100 Miles for Hope: Keegan Martin’s Story in Motion
A run dedicated to suicide prevention awareness and recovery.
Sayless Projects exists to inspire action and possibility through the power of shared stories. Through storytelling and purposeful action, we promote mental health awareness and support efforts to prevent suicide.
On March 21, 2026, Keegan Martin will toe the line at the Grasslands 100 at LBJ Grasslands State Park. This is not just a race. It’s a statement: struggle has no zip code, and recovery is always worth continuing.
We asked Keegan a few simple questions to understand what’s behind this run. His answers are honest, direct, and rooted in one thing: turning pain into purpose so other people feel less alone.
Q: In one sentence, what does this run stand for?
A: I’m running to break the stigma around mental health and addiction, and to prove struggle has no zip code.
Q: Where are you from and where did you graduate?
A: I’m from Dallas and I graduated from Highland Park High School in 2016.
Q: What made this personal for you?
A: In recent years, my community has lost multiple young people to suicide. It changed the way I see “fine.” Pain can hide anywhere.
Q: What do you want your hometown to hear?
A: Suffering exists in “nice” neighborhoods too. Checking in, listening, and taking people seriously can save lives.
Q: When did running become part of your life?
A: I started running in 2023 as a way to cope and regain control of my life.
Q: Why ultras? Why 100 miles?
A: Ultras mirror recovery. You show up when it hurts and you don’t quit when it gets hard.
Q: What do you want people to understand about addiction and recovery?
A: Addiction doesn’t care how you grew up. You can look put together and still be fighting for your life. Recovery isn’t a straight line, but it is always worth continuing.
Q: What helped you get to a better place?
A: God. People who didn’t give up on me. Community and accountability. And learning to ask for help instead of hiding.
Q: Why the Grasslands 100, specifically?
A: Grasslands was my first trail race, and later it became the place of my first 100-mile finish. Coming back here means something to me.
Q: Why a sub-20-hour goal? What does that represent?
A: Commitment and discipline. Choosing growth over escape, and purpose over numbness.
Q: What are a few moments that shaped you?
A: Rock bottom. Getting married. Giving my life to Christ.
Q: What do you hope someone who’s struggling feels when they hear your story?
A: Seen. Understood. Less alone. And hopeful that change is possible, even if it feels far away.
Keegan’s story is a reminder that pain can be hidden, and hope can be rebuilt. This run is his way of doing something about it.
Support Keegan’s fundraiser and help fuel the work of Sayless Projects: launching our annual relay, hosting community mental health events, building the Sayless Projects Podcast, and creating storytelling content that helps people keep going.
Say Less. Do More.