Thanks for supporting a successful Ultra for Peace!

In June, I completed a 50-mile ultramarathon—my “Ultra for Peace”—as an embodied prayer for Gaza and a fundraiser through the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME). Delayed by injury and illness, the run became all the more symbolic: a north-south, out-and-back course that mirrored the forced displacement endured by Palestinians. I carried a small olive wood heart carved in memory of one of the 10,000 children killed in Gaza, praying with each step for justice, dignity, and peace. Supporters helped raise over $15,000 for NEME’s mission and sent songs and prayer requests that shaped my training and race-day rhythm—transforming the miles into a liturgy of resistance and mercy. My heart is full of gratitude - a deep "thank you" to all who supported this Ultra for Peace.

One of the friends who joined me for a segment of the Ultra was Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). Mae ran with me for two hours—not just as a good friend and strong runner, but as someone on her own endurance journey: training for a full Ironman triathlon as part of her “Iron(Wo)Man” campaign to raise funds for CMEP’s work toward justice, peace, and freedom in the Middle East. Her effort is as personal and spiritual as mine—each stroke, pedal, and stride a testament to her belief that a different future is possible: one where Gazan children are safe, and where freedom and peace can flourish. I’m deeply proud of her and urge everyone who followed my Ultra for Peace to now follow Mae’s journey.

Up early enough to see the sunrise

The map used to trace a virtual route in Gaza

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon joined Ben for a 2-hour segment

Ben's "kit" for 50 miles

Mile 35