50-KM ultra for Dang Valley schools
In October of 2017, I will be flying to Nepal to run the Annapurna 100 ultramarathon, to raise money to build schools in the Dang Valley of Nepal.
The Race: I will be running the 50-kilometer (31-mile) race. We begin on the dirt roads outside Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city. We then head up into the foothills of the Himalaya, where the route becomes more mountainous, eventually rising to an elevation of 1934-metres to finish at Sikles, a village of 3000 people on top of a ridge.
The Challenge: This will be my first ever ultramarathon. Indeed, I have never run a marathon. From January to October 2017, I will be continually training myself for this race, through a carefully planned program of exercise and nutrition. Unlike a flat road marathon, an ultramarathon is run through mountainous trails, so I must also prepare for the variability of terrain and climate. This will be a huge challenge but I am committed to it!
The Nepal Project: Nepal made the news in 2015 when earthquakes shook the country, destroying buildings and killing thousands. Although 18 months have passed since the quakes, much of the country remains in rubble. The Nepal Project is a charitable organisation based near Charlotte NC, whose main mission is to support the construction of schools and promote education in rural Nepal. They have been operating in Nepal for 10 years. In 2017, the Project has an immediate need to raise $9,000 for construction of a new building at the Madan Bhandari Memorial School, in order to allow the school to expand for 200 new students. Additional funds are also required for construction projects at other schools.
Your Help: I am requesting your sponsorship in per kilometer increments. I will be running 50 kilometers. You could sponsor me for any amount. $50 would be $1 per km, or $100 would be $2 per km. Any amount is welcome!!! Funds from your donation on gofundme will be sent to The Nepal Project. Please note that for US taxpayers, 100% of your contribution is tax deductible, as The Nepal Project is an IRS-approved public charity under section 501c3.
Your Impact: Your contribution will make an immediate impact in the lives of Nepali children, some of whom will now be able to attend school for the first time. I am really excited to have found this opportunity to help make a difference in these children's lives, and I really appreciate your support!
FAQ: if you wish to learn more about either the Nepal Project or the Annapurna 100 ultramarathon, please visit their websites:
Organizer
