To everyone who has donated so far, we cannot express our gratitude for everything you have done to support us and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
We, Midn 3/C Blaine Tonking and Midn 2/C Luke Finney, would like to thank everybody for their support during the Arrowhead 135. It was your encouragement that kept us running mile after mile, through the -35 degree temperatures and the dark of the long nights. The race was bittersweet for us; extreme cold, exhaustion, and mental fatigue took its toll on both of us throughout the race. It was indeed a true test of mental fortitude and physical stamina. A race of this magnitude relies on factors outside of our control in order to finish successfully. The race coordinator and the record holder both dropped around the 70 mile mark due to various problems. Unfortunately, Blaine was hit with several simultaneous problems and became severely hypothermic around mile 115, after 44 hours on the trail. Luke continued to finish the race and completed the 135 miles in 53 hours and 27 minutes, the 4
th finisher on foot. His finish is a tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed for this great country and to you, the people who have supported us and our cause. If you would like a more detailed description of the race, it is available at
www.arrowheadultra.com, or check out our race reports at
http://www.specialops.org/news/22513/SOWF-Goes-on-Winter-Ultramarathon.htm through the Foundation's website.
The Arrowhead 135 is held on the Arrowhead Trail bordering northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, where temperatures can average -20 to -40F. This event serves as a true test of character and moral, mental, and physical fortitude.
Our reason and ultimate goal for running this race is to collectively raise $10,000 in honor of fallen warriors through the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The SOWF provides free scholarship grants, financial aid, and educational counseling to the children of Special Operations personnel of all services who have been killed in an operational mission or training. Additionally, the SOWF assists wounded warriors through their in house program by sending them $2,000 checks via overnight mail to help their families get to their bedsides. Offering assistance to the families through donations will help support the children and families of these true American heroes.
We have currently surpassed our wildest expectations with this fundraising and hope that you will help us to continue this trend. Every contribution goes to help people who have gone through challenges that make the Arrowhead 135 pale in comparison. Thank you so much for your support in this endeavor.
Highest Regards,
Luke Finney and Blaine Tonking