During the month of May, the average temperature in Bali averages around 82℉ and the terrain is rocky with many hills and mountains. The island spans over 50 miles from top to bottom. Now, imagine running a marathon in those conditions.

This is what alumna Meg Hogan, class of 2017, will be doing starting May 27. She will be running an ultramarathon, which is two back to back marathons, during the night in Bali to raise money for the Bali Children’s Foundation. The marathon takes place at night in order to help participants stay out of the heat, but it is still a long  grueling process.

Tom Hickman, creator of the event, has joined together with previous participants, who are also endurance coaches, of the run to create a 16 week program in order to make sure participants are in the best shape to run in the Bali conditions. 

Close to 30 runners will be participating in this marathon to help build schools in Bali villages.

“I’ve done a few other runs, but this one gives running a little bit of meaning.” said Hogan.

The organization Hogan is running for is the Bali Children’s Foundation. They have helped over 76 communities by building 54 schools to help children in the Bali area receive better education in the 3 years since being founded.

“The Bali Children’s Foundation basically goes into villages and builds schools and school systems. It helps make the village more sustainable,” Hogan said.

These schools offer children English classes, environmental studies and computer literacy courses, as well as training for future teachers. Runners will get the opportunity to meet the students they are helping during the event. The foundation is currently working on a project in the village of Songan.

“It is a pretty sweet way to help children, it is really cool,” Hogan said.

Hogan’s individual goal is to raise $7,500 with the collective team aiming to raise $200,000 which would put at least 200 children in the village of Songan through six years of school.

Shelby Reeves is an alumni and health reporter. Contact her at [email protected].