We Do It For Lou

The Return of the Iron Phi Running Trip - 6 Countries, 12+ Cities, 150 Landmarks

Three and half years ago, I found myself running through the National Parks of Utah, elated to be on my annual Iron Phi running trip that had become a staple in my life. I was in my zone. What started as harebrained idea back in 2012, became an annual holiday for me; An opportunity to turn my love for travel and running into a journey with impact on the ALS and Phi Delta Theta communities. Along the way, I was able to bring many friends with me, strengthening relationships, having fun, and exposing them to the amazing joys of exploration with a purpose.

Then, COVID happened. The pandemic threw a wrench in all of our lives, including mine, and other things took priority as we tried to figure out the unknown. Unfortunately, the annual running trip was one of those things that was placed on the back burner. So much has changed since 2019, but one thing hasn't - my desire to get back in my shoes and make the running trip a staple again.

So, here we are. The Iron Phi running trip is back in 2023, and I want to do it in style! This will be my ninth running trip, and it will incorporate much of my travel from May-December. I'll be combining the traditional week of exploration in one area this May (Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Olympic National Park), with my work travel surrounding the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award this summer (San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta), and topping it off with international flare over the Christmas holiday (Paris, Germany, London, Lisbon).

A common theme of my running trips has been to share the experience with others, and this year's will be no different. My wife Tillie and long-time friend and boss Sean Wagner will be joining me in the Pacific NW, I'll get to share the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award travel with many awesome friends, family members, and colleagues, and the international travel will have my wife, kids, and sister-in-law Jadee's family by my side.

The Goal:

Visit 150 landmarks in six countries during my 2023 travels (and runs), recognize a donor at each, and raise $6,000+ for Iron Phi in the process.

The Cause:

I will once again be raising funds for Iron Phi, a program I helped develop at Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity to support Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) research while developing college men through leadership training opportunities. Since 2010, 8,300+ individuals have signed up for Iron Phi, 1,600+ have become Iron Phis (raised $1,000 and achieved an athletic event), and we've collectively raised $3.47 million. It's been an amazing (and quite fulfilling ride).

My fundraising goal for this year's running trip is $6,000+, nearing $37,500 raised during these trips over the years.

To celebrate the generosity of those who donate, I'll be continuing the scavenger hunt approach. Below is a list of all the locations (150 to be exact) that I will attempt to visit this year. In return for a donation, you'll get a picture of me with a personalized thank you sign that recognizes you in front of a landmark during that run. I will be blogging throughout the year, and my posts will include the pictures thanking donors. Make sure to include which landmark you want to support when you make your donation. Runner's Choice stops are in-the-moment landmarks that are spontaneous. I can't wait to thank you!

You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Donation" link below my fundraising total. You can also send a check made out to Iron Phi to me if you'd rather donate that way. Message me on Facebook for my address.

The Schedule:

Sunday, April 30 – A Trip Around Olympic National Park

• Washington State Capitol - Taylor & Haley Abel
  
• Hoh Rain Forest - Josh Ehlen
  
• La Push Beach - Linda Carlson
  
• Kurt Cobain's Childhood Home - Tyler Wear
  
• Rialto Beach - Andy Tu
  
• Olympic National Park Sign - Roger Heineken
  
• Lake Crescent - Tiffany Conrad
  
• Olympic National Park - Bret Zimmerman
  
• Runner’s Choice - Brad & Mindy Carlson
  
• Runner’s Choice - Lawrence & Brandy Cunningham
• Runner's Choice - Bryan & Kristin Pates