In 2019, firefighter Ryan Mains ran 130 km to honor the 130 firefighters that died by suicide that year. 130 runners also virtually trained with him, running 130 km over 4 months and documenting their progress, goals, and feelings. This year, we are hoping to double the amount of runners participating virtually to help decrease the number of deaths by suicide of our local heroes. In the year 2020, 115 firefighters died by suicide. This year, runners will virtually complete 115 km to honor each hero. Ryan will be completing the same distance in one day: May 22.

Beginning March 1, runners will track their weekly distance on RaceRoster. They will then receive a race t-shirt and a completion medal for their hard work. Along the way, racers will be able to join a private Facebook group where training tips and motivational stories will be shared, hear updates from Ryan, and the Run For Our Lives community can come together. You will also be able to connect with the race directors, Dana and Denise, from Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy.

Race registration fees will be donated to Illinois Firefighter Peer Support - the organization that helped Ryan recover from PTSD.

We are also looking for volunteers to help Ryan on his run day of May 22. He is looking for drivers, pacers, and aid station managers. Please see the volunteer tab on the Race Roster registration site to sign up for one of the open positions and their job duties.