My name is Brett Kaliner, and in 2026 I’m taking on the two biggest athletic challenges of my life: the Leadville 100 and the Chicago Marathon. After years of competing at a high level as a college wrestler, I found that same sense of purpose and competitive fire in running. These races represent the highest level of the sport for me—one brutally demanding mountain ultramarathon and one world-major marathon—and I want to test myself against both. Being able to support two great charities while pursuing this goal strengthens my “why,” turning these races into something far bigger than personal ambition.

For Leadville, I’m raising money for the Leadville Race Series Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit deeply rooted in the local community. The Foundation funds educational scholarships, youth development initiatives, and broader community support programs that directly impact the people of Leadville and Lake County. This is a place built on toughness and resilience, and the Foundation ensures that local kids and families have access to resources, opportunities, and support systems that help them thrive. Running 100 miles through those mountains becomes more meaningful when it’s connected to the community that lives there year-round.

For Chicago, I’m supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago, which provides housing, meals, and critical resources to families whose children are undergoing medical treatment. Their mission keeps families together during moments of fear, uncertainty, and unimaginable stress. By offering a place to stay and removing financial and logistical burdens, RMHC allows parents to focus fully on their child’s care. Running the Chicago Marathon for RMHC means contributing to a mission that directly impacts families experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Taking on these two races side by side reflects exactly what motivates me—pushing my limits physically and mentally, and using that effort to create something positive for others. The combination of a once-in-a-lifetime athletic challenge and the opportunity to support two impactful organizations is what makes this journey meaningful. Every mile in training, every early morning, and every moment of doubt becomes easier to face when I know the effort is tied to something bigger. Thank you for supporting me, supporting these charities, and helping turn this challenge into something that genuinely matters.