Running for Rescue Dogs: 2024 Marathon Bid

Hello, I’m Sarahlena, an aspiring long-distance runner. In 2022, a friend convinced me to run a half marathon. Little did I know my decision would impact my life in so many positive ways. This year I finished my first half marathon!

I am honored to be chosen by Peace Winds Japan for the Tokyo Marathon 2024 as one of their charity runners. As their charity runner, I get to fundraise for this great organization. Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to support people threatened by conflict, poverty, and turmoil. With its headquarters in Japan, PWJ is operational in many parts of the world.

Since 2016, Peace Winds has built a large shelter in Hiroshima and taken in more than 6,000 dogs, including the sick and injured. There are more than 100 dedicated staff members working in eight locations around Japan to rescue these animals.

This is a cause that means a lot to me. Your support and donations in any amount will help and can go a long way. It will be quite an experience to run my first full marathon during my first trip to Asia! I would love to share the experience with all of you. Be on the look out for updates.

It is a goal to meet ideally by February 28, 2024. Follow me on Instagram with @sarahlena_runs to keep up with my running journey and Tokyo experience!

UPDATE: My required bid for my charity fundraiser has been met! Thank you so much! I’ve been getting asked if it is too late to donate and it is not! It doesn’t have to stop there.

I’m using my own money for the flight, food and hotel to be a charity runner on top of this bid (which has been taken care of thanks to you)! Anything donated from now on goes to the trip expenses. If you want to donate to the charity instead then contact me and I’ll help you with that!