Christy Hoke about to blaze by Sally Orange (dressed as a Pear)
On Friday, 24 November, our team of twelve ran the Antarctic Ice Marathon on Union Glacier to support the Navy SEAL Foundation. We all finished the race, had a great time, and managed to raise 450K in the process! We dedicated the race to Brian Hoke who was a SEAL killed in action last year. We were very honored to have Brian's wife, Christy, run the race with us - her first race was a marathon in Antarctica! Watch Christy's inspirational video and the official 2017 race video.
The purpose of this Blog is to thank the people and organizations that supported the Navy SEAL Foundation and made this epic event possible.
Rob contemplating mocking me while avoiding vomiting after finishing strong.
Whitebox Advisors - Rob Vogel
Whitebox funded the entire team's entry fee for the race and they were the sponsor for our original 2014 Polar Challenge fundraising run in Greenland. For the record, he crushed me this year and it will never happen again.
Big Sky Packaging - Erin Dutton
Erin and I grew up in Ohio together. He is a great friend and has an amazing entrepreneurial story. His company, Big Sky Packaging is a rocket ship. He is giving back by supporting the foundation in a big way. Beyond his generous contributions, he drummed up support for and attended the 2017 NYC benefit dinner, participated in our "Pushing the Limits" fundraiser hosted by Mr. Greg Olsen, and participated in the NSF New England range day fundraiser at the Sig Sauer Academy organized by Jeff Sabados. He is already building a coalition for the 2018 NYC benefit dinner.
Erin Dutton and I with the former USSOCOM Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral (SEAL) Sean Pybus at the NYC Benefit Dinner
Scopia Capital - Quinn and Andrea Fionda
Quinn, Andrea, and Tony Lena
Quinn and I were in the same company at the Naval Academy and served together at SEAL Team TWO. He was one of the original organizers of the NYC Benefit Dinner and is a tremendous friend and supporter of the community. He ran with Brian Hoke in Greenland in 2015 but was not able to join the team in Antarctica this year.
Mark Edgar and Mike Martin
Mark Edgar finishing in style
Mark stepped into Mike Martin's team captain role this year and did an amazing job. We first ran together in 2014 and I am continually amazed by Mark's patriotism and unwavering support to the foundation. He helped me fundraise, serves as an advisor to Hard Yards, and is a great friend. Moreover, not many people can pull off the tuxedo singlet like Mark can...
My Family and Friends
I received very generous donations from my parents, sister, extended family, and friends. I am very grateful for the support. Most importantly, thanks to my wife and kids for supporting me being gone during Thanksgiving, training, and fundraising events.
Shannon, Liam, and Lachlan
Sign up for the 2018 Navy SEAL Foundation NYC Benefit Dinner here.