Run the 1
DECEMBER 7th, 2019
Goal: $15,000
What that covers: school fees & running costs in 2019.
Each year, a small group of runners and bikers take on one of the most difficult and iconic courses in the country, Hwy 1. In the form a relay, the full distance will be covered in two days time. Each individual pushes their body to their own limit, some running 80 miles. The race was founded by Shaun Sullivan, the founder of Ubaka U Rwanda in the US.
The Course:
The Central Coast has so many beautiful, unique things to offer. Many of us have had the pleasure of driving along the coastal Highway 1, and most would agree that running this stretch would be quite the challenge.
San Simeon, CA to Morro Rock, CA - Marathon +
This year's event will be all on December 7th. The length is a little more than a marathon. The rough starting time will be around 10:00 AM from San Simeon. Any and all are invited to join for however much they choose. It is all about the community of the event, not the ego. Our friends always support each other in whatever way is needed as well. We look forward to running with you!
What is a "Rafiki Run"?
In Swahili, "Rafiki" means "friend." On the second day, friends and supporters from all over will join the Hotshots crew in completing this challenge. No matter the distance any one person can achieve, the entire course will be completed as a team effort, each person driven by the collective friendship.
Every year, we'll strive to attract more people across to join us with the Rafiki Run. No matter where you are, join in, organize a run on November 18th, and make a pledge of your own! We'd love to hear about it, so make sure to share it with us on facebook. #RafikiRun
History of run the 1
During the 2011 fire season, Shaun spent a lot of time thinking about how to effectively fund raise money for his endeavors in Rwanda. He realized that folks who accomplish tough physical feats often portray to people their passion for a cause, thus raising more money. He decided to walk from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco in a weeks time. Claire and Ben made rash and not-thought-out decisions to join Shaun on the journey. The walk was more challenging than they could have expected, but they did the entire thing as they had promised. The walk raised more money than Shaun had ever raised before amounting to over $6,000.
The next fire season, many people showed interest in participating in something again for the cause. Therefore, in 2012 Shaun and over 25 others completed a running relay from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. Some ran half marathons, full marathons, or even multiple marathons. The event was challenged by thunderstorms, flooding, road closures, and even loose charging dogs, but everyone accomplished what they had promised. Over $11,000 was raised, and a matching donor added another $10,000 which brought the total to $21,000.
More motivated than ever; Shaun, previous year's participants, and more friends and co workers will be running and biking each year. They begin in Half Moon Bay and finish at Morro Rock, covering an estimated 220 miles in two days. People will be challenging themselves again with 100+ mile bike rides, 80 mile runs, full and half marathons, along with other activities.
Run the 1 is a very grassroots event with very humble beginnings. Their idea is to communicate their passion for the street children of Rwanda, enjoy the place they live with those closest to them, and to accomplish those things with as few words as possible. Let action speak the loudest.
