Ben Balester & Al Siekert For Hunger - Monterey CA

Ben Balester (50) is doing something truly amazing! Not only is he running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, but he is raising money to bring awareness to homelessness and food insecurity. Ben has chosen to donate the money he raises to AL & Friends! He is the 60th and last runner for The Great World Race starting November 15th, 2024.

Check out our media links below to follow this incredible journey. Please help us support Ben by donating. All donations will be used to further the mission of AL & Friends.

The mission of AL & Friends (est. 2010) is to provide hot, wholesome, and nutritious meals to Monterey, California's most vulnerable residents. Since 2010, Chef AL Siekert and his volunteers have served a dignified brunch-style breakfast every Sunday. All are welcome with no questions asked. This meal is served every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to around 9:30 a.m. (rain or shine) at Window on the Bay Park at 717 Del Monte Ave.

Words From Ben:

AL’s is important to me. I do my best to wake up each day and give thanks for what I have. Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to simply have one warm meal a day.

AL & Friends, like Dorothy’s Place (I’ve supported them for years) not only gives those that are hungry a warm meal but also fills that void or illusion of separation and brings people together, giving each soul on the street a warm sense of community, inclusion and belonging. We need this now more than ever.

I greatly admire AL, the organization, the volunteers, and the donors that come together to serve our community and help those in need.

I was born here in Monterey but spent 18 years in England. I moved back at aged 26 to help my Father with business on Fisherman’s wharf. I used this space for many fundraisers (Dorothy’s Place and LLS). We closed the doors in 2016.

Throughout my years here I’ve worked and volunteered in many areas. I’ve Directed the Reiay for the Big Sur Marathon for twenty two years and also, more recently, been a paid staff member, coordinating volunteers and setting up for cross country meets at Palo Corona.

Some other jobs have included working as Event Manager at Earthbound Farms, Advertising and Marketing for KRML radio, and working at Hops & Fog brewery. Some of my most rewarding volunteering has been working with CASA as an advocate for foster youth.

I lived in England for most of my school years and only liked running track (100-200 meters. 400 meters was too far). Played Rugby, smoked a lot and got into some drugs. By the time I was in college I quit all of that and tried running a few miles at a time.

When I moved back to California in 2001 I signed up for the Big Sur International Marathon and joined the local Wednesday Night Laundry Runners running club. Within about 6 months I increased my long runs from 5 miles up to about 18 miles.

Soon after the marathon I found I wanted to go further and progressed to the 50k distance. A few years later came the 50 miler and then 100k before covering the 100 mile distance at Western States in 2012.

I’ve now completed ten 100 mile races including Mount Blanc in Europe (106 miles 33,000 ft. of climbing) and one unofficial 100 miler I put together with some friends and that we ran in Fort Ord during the Pandemic.

I am vegan/plant based. Although I initially did it for the ethical treatment of animals I have found that by following a mostly clean whole food plant based diet that it has really helped with my fitness, recovery and my overall sense of wellbeing. In many ways I feel healthier and stronger than ever at aged 50.

I think this event will be one that I’ll need to treat with respect, as the travel and miles will take a toll on me. However, it’s also going to be a very unique experience exploring the world and the unknown that I feel fortunate to be a part of.

I’m looking forward to being able to see so many different parts of the world, albeit briefly, that have been on my bucket list whilst meeting some fascinating people from all over the world that are also sharing this journey.

I'm most looking forward to visiting Antarctica. I mean, it’s Antarctica. Just a unique place to be able to run. Hope a penguin doesn’t pass me.

Join Us!

AL & Friends Sunday Breakfast

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Instagram:

Ben's Balester @benthusiasm81

AL & Friends @alandfriends

Great World Race @thegreatworldrace

#bensGWR4als

7 Marathons. 7 Continents. In 7 Days...

.....to alleviate hunger in Monterey, CA

Thank You!