Rich Supple Annual 4x4x48 Challenge

Hi everyone,

I started this fundraiser last year after dad passed away. Our family was so grateful for the donations and support we received last year, that I'm going to give it another run, literally! I'm not really sure what I'm thinking trying this again ... but anytime I have doubts or a negative thought about it, I always say to myself that any pain I'll experience afterward is temporary and pales in comparison to anything that dad went through in his almost 5-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Last year, with lifelong friend, Curtis Afflick, we completed David Goggins' 4x4x48 challenge in March, then ran a marathon in Gettysburg in April with Tommy O'Rourke. Through both those races, and the pain and struggle that came along with them, my default self-talk was always, 'it's only temporary.' That mindset helped me to push through the most challenging moments in each race.

This year, I’m planning on completing the 4x4x48 challenge again, with Curt, Tommy O, and Dave Bodner, from March 3 - March 5 to raise awareness and fundraise for that same cause, the treatment of Neuroendocrine Cancer. This rare form of cancer, with a 0% survival rate, and 100% recurrence rate, ate away at my father, for over 4 and a half years.

He was diagnosed with this horrific disease in September of 2017, and we didn’t think he’d make it to the end of the month. He underwent numerous chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy treatments just to have the cancer come back quicker and more aggressively each time. My father fought a truly impossible battle for over 4 years.

Running 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours (48 total miles) seems a little more manageable after thinking about his battle. It’s all about perspective. We all know someone who has battled cancer. Some are able to win their battle, many are not. My father, as hard as he fought, did not win his battle.

If you choose to donate, whatever the amount, big or small, it will aid in the research to find a cure for this horrible disease. If anyone is local and wants to join us in running a portion (or more) of the race, I’d welcome the company. I’ll need as much support as I can get to complete this. Thank you all in advance for any support.

With Love,

Jay Supple