Wander Project is back at Javelina for a second year with nine charity bibs toeing the line this weekend for an unforgettable run through the desert. Our team will also be out in Fountain Hills this weekend with an epic support station planned to help power the runners on. This year, we have six charity bibs for the 100-mile distance and three for the 100k distance. These runners will be rocking their best Halloween costumes as they party their way in loops around McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
In this post, we highlight some of the other faces that will be toeing the start line this weekend. Each charity bib athlete has an incredible story to tell about their 'why' for taking on this epic adventure. The support of their communities has already powered them through amazing fundraising efforts, and it will continue to help them cover the many miles out on the course. Their inspiring stories are here.
Connor Heredia
"I chose to support Bigger Than The Trail because mental health is something deeply personal to me. I’ve faced my own battles with OCD, depression, and anxiety. At my lowest points, I was lucky enough to have access to resources that helped me get through—and I know not everyone has that same support.
That’s why I believe so strongly in what Bigger Than The Trail is doing: making mental health resources accessible to those who need them most. Everyone deserves help when they’re struggling.
If fundraising through my event can make a difference for even one person, it will mean the world to me. Mental health shapes my life every single day, and I’m proud to run for a cause that truly matters."
Walter Bueno
"I wanted to add more meaning and purpose to my first 100 mile race. I find purpose in running to inspire and be an example that WE are capable, no one can tell us we can go beyond our limits. Rising Hearts falls in line with my beliefs and advocates for all inclusivity."
Daver Jennings
"I’m raising money for Autism Speaks because my son has autism, and this is my way of giving back to help other families who are walking the same path as ours and to make a difference with trail running."
Jessica Jasinski
"I chose to run for Faith for Hayden to shine a light on Schaaf-Yang Syndrome and help raise funds for research that brings hope to families like hers.
Working with Hayden every day, I witness both the challenges she faces and the incredible strength she shows through them. Her joy, determination, and progress, no matter how small, remind me why this cause matters so deeply.
Every mile I run is for Hayden and for every child fighting battles the world doesn't always see. We run on faith! "
Wadan Khan
"I chose a charity bib so that this 100-mile journey is not just a physical challenge to overcome, but also to get out of my comfort zone and take on a challenge of raising money for a good cause."
Tyler Greenberg
"I’m running 100 miles in honor of my cousins, Jake and Max, and to support The Jake Max Foundation — the nonprofit founded in their name.
JMF's mission is to champion people with disabilities by celebrating their creativity and empowering independence. Our “Maximizers” receive art supplies and mentorship to design and launch their own apparel lines, proving that entrepreneurship is for everyone.
This race is my tribute to our ever-growing community of artists, and a reminder that our actions have the potential to create a cascade of positive change for ourselves and others."
Joey Peterson
"I have decided to run for a charity because of my girlfriend, Avery Morkert! Avery was diagnosed with a rare liver disease when she was only 16 years old. The following year she received a liver transplant. Unfortunately, this disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) has developed in her new liver. I have researched organizations that help combat this disease and decided to run 100 miles to raise funds for ‘PSC Partners Seeking a Change’ for the purpose of searching for a cure to this life-threatening disease. Avery brings a radiant light into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She has changed me for the better, and I love her for it. I have dedicated my race to Avery."
Emily Lehman
"I love trail running, and leading up to this race, I wanted to be able to give back and help preserve the land we use to make races like this possible. Running as a charity bib for The Wilderness Society made it possible for me to do that!"
