UA Teammate Runs Ultra Marathon to Raise Money to Support Every Kid Sports
09.16.2021

UA Teammate Runs Ultra Marathon to Raise Money to Support Every Kid Sports

Troy Grimes set to run 58 miles for his 58th birthday at the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon in Bowling Green, KY

Troy Grimes, an Under Armour retail teammate from the Charlotte, NC Factory House is set to run 58 miles to celebrate his 58th birthday in the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon in Bowling Green, KY on September 25. His goal is to raise $5,800 for Under Armour community partner, Every Kid Sports.  

 

Grimes has been an avid runner for the past 19 years. He initially began running to lose weight and often celebrates key milestones in his life with runs, including running 70 miles to celebrate his 70-pound weight loss several years ago. He is also a baseball fan, former player and umpire in his spare time. To combine his two passions – running and baseball – Troy decided to run the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon which takes place on the Hot Rod Minor League baseball field. Troy will be running 177 laps to complete his 58 miles.  

 

While working at the Under Armour Factory House in Charlotte, Troy learned about Under Armour’s partnership with Every Kid Sports, a 501.c.3 non-profit that aims to help kids from income-restricted families experience the positive benefits of playing sports by helping the family cover a portion of their registration fees. Through their signature program, the Every Kid Sports Pass, the organization covers up to $150 of recreational youth sports registration fees up to four times a year, per child aged 4-18. The funding is available to families who qualify for SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid. 

 

Customers at Under Armour retail locations in the United States are able to donate to Every Kid Sports at checkout, which has been available since July 2021. To date, Under Armour customers have raised more than $200,000 for Every Kid Sports through donations at checkout.  

 

“I am so excited that I am able to combine my love of baseball and running with the Hot Rod Ultra Marathon,” said Troy Grimes, Under Armour Teammate. “As a father and fan of sports, I have first-hand experience seeing the positive impact that youth sports can have on young kids, which is why I am honored to be raising money for Every Kids Sports.” 

 

I’m incredibly honored and proud to have Troy Grimes on our team. He truly embodies what it means to be a Focused Performer and lives our purpose and values every day both inside and outside of work.”

Stephanie Pugliese, President of the Americas

“We are honored that Troy has decided to raise money for us and help us get even more kids in the game this year. Our partnership with Under Armour has been so meaningful and to have one of their employees step up and do even more in support of our mission is very inspiring. We need all the help we can get to help more kids get access to sport, one of the best youth development tools out there. We truly appreciate Troy’s efforts and all of his supporters – together they are making a real difference," states Every Kid Sports Co-Founder and Executive Director, Natalie Hummel. 

 

You can donate to Troy’s fundraising efforts with Every Kid Sports here or by texting marathonump to 71777.