Portage Pride: Support Athletics and Music

I’m beyond excited to finally share this with all of you. In less than 24 hours I’ll be embarking on a journey to complete a run that’s been on my mind for the past two years after my first ultra. I’ll be leaving my home in Portage for a 24-hour run. There are many reasons behind my obsession with this attempt. I have left no stone unturned in my preparation and the support from my family, especially my wife, has filled my heart with gratitude and love.

To kick off my race, I’ll be donating $100 to the Portage High School. This donation and any additional donations will be split between the Portage Athletic Department and the Music Department. The athletic department is especially meaningful to me because I’ve seen firsthand the positive influence the volleyball team has had on my daughters, teaching them how to win, lose, and lead. There are coaches spending all of their free time helping to develop the current programs and even kickoff new ones. The music department holds a special place in my heart because when I first picked up a guitar at 20 and strummed two chords, a whole new world opened up for me. I admire the dedication of the high school students I see each summer, hauling their instruments in the parking lot from sunrise to sunset or the athletes lifting alongside me at the ymca in preparation for their athletic season.

If anyone would like to run or ride alongside me for an hour, feel free to message or text me but a small monetary donation will have to be made in support of these young adults. Trust me when I say that I am the tortoise not the hare. It will be slow. Lol. You can also show your support by donating any monetary amount or if you want to make it interesting, you can donate per hour I actually complete or per mile I run. To help get through the night I will be sharing hourly updates of Facebook. If you see a middle-aged man asleep in your yard with running shoes on, it’s just me. Just give me 10 minutes.

It is currently predicted to rain the entire time. This does not affect the attempt but will make the completion of this challenge even more rewarding.

I once heard a quote that stuck with me: “If you want to change the world, start with your home.” Portage is my home.

Much love.

Brian McWilliams