Endure for Good — 450 km Alpine Challenge for Unseen Heroes

One Run. One Purpose: to shine a light and support quiet heroes who never quit.

Why I’m Running

A nurse in Gaza sutures wounds by candlelight as bombs fall outside. In rural Nepal, a husband-and-wife team walks hours each day to care for people affected by leprosy. Nuns in Guatemala rise before dawn to feed and clothe people the world has forgotten.

Their courage is what true endurance is about. This September, I will run 450 km across the Alps to shine a spotlight on these quiet heroes.

I’m racing the Tor des Glaciers—450 km, 32 000 m of ascent (that’s four times the height of Everest), 25 high altitude passes—all to be completed in under 8 days. It’s often called the toughest trail race on Earth.

But I’m not just doing this to test my body and spirit. I’m running to amplify the stories of people who endure far more, every single day. This run is a beacon—and a bridge—connecting you to the unseen heroes changing lives through love, faith, and relentless service.

“Endurance isn’t about surviving the trail; it’s about emerging renewed—and helping others do the same.” — Julien

What Your Gift Supports

Every franc you give goes to Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s Outreach Fund, which in 2025 supports frontline projects in Geneva, Gaza, Guatemala, Nepal, Kenya, and the DRC:

Each project is selected not just for impact, but for its spirit of endurance and hope in places often overlooked. 100% of your gift goes straight from GoFundMe to the projects—no platform fees, no detours.

How You Can Help Today

1. Donate what you can. Every kilometre costs energy; every franc fuels hope.

2. Share this page and the hashtag #EndureForGood

3. Encourage with a message, a prayer, or a few solidarity kilometres.

Follow the Journey

Thank You!

However far I make it across the mountains, together we will have travelled far enough to change lives. Thank you for enduring with the unseen heroes—and with me.

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Q: Who is organizing this campaign?

A: The fundraiser is led by Julien, a long-time member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Geneva, with all funds going directly to the church’s Outreach Fund. Julien is a husband, father, cat lover, sustainability professional who lives in Geneva with a passion for the mountains. He is an ultramarathon runner who only races in the Val d'Aosta in Italy, simply because he is in love with the region and its people.

Q: Has he run this race before?

A: No, Julien has completed the qualifying race, Tor des Geants (330 km) on three occasions in 2019, 2021, and 2023 but this is the first time he is attempting this race which is much harder and far more technical. Over the 8 days, he is only likely to sleep 10 hours…in total. And for most of the race he will be on his own because unlike previous races, in order for spectators to watch, they will need to hike up to high altitude huts.

Q: Where does my donation go?

A: 100% of your donation supports Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s outreach projects in Geneva, Gaza, Nepal, Kenya, Guatemala, and the DRC—no platform fees, no detours.

Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?

A: Donations made through GoFundMe are not automatically tax-deductible. However, if you need a tax receipt, please contact Emmanuel Episcopal Church directly.

Q: Can I donate another way besides GoFundMe?

A: Yes. If you'd prefer to donate via bank transfer, cash, or cheque, please contact Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The bank details are: Church Account: Emmanuel Chapel Foundation, Cantonal Bank of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 2 / IBAN: CH93 0078 8000 0506 1287 7 – CHF account / IBAN: CH39 0078 8000 0507 1017 0 – EUR account / BIC/SWIFT: BCGECHGGXXX (for both accounts)

Q: Will I get updates on the race?

A: Yes! You can follow the journey on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and through the WhatsApp broadcast during the race.

Q: What happens if Julien doesn’t finish the race?

A: The mission doesn’t depend on finishing. Every step taken—and every donation given—supports people who endure far greater challenges daily. Only half of those who cross the start line will make it to the finish line – there is a reason why they call this one of the toughest races on earth.