Support Dustin As He Runs 100 MILES!

Support Dustin as he raises awareness and funds for the Semper Fi & America's Fund and Shepherds Men Foundation by running 100 MILES!

PLEASE NOTE: All start times are approximate! Later loops will most likely start later than listed. Dustin would love the company of our community on his journey on 12/27! He is not concerned with his overall finish time so please don't hesitate to join him at any pace! He will run TEN 10 mile "loops" on the Greenway. His first loop will begin at NGRC at 6 AM. For the remaining loops, he will remain on the greenway, with the exception of finishing at NGRC. This is a self-supported event. We can not guarantee aid along the course loops so bring what you will need for loop and/or loops. Loops 2-10 will start at the Bethelview Greenway Entrance. Loops will be an out and back to just past Fowler Park, and a two-mile out and back towards Kelly Mill Rd. 

A message from Dustin...

My entire life I’ve been an athlete, running being the equivalent to “yoga” for me. Giving me a way to clear my head of life’s challenges, sharping my mind and body, and allowing me to regain my focus on the next tasks ahead.

While serving in the United States Marine Corps as an Amphibious Reconnaissance Marine, I suffered multiple life-altering injuries that forced an early retirement from service, shocking what my family had become accustomed to, and for the first time ever, made me question what my purpose in life was.

During my transition from active duty to medically retired, I was fortunately introduced to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund (SF&AF)! I immediately fell in love with the mission, how they provide assistance not only to the veteran, but also to their families, and that they TRULY make an impact.

At the beginning of this CRAZY year, I set a personal goal to run 2,020 miles and raise $10,000 for the SF&AF. A nonprofit that assists wounded, critically ill, and injured service members who have given so much and are an inspiration to many. To keep my mind and body sharp, but also to raise awareness for such an amazing organization.

I have been and will be supporting the SF&AF as a Semper Fi Fund Community Athlete and a Team Semper Fi Fund Athlete. It has been an honor to participate and compete in such events as the Boston, Chicago, and Marine Corps marathons. Even winning Cumming GA inaugural Marathon.

Also, during my time as a retired Marine, I have also found out about and have been participating in events for the Shepherd’s Men Foundation, an organization comprised of dedicated patriots committed to creating advocacy and opportunity for our nation’s veteran heroes who have been affected by the hidden injuries of war.  They serve our noble warriors by means of outreach, empowerment, and funding of treatment.  Their belief is that victory in combat is achieved on two fronts; on the field and in the mind.  With that, we will Share the Burden and lift up our warfighters in need.

With the amazing support from my local community, the North Georgia Running Company, the SF&AF, and the Shepherds Men Foundation, I will be completing the 2,020 miles and hopefully raising the remaining funds, rain, snow, or shine, by running 100 miles on Sunday, December 27th!

Help me support those who have sacrificed so much by coming out and running alongside, supporting by cheering along the course or volunteering at one of the re-supply tents, or make a donation/pledge and let me complete the miles for you! When you donate, every dollar will be matched 100% by the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. I will also write your name on my race jersey so that you may be right there with me along the way.

The process is fast, easy, and secure. The Semper Fi Fund has been awarded the highest ratings from watchdog groups: A+ Top Rated Charity from CharityWatch for 7 years, one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating in recent years; and 4 Stars from Charity Navigator, a rating only given to 3% of all charities. They maintain an extremely low overhead - 6% - and provide rapid assistance with no red tape.

I truly appreciate any contributions you can provide. If you can't make a donation at this point, help me reach my goal by sharing this page on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and any other social media platform you chose! Even better, send an email to friends you think might be interested in contributing and include a link to my page.

To learn more about the Semper Fi Fund please go to www.semperfifund.org.

To learn more about the Shepherds Men Foundation, please go to shepherdsmen.com.

 Thanks so much for your generosity and I look forward to putting 2,020 miles behind while achieving my fundraising goal!!