On June 13, 2026, I will be toeing the start line of the inaugural Bay Area 100 trail race. While I'm not ready to take on the full 100 miles, I have set a personal goal of reaching mile 74.35—the longest distance I have ever attempted. There are no guarantees in a race like this, but I'm going to give it everything I've got.

So I invite you to join me on this 74.35-mile run by supporting Running for a Better Oakland (RBO), my favorite volunteer non-profit organization that serves underprivileged students in Oakland, California. When the trail gets tough, thinking about the students RBO serves will help keep me going.

RBO provides coaching, race entries, and running gear, and it also offers college scholarships to graduating seniors. I value it not just for the running it makes possible, but for how it uses running to introduce discipline that students can carry into school, home, and beyond.

Running, especially trail running, is much more than exercise for me. It is where I stay disciplined, step away from the buzz of daily life, and spend time on hills where life feels simpler and more real. Every time I am on top of hills, I find myself shouting, “Dang, so grateful I get to do this!” That is what I see in what RBO gives students—discipline, time on trails, and a sense of gratitude that carries into school, home, and other parts of their lives.

To support this effort, I am donating $10 for each of the 74.35 miles I hope to run, for a total of $743.50. I would be honored if you would join me in supporting RBO.

Thank you in advance for your support and for being part of this audacious traverse.

See you on the trails!

Annette

Running for a Better Oakland

Bay Area 100 Trail Ultra