The facts… we ran- so kids could learn! 

​

We ran (I did the runners shuffle) for only 9 hours out of the 12 hours because of lightning.  Yes, we are able to run the trails in rain, and we did, but we had to sit and wait for the storm to pass to continue in the trails. 

​

I ran 11 loops and did 5 out and backs (which added on 1.25 miles). Total of 35.2

Sam ran 12 loops- totaled 38.2 miles!!! 

Each loop had a dedication. 

​

1. Love Wins Now- our overall mission/ vision and amazing supporters!

2. My Grams

3. Liam and Jemma

4. NAKASAGGA FAZIRAH

5. KAKOOZA IBRAHIM

6. NAKIMBUGWE LATIFAH

7. NANSEREKO FATUMAH

8. KANSIIME MARITA

9. NABAKOOZA ZAHARAH

10. MBABAZI MARGRATE

11. NASAAZI AMINAH, NAKIRANDA JOSLYN, and SSEBUUFU JOVIC (the last one I had to do for 3 kids because we knew this would be the last loop.) 

​

We started at 8 AM and at 8 o’clock PM- our race was complete. We packed up our things- congratulated the winners, celebrated with the other 12 hour runners… and then Sam and I- went and took a dip in the St. Joe river! 

​

Yes, you read that right!  We finished with the “Left it in the River” song and soggy cold exhilarated bodies!!!

​

We raised $2750 for Love Wins Now! 

 

In all reality, it’s not at all about how far we ran, how much we laughed or cried or the wild weather… Yes, I am proud to move my body and I do not take for granted the distance these legs take me.  The big story here goes to every person who donated for THIS cause. 10 children in another country's educational future.  That to me, is what we did! Yes, we run… but because of YOUR donations, their future is, once again- forever changed!!! 

 

What many of you do not know is, this year, it has been a consistent prayer of mine- for others to run too for our cause, (not just me running the races) so the kids we support can learn!  I never intended nor wanted to be the only individual raising funds for such a life changing mission!  Most runners have a why- that gives them a purpose to tie up the laces and put in all the energy and time!  ‘Why’s’ range from fun hobbies, to challenging oneself, for therapy, or for a cause dear to their heart! All races- RAISE funds for a specific cause unique to each race.  The runners however, can raise funds as well- like I’ve been doing since 2022 using the “running” platform.   I found a new purpose to run, a God inspired mission and it helps push me farther than I ever imagined.  (Do everything in love. 1st Corinthians 16:14.)

To raise a lot of money- I thought I had to do big things- now, it’s become a part of who I am- pushing past all limitations of my mind and seeing what is possible!

 

I’ve attempted my first 100 mile race this year. In the past, I’ve done an 8 hour race and 2 of the St Pats 24 hour races. This St Pats race, I didn’t have a set number of miles I was striving for, but over 40 I thought was doable. The day leading up to the race- I started asking what people thought I was capable of doing… This added another layer of excitement to the event!!! Plus, I had a $5 pledge for every mile from 1 friend! This aided the miles, along with prayer- music- amazing encouragement and messages and all the donations and consistent support that came pouring in!  

 

My training runs leading up to the big race in June, running 20 or 30 miles was oddly common.  So, I was going for anywhere between 40 and 50 miles… in the 12 hours. Though, I did not hit my ‘goal’- I feel good estimating it was doable if I was able to stay out on the course the full 12 hours!!! 

