The temperature continues to increase in Arizona, as do the opportunities
to get out and run.

For Sedona dad Nathan Hansen, running is about expressing his loyalty and dedication to the staff and families of Running River School.

After his first fundraiser run in 2017, Hansen has made it a yearly tradition to run for the school.

“A couple of years ago my wife asked if I was interested in running a marathon for the school,” Hansen said. “Running a marathon was on my bucket list so she got me to partake in the Sedona marathon.”

With only three weeks to train, Hansen had a goal to achieve.

In 2017, Hansen raised $4,000 in the half-marathon of the Sedona Marathon Event.

“After the conclusion of that marathon, the school asked if I could take on something bigger the following year,” Hansen said.
Last year, Hansen’s proceeds increased as he was able to raise $5,500 for the Running River School.

This year, Hansen will run an 800-mile trail starting at the Arizona-Mexico border and concluding at the Arizona-Utah border.

“I am an ultra-runner who will be tackling the Arizona National Scenic Trail this spring to raise money for a cause close to my heart,” Hansen said. “Running the Arizona Trail is to runners what conquering Mount Everest is to climbers.”

The Arizona Trail was created by Flagstaff teacher Dale Shewalter in 1985 and completed in 2011.

“If you are going to do something big in Arizona, you might as well do the Arizona Trail,” Hansen said.

Starting Monday, April 1, Hansen will run northbound from the U.S.-Mexican border and attempt to complete the trail by May.

“The run will take around four weeks to complete and I will be covering 26.2 to 50 or more miles per day,” Hansen said. “I am not a professional athlete but a veteran, dad, teacher and co-founder of Running River School, the beneficiary
of my fundraising efforts.”

“I know that I am going to do be running all day so I figure I will run one marathon
a day for four weeks,” Hansen. “You know you will feel like crap but you are optimistic because I am going to witness things others have not seen.”

For Hansen, the ability to explore all of Arizona’s offerings is a luxury that comes with running the trail.

“I think a lot of people in our culture do not have the opportunity to go out and explore while alone,” Hansen said. “Plus, I think you put aside any pain you have because it will benefit my children and the school.”

Hansen altered his diet during the training period in anticipation for the marathon.

“I try to stay keto and avoid carbs while training so I can add weight and fuel for the try,” Hansen said. “That way, I have something to burn because last year I made the mistake of losing 15 pounds while training.”

While on the trail, Hansen said he hopes to meet up with his daughter for her birthday.

“Her birthday is April 8 so I would like to make it up to her on the trail when I am near Flagstaff,” Hansen said. “Depending on if I am running through that area on a weekend, I would love to meet up with my family.”

Hansen is being promoted on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and a website blog. “I feel like you are the soul(s) to help me, be it as a friend or confidante or someone who simply wants to bet on me,” Hansen said.

“It is my passion for education and my children that propels me to tackle such a daunting goal,” Hansen said. “Most will never attempt it but those who do serve as inspirationand motivation for others.”

Those interested in donating can visit the Running For Running River website.