Army Veteran James Creedon runs to support transitioning Veterans

James Creedon, Army Veteran, is one of only fifty Americans selected to run in the Grand-to-Grand Ultra, a 170-mile, 6-day self-supported stage race on foot through the Grand Canyon from September 24 – 30, 2017.  James, an Army officer and graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, is running to call attention to the needs of transitioning veterans and to raise funds for the charitable organization GallantFew (www.gallantfew.org).

Creedon started training in September 2016 directly after completing his first 50-kilometer trail race.   James plans to endure more than 500 hours of training to properly prepare for the unexpected challenges of the Grand-to-Grand Ultra.  “This is my first time attempting a self-supported stage race” says Creedon.  “The entire journey of this Grand-to-Grand challenge will speak to many aspects a soldier faces while transitioning from the military to include emotional, spiritual, and physical fitness. I hope to bring light to the struggles Veterans face and let them know there are avenues for help if needed.”

Only 50 Americans Selected for 170-Mile Race Through Grand Canyon

James Creedon’s training journey takes him through many hours of street and trail running, a mountain 50K in April, a 50-mile race in June and a self-hosted trail marathon series near his home in McKinney, Texas. Creedon’s updates and fundraiser information is held at www.fightharder.org.

Karl Monger, Executive Director of GallantFew says, “For real, lasting change in the challenges facing veterans, local communities have to take responsibility for reintegrating veterans to the community.  The more our communities understand about the five points of Veteran fitness the better they will be able to assist Veteran’s as they transition home. Volunteers like James are critical to educating and motivating people in their communities.”

It is 37 percent more likely for Global War on Terror Veterans to be unemployed than a person who never served and 22 Veterans take their lives every day. By providing peer support and access to health services GallantFew is doing its part to assist our veterans/address the unmet needs and lower these statistics facing our Veterans.

To support James on his journey you can go to, https://www.fightharder.org or contact GallantFew’s Candyss Bryant at cbryant@gallantfew.org .