Having Sam there with me… made this race a completely different, (the most beautiful) God infused race to date!!! She, too, raised funds for Love Wins Now. She, too, ran- so the kids could learn! And she had a goal to run her longest race to date of 30 miles… and crushed it!!! 38 miles!!! 👀 How we got connected is a blessing in itself! I already shared, I’ve prayed for someone to run and help me on this journey… Well, little did I know, this gal would be Running- across a bridge (outside of Chicago, 2 hours from where I live,) drop her phone in the river- and then on her way to pick up her son, while going to grab her scuba gear… She hears the one and only ‘Jamie MacDonald’ on the radio! Her song- “Left it in the river” was a perfect God mingling moment.  (Many of you do not know that Jamie and I have been best friends since 3rd grade.) Sam found her phone in the river- AND it was working! No rice, no issues!  She reached out to Jamie and shared her story, along with photos… this touched Jamie’s heart and she said, “you need to connect with my best friend who is also a runner and would 100% scuba dive after her phone in a river!” The rest is history! New friendship was formed. Now, we share some amazing memories and quite the experience!  Getting to know Sam and her beautiful heart… and her Helping raise funds for Love Wins Now. Mindblowing- God did it kind of goodness!!! Not only did she run with me… she had people praying, and she prayed and we really bonded this race.  Her unapologetic joyful personality really awoke my soul in ways that I didn’t realize I needed!!!!  First loop into the race- she recommended we jump in the river at the end- and at first I honestly thought it was a bit nuts. But seconds after absorbing the info. It just made sense. Of course we would do this and jam to Jamie’s song while doing it!!! Absolutely epic end to the race, and as we drove out of St. Pats park… what’s playing on the radio- “Left it in the river!”  

As with any event- it takes me a bit to process it all for many reasons.  And once completed, a huge part of me is sad that it’s over.  So much training and momentum building up!!! I’m very happy I chose to only do 12 hours this year.  It’s hard to fathom once we are done… that 1/2 of the racers were continuing on for another 12 hours!!! 

 

Experiencing the “running through the night” at St. Pats park before… this was neat to switch it up. Plus, some of my favorite humans and Love Wins Now’s biggest supporters (since our beginning)- were in town for the Notre Dame Football game!  Sam and I had to visit them and share our experience! 

Every race helps open my eyes to where I’d like to improve.  Speed for sure- and train more hills!   There is one nice incline around mile 2.2 of the loop- and it killed me during the first loop.  Once again, my body felt like it didn’t even train. Which was mind boggling! My longer runs were less during this training period… but now I know what I’m capable of (in 9 hours) with the training I was doing.  

The racing community is another level of epicness!  Every person just wants to see you do your best and have fun and are so encouraging.  Some are out there to crush it, get first place or hit a certain mileage… others- do it because they are thankful they are still able to move!!! Whether running or walking, moving forward together connects us- and it’s such a beautiful experience!!! 

The race directors put on such a lovely event!  They are the backbone to this race and informed us this was their last year running it.  We were reminded all good things come to an end and it helps reframe the moments in sweet appreciation!!! 

 

The weather. It sure was an interesting day! Sun out and felt quite warm in the 70s for a bit (especially being I had on a 3 quarters shirt for many miles, lol.) It sprinkled off and at different points… and then, after loop 11. I sat with Sam for a moment to grab some water and instantly, insane downpour.  4:15 pm. Nooooooo. We had to sit and wait. Wait out the storm.  We were told we can run at 6:28 PM. We were ready.  I swear, at exactly 6:28 pm- lightning strikes again. Pushing us back to 7:10 pm.  

 

When we were cleared to run, I knew I had to run this last loop as fast as I could so I could get in as many out and backs as possible to add up the mileage.  Feeling fully refreshed. With the headlamp on, no music, just heart and grit- I busted out with the others.  

 

My 32nd mile was the fastest I ran all race. 10:08 mile. That felt amazing.  Why I didn’t do more of these faster miles, makes me realize- I can and will be pushing myself to go faster in the future! If at mile 32 (yes, we had a 3 hour break…) I am able to run like this- I’ve only scratched the surface as to what is actually possible.  This gives me so much hope and motivation for future events!   I ran that last loop in less than 33 minutes!  Fueled with passion and enthusiasm to be able to run again- we finished strong!!! 

The fall leaves and the sunshine. The smiles and the people cheering everyone on.  Grateful and blessed to have participated in the 12 hour St. Pats race this year!!! 

 

We appreciate all of the love and support and encouragement to run this race!  Because of you all, We raised $2750, only needing $250 more to end this year fully funded! 

 

We are still accepting donations- and if we go over our amount/ that will be used for starting the 1st term education in Feb. 2026! 

 

We are not sure what race is next…  but I am already back to training… so I can end this year physically strong and fit to do more exciting events next year! 

 

If you have an event you would like to do together, please reach out. Let’s connect! 

​

By: Melies Kish

​