2020 RunFAR Challenge

 

2020 RunFAR Challenge 

Like many events in 2020, our annual RunFAR (Run For African Relief) Challenge went virtual this year. The virtual nature allowed church teams from around the country to participate, making the event a great success. This year marked the 10-year anniversary of our inaugural RunFAR Challenge. Similar to the original RunFAR, this year’s event offered participants the flexibility to run, walk or hike any distance of their choice during the month of October. Highlights included 4 participants running marathons, several community groups hiking together as a group activity, and one church in Colorado (Sovereign Grace Church of Aurora) that created its own 5K and 10K course and drew participation from over 25 percent of its church membership.

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2020 RunFAR Challenge Stats

Funds raised: $29,000

Participants: 143

Miles logged: 723

States represented: 7

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Justice Volz: Orphan Advocate and Ultramarathoner 

As a young boy, Justice Volz was passionate about caring for orphans through the ministry of Covenant Mercies. At just nine years old, he started a coin drive called Coins for Change and raised $1,100 in one month. “That thousand dollars felt like a million dollars to me when I was nine,” he said. Now, 16 years later, Justice’s passion for orphan care has done nothing but grown.

Justice began running about a year ago to lose weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle. “I was spending a lot of time and energy running, but I felt a conviction in my heart to make it more than just exercise. I started listening to audiobooks and music that grew my faith while I ran,” he said.

While he was training for his first marathon in early October, he was asked to lead a RunFAR team for his church, Sovereign Grace Church of Marlton, NJ. In addition to recruiting runners from church, he was glad to participate as well. “I just had the idea that if I say and do something outrageous, it will get people’s attention and cause them to give notice to the important work of Covenant Mercies. So I decided to attempt a 50-mile run in one day and raise money for RunFAR. I wanted to use this newfound passion of mine for the glory of the Lord and the advancement of His kingdom.”

On October 27, Justice completed his 50-mile ultramarathon, finishing in just under 10 hours. He raised nearly $6,000, receiving over 40 donations from friends and family members all over the country. He also ran a marathon with his RunFAR teammate Daniel Mauchly earlier in the month.

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“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” I Timothy 4:8