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Running Across Iowa for a Cause

Anthony Kinley is running 333 miles across Iowa for awareness of DIPG , and to fund the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground

March 5, 2022

1
Miles
About THE CAUSE

Austin was an inspiration to many people, including myself. In 2015, at age 6, he was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), an inoperable brain tumor with less than 1% chance of long term survival. DIPG tumors are highly aggressive and difficult to treat. These tumors arise in the pons, a region of the brainstem involved in all critical body functions. After a courageous 16 month battle, May 20th 2016, Austin gained his angel wings and was free of the monster DIPG.
I was fortunate enough to be able to play with him a few times during his hard fought battle with cancer. He was going through more than I could ever imagine. He needed help with many simple things that any other child would not think about, like using his own playground set in his backyard. One day while playing with him on the playground, all I noticed was how he was still a kid at heart and wanted nothing more than to be able to go down the slide again and again and again. The pure joy he got from the simplest acts of life has stuck with me since that time playing with him. Austin truly was a superhero.
Austin’s parents promised Austin that they would do their part in finding an end to this horrible disease. I feel that this is a way of doing my part.

My Mission

Besides attempting a challenging feat, my goal is to help fundraise for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground, in my hometown of Monticello, Iowa. The ability to play is something all children should have the right to enjoy. I have been truly blessed in my life and I want to give back to those who are not able to experience the opportunities that I had. The Austin Smith Inclusive Playground has the opportunity to make every child feel as free as I do when I run.

Donate

Help me raise $10,000 for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground
Raised so far... 96%
Track Anthony's Run

Location & Schedule

START:
Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park (4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, IA 51501)

Leg 2: Atlantic to Earlham

50 miles

Leg 3: Earlham to Ames

60 miles

Leg 4: Ames to Marshalltown

50 miles

Leg 5: Marshalltown to Cedar Rapids

60 miles

Leg 6: Cedar Rapids to Monticello

40 miles

Leg 7: Monticello to Dubuque

40 miles

FINISH:
River’s Edge Plaza (400 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001)

Training

ABOUT ANTHONY KINLEY

Running, Beyond

My name is Anthony Kinley. I currently work as a Facility Manager for a software development company in Ames, IA. I also am an Assistant Cross Country and Distance Track coach for a local high school. In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and two dogs, enjoy reading and podcasts, and am always open to new opportunities or adventures. 

I started running when I was 13 years old in middle school track and cross country. I always wanted to be a football player but fortunately, I was a little too small however running – that was something I excelled at and loved doing from the start.

I ran on a championship team in high school and continued with a running club at university. Although I found a great group to be involved with, running was not the same as it used to be. I somehow found myself dreading runs, races and everything that I thought came with running.

I still pushed myself to do it every day.

This ultimately led me into a tough state of mind. I came to the realization that my ego was way more powerful than I imagined and I was doing so many things that did not truly matter to me or did not come from me trying to be authentic.

I began to realize that it does not matter how far I run or how fast or with who, it was simply an accomplishment to be able to just run. Since then, I have been evolving into the man and runner that I am now.

Over the years, I have completed multiple marathons (including the Boston Marathon), half marathons and smaller road races and this past April I tested myself by running across the Grand Canyon and back (R2R2R).

I may not always have running as a part of my life but I do know that taking the time to work on myself has helped me become a much better person for those I have the chance to be around.

anthony haley run

I now enjoy a plant-based lifestyle, which makes me feel my best and completes a holistic approach to my health, for my mind and body.

The ability to run, stay healthy and have the time to commit to running is a blessing and I want to use that blessing for more than myself. This is why I am going to help fundraise for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground. 

Special Thanks to all sponsors

Sponsor a Leg of this run! Download the info package here.

In The News

Austin Smith Inclusive Playground

Located in Monticello, Iowa

Get in Touch

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, media requests or to get in touch regarding this mission, please fill out the contact form.

View the November 2021 press release here.
View the March 2022 press release here.

View sponsorship options “Sponsor a Leg” here.

Print your own brochure to support the run.