Brendan LaFrenier’s ambitious journey across Michigan not only tested his physical limits but also aimed to highlight a significant social issue. Over spring break, LaFrenier completed a grueling 200-mile run and walk over four days to support and raise awareness for the homeless population.
Despite careful preparation and a helpful team, the 21-year-old University of Michigan student faced unexpected challenges during the trek. The weather in early March was surprisingly cooperative, yet LaFrenier was not immune to injury. Reflecting on the ordeal, he stated, “I can only be on my feet for five, 10 minutes at a time, so it is pretty rough. I’ll give it another week, and if it doesn’t subside, I may have to get some X-rays on my feet.”
LaFrenier’s passion for the cause stems from his early experiences growing up in Grand Rapids. He shared, “Every time I saw someone who was battling homelessness on the street, even if they were a panhandler, growing up… I would get emotional and start crying.” These encounters inspired him to volunteer at homeless shelters as a teenager and later complete a 100-mile run in 2024 to support Healing Transitions in North Carolina, raising $3,000 at the time.
Aiming to make a larger impact, LaFrenier organized the 200-mile run with a fundraising target of $100,000. Alongside his friend Nick DelFranco, they co-founded Endurance for Change in August. Their efforts involved collaboration with 10 shelters and the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness.
DelFranco, a film and media major, is documenting the journey, supported by faculty members like David Marek and Padrick Ritch. DelFranco noted the uniqueness of their project, hoping it “pushes the boundaries” by intertwining the sport with a pressing social issue.
Before the run began on March 2, LaFrenier and DelFranco visited each shelter, engaging with staff and residents, and explaining their mission. LaFrenier hoped to create a community connection through this endeavor. “There have been a lot of people who have run an absurd amount of miles for amazing causes… but how can we make more of a community feeling to it…” he said.
Volunteering at shelters along the route, the team experienced significant moments, including running a “symbolic mile” with residents from a youth shelter. LaFrenier was moved by the stories and talents of the people he met, such as a multilingual pianist who expressed gratitude for the efforts.
The journey, initially planned for three days, spanned over four days and 213.6 miles due to navigation blunders. Despite this, LaFrenier expressed no regrets about the extended timeline. The initiative has raised over $33,000 to date, with the campaign still active until the end of March. LaFrenier’s ultimate goal is to break down stereotypes associated with homelessness, emphasizing that “a lot of people don’t realize how close you or I are to experiencing homelessness.”
Reflecting on the collective support required for such an endeavor, LaFrenier acknowledged his team’s essential role. “With these ultra-marathons, something is bound to hit the fan… You need problem solvers. I had a crew, film team.” His experience underscores the importance of community, paralleling the need for communal support in addressing homelessness.
