Tony Clark’s BADWATER 135 ULTRAMARATHON Run July 11-13, 2011

Tony Clark, who was among the first of the U.S. Armed Forces sent into Afghanistan after 9/11, says he remembers how he was overwhelmed and energized by the warm support, letters and packages the armed forces received when he was deployed. Tony says he found a way to give back through running.

Tony is a veteran infantry Marine who served in Afghanistan with 1st Battalion 1st Marines. Since leaving the Marine Corps he has become a veteran ultra-marathon athlete. On the weekend of September 11, 2010 he ran 224 miles non-stop across Kansas, from the Kansas/Nebraska border to the Kansas/Oklahoma border, to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Ultimately, Tony's 224-Mile Trot raised $32,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

This year Tony is dedicating his efforts to raising at least $20,000 for Operation Freedom Memorial by competing in the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon Run. Recognized globally as "the world's toughest foot race," this legendary event pits approximately 90 of the world's toughest athletes - runners, tri-athletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers - against one another and the elements. Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55c), it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet. The 34th anniversary edition will be held July 11-13, 2011.

Upon learning about Tony being selected as one of the few from thousands of applicants to run in the Badwater 135, your first thought might be “He must be insane.” But you would be wrong, he’s a Marine and Tony is an intelligent, slim, athletic young man with a strong sense of duty, honor, country and realizes how important it is to not only support our veterans but also our veterans’ families by helping to build the Operation Freedom Memorial.

Tony & Angel Clark

Tony & Angel Clark - Tony's Trot Wichita