On January 20, ultra marathoner Mike DeNoma, a member of the Center's Running Team and a recent competitor in the Fubon Marathon, is taking to the trails of Brazil’s Mantiqueira Mountains where he will compete in a grueling two-day, 135-mile race.

While the experience alone might be enough for some, Mike is not just running for the thrill---he is raising funds for the Taiwanese charity Light Up a Life, an organization that helps underprivileged and orphaned children in Taiwan. You can help Mike reach his fundraising goal by sponsoring his run at http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/mikedenoma/. As Mike explains, “I'll do all the running work; training for and completing this event, but I really need your help to make a difference to these children.”

Of course, the “running work” is certainly no small feat. In total, runners will ascend a remarkable 33,000 ft and descend 29,000 ft---a course equivalent to a full ascent and descent of Mount Everest. In addition, runners must complete the course in a maximum of 48 hours.

To read more about Mike’s journey, please view the full press release here or, starting January 20, follow his progress live.

Best of luck to Mike from everyone at the Center!