Welcome to Vince and Rimrock Trail's Run For Kiefer Page!

My name is Vince Thomas, and I have partnered with Rimrock Trails to raise awareness on mental health experiences and suicide prevention through the Eugene Marathon's Run for a Reason program.

These past two years have been very challenging for all of us, especially when it comes to our mental health. No one felt this more than my best friend Kiefer, who tragically took his own life on October 3rd, 2021. It was such a shock to all those who loved him.

Kiefer was an amazing friend, brother, son, and overall human being. He and I met through our fraternity at the University of Oregon. He came off as shy and soft-spoken, but as you got to know him, you realized how kindhearted and full of life he was. Kiefer was a goofball in every sense of the word, and we would get into all sorts of shenanigans over the years.

Kiefer struggled with his mental health, but it became more evident after graduation. The pandemic only exacerbated the situation until he couldn’t take it anymore. You would never think that behind Kiefer’s big goofy smile, he was struggling so much, but as we all know, it is extremely difficult to show vulnerability even to the ones that are closest to you.

This is why I have partnered with Rimrock Trails. The mental health professionals at Rimrock Trails understand how fragile we can become when things aren’t going our way, and they provide education and resources to help those in need get through difficult times.

We all struggle with mental health. However, not all of us understand that it's okay to not be okay and that it's perfectly normal to seek help, whether it be professional or just talking with a friend.

I am running in Kiefer’s honor, and I hope that through our efforts, we can help those who are lost find their way.

The 2022 Eugene Marathon is from April 29 to May 1. I hope you will join our Team and help support the Rimrock Trails Run For Kiefer Campaign! Join our team, set a fundraising goal, and spread the word to your friends and family!

The minimum qualifying fundraising goal is $250 for the Marathon and Half Marathon and $150 for the Eugene 5k. Once you commit to fundraising, you will receive a registration code to cover all registration fees, along with tips and tricks to make fundraising easier! Fundraising closes the Saturday after the race.

To get started hit the "Join The Campaign" button below.

Will you join us?