Last year, I had the privilege of participating in 52.4 and completing four half marathons, each mile marked by purpose, prayer, and deep gratitude. What began as a physical challenge quickly became something so much more meaningful as I ran to support orphaned children in India. Knowing that each step could make an impact far beyond myself made every mile worth it.

My connection to 52.4 goes back several years, as I previously participated from 2010 to 2015. Returning to this community last year was both meaningful and full circle, reminding me of the lasting impact this mission has had on my life.

This year, I’m honored to step into the role of team leader. I said yes because I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful this journey can be, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. I have a heart to encourage others through the training process, to walk alongside them in both the challenges and the victories, and to remind them of the “why” behind every mile.

I also believe deeply that many hands make light work. Being part of a team, supporting one another, showing up together, and carrying the mission collectively is what makes 52.4 so special. I’m grateful to serve alongside this community and to help create an environment where every participant feels supported, equipped, and inspired.

We joined the 52.4 team in 2021, days upon moving into town without knowing anyone in the Treasure Valley. It quickly became our source of community and through it, we’ve built amazing friendships. We have two kids (Lia and Jack), each of whom have participated in all of the races via in the womb and in our jogging stroller! We love to run, but even more, we love running with purpose. This cause has been such a blessing to our lives in that our compassion has grown immensely for the vulnerable kids in India. To think that our efforts are literally helping change lives by bringing the knowledge and love of God to children afflicted by illness and rejection makes this all worth it.
 

We joined the 52.4 team in 2021, days upon moving into town without knowing anyone in the Treasure Valley. It quickly became our source of community and through it, we’ve built amazing friendships. We have two kids (Lia and Jack), each of whom have participated in all of the races via in the womb and in our jogging stroller! We love to run, but even more, we love running with purpose. This cause has been such a blessing to our lives in that our compassion has grown immensely for the vulnerable kids in India. To think that our efforts are literally helping change lives by bringing the knowledge and love of God to children afflicted by illness and rejection makes this all worth it.
 

Hi, I’m Brie Koontz and I started my journey with 52.4 in 2012. I’ve been married to my incredible husband, Vince, since 2010 and we have two young daughters, Elle and Faye. 

I ​first saw the promotional video at church with the beautiful faces of the kids in India and knew I needed to be a part of this team.  I coached junior high cross country for several years (when I was a lot younger) so the thought of these half marathons wasn’t too intimidating.  After my third season with 52.4 I became a mom, but I knew my story with  India wasn’t finished.  I continued praying for them and followed the team each year.  In 2023, God laid it on my heart that He was ready for me to join the team again.  By his grace, it was a remarkable and memorable season.  This year, I am so happy to have my husband joining 52.4 with all of these amazing people.  

Hi, I'm Christine, and I've been with Fiftytwo.Four since 2014 (just 30 years since I'd last been required to run per my high school P.E. classes, with intermittent sprints chasing toddlers in years following). My running is shifting toward more walking these days, but thanks to the supportive 52.4 community, it's ALL good, because "to finish is to win"! My husband and I have been married for 35 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 wonderful grandkids. They're all reminders of the gift of family, even if that family includes unofficially adopted orphans on the other side of the world. I can't remember all the reasons I first reluctantly took on the 52.4 challenge, but what I know today is that God uses this amazing event to not only care for "the least of these", but to also bless the participants in unique and unexpected ways. Don't miss out!!

Hi there! My name is Sarah Van Brunt and I have been run/walking since 2017. The Lord put India on my heart when I was 11 years old, but that love and admiration intensified in 2016. I joined 52.4 when I worked for Send Hope Now , where I got to work closely with India to take care of the many facets of the ministry. I got to see the precious faces we run for on a daily basis and read their challenging stories regularly. I have also had the beautiful privilege of visiting India a couple of times and if I could move there and serve full time I would! God has me here though, running and raising awareness for these sweet orphans in India with HIV/AIDS; while also raising my sweet wild boy with my husband. I am so thankful to be a team leader and to be a part of this community of walkers and runners every year. God has challenged me every year I run, but I’m reminded of his steadfast love in James 1:2-7. Jesus is the reason I run and I’ve just been blown away by his faithfulness and provisions for the ministry

Hello, I’m Hallie Vinson and the people of India stole my heart decades ago. I became involved with 52.4 in 2009 when a dear friend challenged me to join the fundraising effort. She teased me by saying that if she was turning 50 and could do four half-marathons, I could certainly jump on board in my twenties. I have taken a few years off here and there to marry my incredibly supportive husband, Jonathan, and have my three babies –Lena, Amos, and Violet. Some years running has been an exhilarating experience; some years have required more mental stamina and humility as my body decided it was better to slow down and nurse injuries. God has been faithful through all of the different speeds and seasons of running. My time spent training, fellowshipping, and participating in the races with 52.4 never ceases to bless me on many levels. I always look forward to getting to know new team members and hearing their stories out on the running trails. My faith has also been built through the faithfulness of the individuals who support our efforts financially. In reaching out for financial support, God consistently allows opportunities to share about the ministry in India. He is faithful. He is good. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever imagine.

