Dear Friends, Family, and Kindred Spirits, my name is Joanne Del Pilar, and some call me Jo. I’m 57 years old. Over the years, life has tested me in ways I never expected, through health challenges, personal setbacks, and moments of deep uncertainty. But through it all, I’ve leaned on four quiet but unwavering companions: grit, perseverance, dedication, and humility. These traits didn’t just help me survive; they helped me discover one of my greatest joys: RUNNING. The sport of running has been more than just a jog around the block. It’s been my sanctuary, my teacher, and my bridge to a community of extraordinary people. It’s carried me through marathons, triathlons, and most recently, the honor of becoming an Abbott Six Star World Marathon Majors finisher, a milestone I never imagined reaching.

Now, I’m standing at the edge of a new dream: to run The Speed Project (TSP) as a solo participant. It’s a 340-mile journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, an unsanctioned, unsupported, spectator-free, and unrelenting one. There are no rules, no aid stations, no mapped-out paths. Just heart, endurance, and the will to keep moving forward. This race isn’t just about distance. It’s about proving to myself, and hopefully others, that age, adversity, and circumstance don’t define our limits. Our spirit does. However, I can’t do this alone. The costs of registration, travel, training, and assembling a support crew are more than I can shoulder on my own. That’s why I’m humbly asking for the help of the community that surrounds me. Any amount contributed is not just helping me run a race. You’re helping me live a DREAM that’s been in the making for years. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, believing in me, and your support. I carry you, my community, in every step, mile, and every breath until I reach the finish line.

With lots of love and gratitude,

Joanne (Jo)