Hi, I’m Alex! I’m fundraising in celebration for my first-ever marathon! I'm raising money for two charities - Doctors Without Borders and Gaza Sunbirds. All funds will be split evenly between these two amazing organizations.

I’m happy you’re here. I can’t wait to take you along my marathon training journey. Thank you for your support.

Want to know more? Keep reading.

Why a marathon?: My grandpa inspires me to run. He ran marathons in 38 states and frequently participated in duathalons. He and I spent countless hours hiking, creek stomping, and biking together throughout my childhood before I started running in college. I chose this year to run my first marathon because of stability. Living and working in the same place for years (!) makes it possible to consistently dedicate the time, energy, and mental capacity necessary to train for the race. I also thought it would be cool to run 26.2 while I’m 26.

Why Gaza Sunbirds ?: This organization led by a local para-cycling team working on the ground in the epicenter of the crisis. Their work is necessary and highly impactful. All proceeds and aid go directly to people in need. They also facilitate their incredible work by engaging volunteers globally. You can offer your skills here!

Why Doctors Without Borders (also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres -MSF)?: MSF provides critical medical services when local services fail and in contexts where other aid organizations evacuate. MSF is international and apolitical. It serves people where it’s needed, not swayed by geo-politics. They mobilized immediately and remain there despite intolerable conditions, bombings, and lack of basic medical equipment due to resource blockades.

These are trustworthy organizations. Your money will go directly toward the people in need.

Why fundraise?: Racing for a cause is a longrunning (pun intended) practice. Not only do races garner billions of dollars annually for charitable causes, but doing so also helps athletes maintain motivation and focus when training for something ‘bigger than them’. If you’re interested in the history, you can read up more here and here.