Hi, I’m Kathy Reissig, this year will be my 8th year with 52.4 and 3rd year as a team leader. I am a run/walker!

When I initially heard about 52.4, I was going through one of the most difficult seasons in my life. I needed a distraction and a goal.  My heart also went out to the beautiful children in India this team supported. I challenged myself to do something bigger and harder than I had ever done in my life. 

Each year I have learned something new about God’s love, myself and others. He takes the weak and makes them strong.  He is faithful.

This year is our 15 year celebration and I can’t wait to see how God provides! 

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

I started run/walking these runs 8 years ago I have missed a couple of them due to our  son getting married and a broken ankle last year there is a  love/hate relationship with them. If you have ever been a run/walker  you know what I mean by that. It all started back in 2011 when my wife came home and suggested we do these for kids in India. Little did I know what that meant at the time. It has been a blessing beyond measure knowing why we do these runs. I was blessed to be able to go to India in 2023 with few other team leaders. To be able to see where our funds are allocated and who they are for was such an eye opening experience. The kids and the joy they  have is beyond overwhelming. I am sure I will be doing these runs for years to come because I can’t stop now. My wife and I have been team leaders for 3 years now. God Bless and see you out on the runs.

Hello, I am Braden and I joined the 52.4 team in 2018 as a non-runner just looking for a new challenge and oh did I find it.  My wife Angela, son Hunter, and daughter Hannah are very supportive of my continued commitment to running, raising money, and helping where I can in guiding new and existing team members through the long but rewarding season.  In my spare time I work as a Home Builder and IT Consultant (I know, quite the work combo there) and have recently taken to the sport Foosball. 

I’m always game for a quick 10-mile run followed by an intense match of Foosball.

I'm Josiah Peters, and I can't believe I have been involved with 52.4 since 2010! I am married to my awesome wife Kimberly and we have three beautiful daughters named Eliana, Amelie, and Maisie. 

The first year I ran 52.4, I had just been laid off from my job right before I saw the video promoting the races. Unsure of our financial situation and not knowing if we could give financially, I made the decision to give myself physically and sign up to run the races and raise money.

As a father with three beautiful girls of my own, just imagining them in the position of these children before they come to our Homes of Hope brings tears to my eyes and is heart breaking. These children need our love and support and I am grateful that God has allowed me to spend time with all these amazing runners while raising money for such a noble cause. I am truly blessed to be a part of this amazing family of runners and walkers.

Hello Fellow Runners!

I'm Dominique Tanner; this is my 8th year running with this incredible team of people. I picked up running only a few months prior to signing up my first year of 52.4 and to be honest I thought it sounded a little nuts. I went online and I watched the video and saw the hearts of the people running for these kids and it brought me to tears. Despite my fears, I signed up anyway and I can tell you it's been life-changing. The following year I was invited to join the leadership team and 3 years later I was blessed with the opportunity to go to India and see these special kids face to face. I can't say I always love running, I wasn't born a runner; but I can tell you that saying yes to things we think are hard and maybe even impossible - Is where God works the most.

I've got 3 kids and I'm a full time working mama, running all these miles wouldn't be possible without the support of my amazing husband Josh. My number one piece of advice is no music, take a minute (or an hour or two depending on the length of the run) and listen to the sound of the river, the trees in your neighborhood, kids playing in the park, the sound of your feet hitting the pavement and thank God for the life He has given you.

Hi, I'm Jessica Howie. Seven years ago, I was first presented with the challenge to run 52.4, and I had many excuses not to do it. God took each one away, one by one until I had none left, and I went ahead and signed up. I had no idea then, how God was going to use this in my life, but after that first year, I was hooked! He has taught me so much through it, has inspired others through me, and used me to help orphans half a world away. I have thoroughly enjoyed the amazing relationships I have made as a team leader over the last 7 years!

I am Katie Pew and 2023 marks my 15th season of running with Fiftytwo.4. I'm married to my best friend and the most supportive man, Brandon. I home-school our three beautiful children (Jaxon (19), Piper (17) and Tucker (15). My journey with Fiftytwo.4 started out mostly for selfish reasons, but before the end of my first season God had grabbed hold of my heart and impressed upon me His love for India and His children there. When I first began this journey, I never could have imagined how God would use this in my life. It has brought me into a closer relationship with Him and I've developed the most amazing friendships along the way. I continue to run because God continues to move in the hearts of His people and work through the Fiftytwo.4 ministry team. Every year is a beautiful and hard journey that changes the lives of all those who participate! If you are thinking of joining the Fiftytwo.4 team, my best piece of advice would be -- take a step of faith, push through the hard and see what God has on the other side of the finish line!

