Welcome to the 6.5 x 6.5 x 65 Challenge

Running 6.5 miles every 6.5 hours for 65 hours,
to raise $65,827 million dollars for Cystic Fibrosis.

Date: August 25th - 27th, 2023
Location: Worldwide

You're invited to join me on August 25th to run 6.5 miles every 6.5 hours for 65 hours, and help make CF stand for Cure Found. 

Mu goal with this challenging event is to raise $65,827, to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation forward their mission to find a cure for all people. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has fueled dramatic improvements in cystic fibrosis research and care. Because of the Foundation, people with CF - like my niece - are living longer and healthier lives.  And the outlook for people with CF continues to improve year after year.
with cystic fibrosis. 

Why $65,827? "65" thousand, for "65 roses", and "827" for August 27th (8/27), which was my niece Gabby's birthday.

Challenge Overview

This 6.5 x 6.5 x 65 challenge is an easily accessible event for those who want to venture into an ultra-marathon running challenge. It is a total of 65 miles, which is well into ultra-marathon territory. But the difference with the 6.5 x 6.5 x 65 challenge is that you get a break after each six and a half mile leg.

Can anyone participate in the 6.5 x 6.5 x 65 Challenge?

One of the great things about this challenge is it's accessibility. There are no prizes for being the quickest. You can run or walk – or as is most likely, do a combination of the two. But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is easy. It’s not. You will find it tough both mentally and physically and you need to be prepared for that. But that’s why it is a challenge!

How do I prepare for the 6.5 x 6.5 x 65 Challenge?

To start with, map out at least two six and a half mile, circular routes from your front door. Although there is nothing to stop you from doing the same route each time, it will become monotonous – particularly towards the end of the challenge.

Try to avoid steep climbs on your route, although some changes in elevation help work different muscles, there is no point exhausting yourself by going up and down the biggest hill in your area.

Your training for the should consist of a combination of running and strength training. The running should be at a steady pace with the focus being on time on your feet, rather than distance. Strength training for your legs can be achieved through a combination of squats and deadlifts. Free weights are better than weight machines for the deadlifts – but you’ll have to work with what you have access to. You don’t need to do any more than a couple of strength sessions each week during the build-up. 

Train your body to run on tired legs – the more used you get to going for a run when your body tells you it wants to stop, the better prepared you will be for this challenge. Going for a run the day after a tough strength session or a long training run is perfect preparation. 

You should also consider having a support crew or someone to run with, particularly during the night. You are pushing the limits of your body and you never know when you might need assistance. Safety is paramount.

What time should I start 6.5 x. 6.5 x 65 Challenge?

I will start at 4 AM on Friday August 25th, but when you start is up to you – what time of day would you prefer to be finishing? Starting at dawn would allow you to get some sleep in before, but you will be running through the night in the latter stages.

You could start in the evening – that way you would be finishing the final miles during the day rather than during the night, when you’d expect to be most tired. Do what you think is best for you.

What else can I do if I can't or don't want to run?

You have all sorts of options to participate in the challenge and support this initiative. 

• Ride 65 miles on your bike 
• Do 65 push-ups
• Do 65 pull-ups
• Do 65 sit-ups
• Do 65 minutes of Yoga

Thank you in advance for your support and participation to this event, you are helping to make a difference for people living with CF.