Matt & Bic Run 80 Miles For Charity

Who are we:
Hi! We are Matt and Bic and we are running the 80 mile Greenbrier River Trail in October.
About Matt
I have always been somewhat active. The running started approximately 6 years ago when I decided that I would try out boxing. I called a local trainer and he told me to start running. So I started with a mile. After I got comfortable with a mile, I'd run 2, then 4, then 6, etc. Running has done a lot for my health physically and mentally. It has given me a whole new perspective on daily encounters and a very positive outlook on life. I wake up in the morning and say "it's gonna be a good day." Then I head to work and get things done to come home and get my daily run in.
About Bic
I have run off and on since I was first exposed to outdoor running by my high school wrestling coach. A few years back, I was suffering from a back injury and was looking for a way to control my body weight. I tried running and, at first, was only able to run for a few minutes but it was a positive distraction from the discomfort I was experiencing due to my injury. I stayed with it and entered my first 5k as a training goal, but discovered that it was just the start to a new passion. Running is one of the things I look forward to throughout my week and has become another way I experience the outdoors.

We are raising money for Active Southern West Virginia Kids Run Clubs
In our pursuit of this challenging distance, we want to raise funds for the ActiveSWV Kids Run program, a 6-8 week long after-school running club culminating in a celebratory race day.


The ActiveSWV Kids Run program believes in the value of encouraging youth to be physically active on a daily basis. Elementary and Middle School run clubs give students who may not have the resources for youth sports the opportunity to participate in organized physical activity. ActiveSWV Kids Run Clubs provide kids the opportunity to develop an enjoyment and understanding of exercise, while learning healthy habits that extend beyond the program. The participants learn the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, team building, and techniques for being a healthy runner.


Running, specifically, is extremely beneficial for kids because it is one of the most accessible sports. It doesn’t require equipment, aside from running shoes, and there is no specific location needed to practice--kids can run anywhere there is open space. Not only is running affordable, but it also promotes a healthy heart, healthy lungs, and strong muscles. Through targeting the youth with this fun initiative, ActiveSWV hopes to not only improve the immediate health of the participants, but also instill knowledge, awareness, and ability in West Virginia’s youth.

This cause is important to us because...
Matt: As a father and a coach, I love being around kids. We live in the age of video games and electronics and kids spend so much less time getting active. Running is the most primitive activity there is; you're using what God gave you to accomplish a task. Kids need to be active not only because of the positive effects it has on their physical health, but also to help them to build self discipline and gain confidence from being able to set a goal and smash it!
Bic: I believe it is important to expose kids to physical fitness and the joys it can bring. These are lessons they can bring with them into adulthood. Personal fitness not only helps you maintain your health, but your self esteem as well. These are lessons kids can carry with them, which they can draw upon when they get sidetracked by life's difficult situations.

How will your donation support ActiveSWV Kids Run Clubs?
The money raised through this GoFundMe will go directly towards purchasing equipment for the kids' practices and race day.

By completing our fundraising goal of $2,000, we will be able to completely fund 5 new run clubs, changing the lives of over 200 children.

Donations, big or small, will make a huge impact:
5$-buys a post race snack and medal for 1 kid!
10$-buys medals for 5 kids!
15$-buys post race healthy snacks for 5 kids!
25$-buys a school a 2 gallon reusable water jug!
50$-buys a school a pack of 100 cones!
100$-buys medals for an entire run club!
200$-buys post race snacks & water for an entire run club!
400$-supports all equipment needs of an entire run club!

Donations of $200 or more will receive an Active SWV performance wear shirt!

Running has been a truly transformative part of our lives. Please help us support ActiveSWV Kids Run Clubs, so that more of southern West Virginia's youth can become active, healthy, and happy.

If you can't give, please help us and SHARE on Facebook.