Melissa’s running journey started when she was just seven years old. “I started running with my dad,” she says, “and got into ultra running in 2022.” She decided to start her journey to create new goals for herself. Since then, she’s dominated challenges such as the San Diego 50, the OC Marathon, and the Orange Curtain 24-hour, even winning by completing 80 miles!

Her path crossed with ours when she entered the Run4Kids 100 Mile Race earlier this year, an event in which she won! “Not only did I win, but I had a lot of fun running with the kids and feel blessed to support the 100 Mile Club!” She writes,  “Inspiring young kids is a huge passion of mine as I started running at a young age and also am a mom to two boys.” Her strong family ties to running showed at the event, as her Dad was her crew captain, sharing the journey together. She describes that his support, along with her family and friends in attendance, allowed her to compete like she did.

Melissa and her family’s story reaches beyond the course and into volunteerism! In July, her sons, Cameron and Luke, set up a lemonade stand, where 50% of the profits went to sponsoring kids throughout the country who want to run 100 Mile Club. Promoted on her Facebook, she wrote, “ Some of you might recall that I raised funds and supported this organization when I ran my first 100-mile race this past March!  It’s an amazing organization that goes far beyond running!  Thank you for your support!”

What I love most about Melissa’s story is how perfectly she represents the best of 100 Mile Club through her mindset, determination, and values. She takes these races as a way to grow and push herself past her limits as she creates her end goal and does what it takes to see them through. “The race solidified that doing hard things is worth it to get to the finish line, no matter how hard it is in the moment,” she says.” That pain and discomfort is temporary, but the joy and confidence from finishing is forever!”