20 miles.

Lansing is a member of the North Carolina Road Runner Association, which is how he learned of the Blue Planet Run. He was inspired to apply not only because he is an avid runner but also because he feels that the Blue Planet Run is a global extension of his educational initiatives. Lansing developed a water quality program called “4H20 Pontoon Classroom” that helps convey the importance of keeping water clean and safe and the impact each person has on natural resources.

Lansing holds a bachelor of music education degree from UNC-Greensboro and has influenced his community enormously. His professional and personal accomplishments include the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Service to Mankind, a Cancer Volunteer Award for his solo 400-mile runs and being named South Carolina Masters Runner of the Year three times. He was also selected as a member of the torch relay team for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Lansing’s extensive charitable works include leadership positions in the 4H Youth Development program, the “Keep America Beautiful” program, the Boys Scouts of America organization and the Ronald McDonald House’s Cancer Research run initiatives.

Lansing believes that those who go about their day putting others first — be they teachers, law-enforcement officers or stay-at-home moms — are the true heroes. He also admires Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Like a true environmentalist, Lansing enjoys camping and going to the movies, as well as relaxing with a good biography.

Contact Lansing at lansingbrewer@yahoo.com. He is available to speak anywhere in the U.S. if travel fare is provided.