I’m Corinne Conley, I am not a runner, but I love helping in the background, serving India and helping support the amazing work.  I help keep all the donations and finances in order so that the runners have peace of mind to raise money for the sweet kids in India.  My husband and I own our own business and we have 2 kids. We enjoy football, basketball, gymnastics, especially when it is our kid's teams.  We are also huge BSU fans. And we are involved in 4-H. Love having the opportunity to serve others by using the skills God has given me.

I'm LaTara Gibson. I’m married and have 3 children and we own an online camping business. 2022 will be my 8th season running 52.4.  I started running in 2013 to lose weight and get into better shape. When I found out about 52.4 at my first half marathon, I felt moved to join to make a difference in the lives of these precious kids in India! What I didn’t know was just how much of an impact these kids would have on my life!! My focus which once was only on my own personal running goals now I think about the difference I can make in the lives of children halfway around the world in India. I’m not a fast runner by any means and usually finish each half marathon in two and a half to three hours, but it is more about completing them and sharing with my friends and family how they can make a difference in the world, too. Can't wait to meet you on the racecourse and maybe even enjoy a nice big burger or slice of pizza with you afterward!

I'm Mariah Eldfrick and 2021 will be my 7th season running 52.4. I married to my wonderful husband Jacob who has also run 52.4 before.

I’ve always been a runner but I started doing 52.4 because my sweet mother-in-law told me about it and really thought I should try it out. I keep running because I see the joy and testing it brings about in my life as well as the huge impact it brings to those precious kids in India. These past few years I’ve been running with some pretty bad knee pains so I’ve finished each half marathon anywhere from 2 hours and 15 min. to 3+ hours. My piece of advice for doing 52.4 is to just do it, even if you think you can’t. Try not to have any expectations of yourself or compare yourself to others racing because the main goal is to ultimately love those kids in India and glorify God in the process.

Hello, my name is Nadine Stewart and I have been walking these races since 2011 with a season off in 2016. I participate because it is a way for me to stay connected to India. I lived there for several years and love the people and the country. I was blessed to be able to go to India in January 2018 and the Lord used that trip to remind me again how precious those kids are in His sight and how much our efforts help provide a life full of God's love. I walk these races and am super slow but it's finishing and raising funds for the kids that count! Training with a group of like-minded people is the key for me to complete the races. Hope to see you out on the greenbelt.

Hi, I'm Jenny Lawrence I help with coaching and training the 52.4 runners. I've been involved with 52.4 since 2011. I've been a runner the majority of my life from high school through college and currently, I'm training as a Master's runner. I've also coached high school track and cross-country.  I've loved coaching and coming alongside the 52.4 runners and walkers. I enjoy meeting so many beautiful people each new season. I have two young children, Sam and Ginger who keep me young! I am looking forward to another year of growth and deeper relationships. Thankful to be a part of a wonderful group of people running to change lives.

I’m Melinda Eldfrick, I have been a part of this team since the beginning. I am married and have five kids (Jacob, married to Mariah, Jonah married to Abby, Josiah, Jack, and Abigail) I started running as a form of exercise and it has turned into a spiritual adventure. Not only has God given me a heart for kids in India, but He has also given me godly women to run with and be encouraged by. Through my 15 year journey on this team, God has taught me, corrected me, equipped me and has shown me the depth of His amazing love.  Every year is new and different. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to see first-hand the impact this ministry has made in the lives of so many kids in India. My favorite verse is 2 Peter 1:3; Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through knowing Him, we can accomplish great things!

I’m Mike Slaughter, this will be my 15th year participating in 52.4.  I was part the 52.4 group the first year and have been every year since. I initially joined the group for the personal challenge and to use running, something that I love to help kids in India.  I have continued to run each year because of the needs in India and because I love being part of the great group of people. I was able to travel to India in 2018 with 52.4 and visit many of the homes and spend time with the beautiful children.  This has given me a renewed excitement to be part of the team. I am looking forward to this year and what God is going to do through this group.

Hey. I'm Ylonda and have been involved with 52.4 for 10 years now. I'm a wife (18 years) & a mom of 3 kids; Maris, Hudson, and Brooks. They keep me busy and with little time for hobbies. I started running because I wanted to do a half marathon and figured it would be a great cause to support. Over the years of doing this, I started to fall in love with the faces of these kids. I have been on the sidelines for several years but still working closely with the coordination of one of the half marathons and fundraising opportunities. I am not the gazelle runner I would love to be but I finish and that's what counts! I was able to visit the kids in India January 2018 and what a game changer it was. To see these kids face to face, those same faces I fell in love with, just melted my heart and gave me a new fire within to help support and love these kids halfway around the world.

What we do here makes a difference. Thanks for supporting, running, walking, and loving.