Independence Day is about more than lighting off bottle rockets and munching hot dogs by the lake.
It’s a time to honor those who have served in the armed forces to help preserve our freedom and independence.
Have you ever wanted to give something back to those who have lost their lives while serving in the armed forces? Is there a way to truly make an impact in their honor?
The co-founders of nonprofit organization Always Brothers wondered the same thing. And that’s how they came up with the Always Brothers 100-Mile Memorial Run, sponsored by Thrive Community Fitness.
Always Brothers was co-founded by Thrive Maple Valley co-owner, retired Cpl. Dan Nielsen. Nielsen and several other Marines created Always Brothers to honor Capt. Tyler Swisher, a marine who served with them at Camp David.
Swisher, an avid endurance sports enthusiast, left behind a wife and three young children. Nielsen and the Always Brothers co-founders wanted to honor Swisher by helping the families of other fallen soldiers. Sponsoring an event that Swisher himself would have enjoyed seemed like the perfect vehicle.
And so, Always Brothers was born. The proceeds from the Always Brothers 100-Mile Memorial Run will benefit the sons and daughters of fallen soldiers.
In addition to the annual 100-mile run, Always Brothers has also hosted a 100-inning softball game and is a charity partner of the US Marine Corp Marathon.
You don’t have to run 100 miles to help the Always Brothers cause. You can run as little or as far as you’d like. You can even rally a relay team to break up the 100 miles among up to 10 people. Sign up here!
Another great way to participant is simply by giving to the cause. All donations are 100% tax deductible, and since Always Brothers is a volunteer-only organization, you can be sure your donation will go directly to the children of fallen soldiers.
At least one of the Always Brothers co-founders will attempt to run the entire 100 miles. Typically, all of the former Marines set out with the intent of running the entirety of the race, but after dozens of miles, it becomes obvious that only one or two will have a chance to succeed. The others rally around those individuals to help motivate them to finish.
On the first day of the event, Thrive Maple Valley will be hosting activities including an aid station for the runners, as they will run directly past the center.
If you’re a Thrive Maple Valley member, you can even log miles on the treadmills at Thrive in support of the runners. During last year’s event, runners logged more than 300 miles! All you have to do is stop in on July 26 and use one of the sign-in sheets to log your mileage.
Another Thrive location is showing their support, as Thrive Lacey will host the Thrive 5K to raise money for Always Brothers. The Thrive 5K takes place on Monday, July 21, and is open to individuals of all fitness levels. Last year, some participants even pushed baby strollers!
Sign up for the Thrive 5K by clicking here!
If you want to help support the children of fallen soldiers, but you’re not up for a run this year, you can donate directly by clicking here.
Have more questions about Always Brothers? Use this link to ask.