Dallas, Texas – The Texas Distance Challenge, a virtual initiative encouraging participants to run, walk or bike a distance equal to the breadth or circumference of Texas, while supporting and highlighting the state’s open spaces, has reached a donation milestone of $10,000 to its beneficiary, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, doubling its forecasted $5,000 donation, just two months into the event.

The event continues to see daily increases in donations, and the organizers are working to continue that growth through the challenge’s conclusion on April 30, 2021. 

The Texas Distance Challenge’s donation will support the TPWF’s State Park Ambassador program. “In 2019, TPWF Ambassadors logged over 3,100 volunteer hours,” said Emily House, Marketing and Membership Director of TPWF. “This roughly equates to $80,768 worth of man hours, saving the organization 1-2 fulltime paid positions.” 

“The Foundation was created 25 years ago and has invested more than $205 million to advance the conservation of Texas’ outdoor spaces. With their four pillars of Stewardship, Conservation, Leadership, and Engagement, there couldn’t be a better beneficiary for the Texas Distance Challenge,” said Hayden Sage, Content Manager of the challenge. “When we heard that the Ambassador Program’s operating budget for the year was less than $5,000, we knew we wanted to do everything we could to support the outdoor spaces we all enjoy as Texans.” 

The funds donated will also go towards supporting TPWF programs like We Will Not Be Tamed, a group of Texas outdoorsmen and women that encourage preservation and conservation by telling stories about the outdoor spaces that have inspired them throughout their lives. 

For more information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, visit tpwf.org or get in touch at info@tpwf.org. 

The Texas Distance Challenge is a Dallas and Austin-based virtual challenge created to promote long-term health and fitness lifestyles while highlighting and supporting Texas-based businesses, creators and open spaces. The event runs from July 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 and encourages runners from all over the world to run, walk or ride across or around the great State of Texas through virtual mile logging. Those interested in participating in the Texas Distance Challenge and bolstering its ongoing donation efforts can register at www.texasdistancechallenge.com.