Break the Mold - the Zach Bates story

Travis Holt Hamilton is organizing this fundraiser.

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The Story

Nineteen-year-old Zach Bates told his mother at graduation (June 2021) that he wanted to run a 100-mile ultramarathon before his 20th birthday (March 2022). Surprised, she reminded him that his farthest cross-country race had only been 5k. Undeterred, he continued to speak his mind and vision to run a 100-mile race before he turned 20. Seeing his determination and knowing her son's unique ability to deeply focus- due to autism- she decided to let him run and see where he could go. They started with a half marathon, then a full, then a 50-mile race, which he not only finished but took first place in the men's division!

Zach is now registered to race his first 100-mile ultramarathon at the Coldwater Rumble in Goodyear, AZ on January 15, 2022. He continues to train hard with a determined smile and focus that he will accomplish his next dream.

The Documentary

Award winning filmmaker, Travis Holt Hamilton, heard about the story through a newspaper article in the White Mountain Independent shortly after Zach's 50-mile win. "My wife told me I needed to read an article, so I did. Immediately after I read it, I contacted Rana- Zach's mother- via social media and told her I wanted to talk with her about Zach and his outrageous goal. We spoke, and a few days later we were on our way to begin sharing his story with the world", stated Hamilton.

Our goal is to produce a high-quality documentary film that shares Zach's passion, drive and determination to Break the Mold that sets so many back from accomplishing greater things. Zach's story will inspire all to not let circumstances and things you cannot change stop you from dreaming big and putting in the work to make it happen.

The funds will be used to shoot, edit and find a distribution partner to take the project beyond anything we have ever done before.

All donations are sincerely appreciated and will be used wisely in sharing Zach's story. No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made from this exciting story.

Official Trailer!