We’re shining a light on a few of our Ele Earth Walk participants each month until the race kicks off on September 20, 2024. This virtual event helps bring awareness to the plight of elephants and helps raise funds for rescued eles at Wildlife SOS. Joining thousands of other supporters across the globe, George and Susie are starting to train for their Half Marathon distance for the Ele Earth Walk. They both live in Utah and have been avid runners for over 30 years. We caught up with them on one of their walks to ask them a few questions.
What do you love most about running virtual races?
George: I enjoy virtual running because unlike a destination race, you don’t have to travel to a specific location and you can support a race or cause that may not be local. In addition, you can run your favorite course, pick a time that’s convenient, and even adjust for more favorable weather conditions.
Susie: Virtual races are a great way to show your support for a cause while participating in a healthy lifestyle activity that doesn’t require your presence at a particular time or place. It can be at your own convenience during a time that’s best for you (not all people like to get up at the crack of dawn to run a live race) and can be done in your own neighborhood or favorite running/walking spot.
What motivated you to sign up for the Ele Earth Walk?
G: I love to run, so being able to support a great cause like Wildlife SOS while doing something I’d do anyway, is bonus.
S: Having donated and been impressed with Wildlife SOS for several years, I received an email about the Ele Run last year and the idea of enjoying outdoor exercise while supporting something worthwhile (in addition to my own health) sounded like a fun and unique challenge for me. The medals were darling and I can’t wait to get the 2024 medal!
What do you love most about the work of Wildlife SOS?
G: I love Wildlife SOS’s work in public education (worldwide), which in turn allows them to rehab & protect elephants and their habitat.
S: All the work Wildlife SOS does is impressive, but what I like most is seeing the results of the care that is taken of all the animals that are rescued and knowing in a small way, I helped with that. The organization is so consistent with keeping donors updated and relaying compassionate stories about the rescues.
What’s the most important factor to you when choosing a race?
G: I usually run races close to home but in this case it was for a great cause and virtual ……… an awesome Ele finisher medal didn’t hurt either.
S: In my younger days, most of the races I chose were goal races and distances for my running aspirations. Now I’m not so concerned with that and I like to choose races that have some other charitable purposes. The Ele Run is an excellent example. A race that can be your personal challenge with regard to distance, pace, time and place. And of course, what a great cause!
Do you have a favorite animal at Wildlife SOS?
G: Love me some ELEPHANTS!! They’re so social and big and vulnerable. Like many animals on our planet, they need our help!!
S: My favorite animals at Wildlife SOS are, of course, the elephants. They have always captivated me, not just with their immense size, but their unusual and individual personalities and they each seem to have wise, majestic souls.
Do you have a favorite place to run?
G: My favorite place to run is on trail, especially mountains or desert. You can run the same trail every day and yet, everyday day is a new and different experience!
S: My favorite place to run is wherever the weather is nice and the area is safe. I like both trail and street running/walking/hiking. I love the desert and I love the mountains. And I love running around the neighborhood! All for different reasons. And I would hate to have to choose : )
Thank you Susie and George! Good luck with your half marathon at the Ele Earth Walk. If you’d like to join them and so many others on the virtual run/walk just go to wildlifesos.org/elewalk
We’ll see you at the finish line!
