Kevin Cekanor, the 4ft5 Runner Runs Alaska, to benefit the Dwarf Athletic Association of America4/23/2023
 PROJECT Run the 24 HourAlaska Endurance Trail Run to raise awareness and money for the Dwarf Athletic Association of America. Why?
Why Running? Ever since I was young, I tend to hyper focus on the small things. I could say it is on brand being a little person and as I’ve progressed and now near 26, I’d say that the biggest lesson learned is that when the small is compounded together it creates the biggest impact. I take this lesson and apply it in every area of my life, especially into two pillars like photography and running. In photography, I leverage being 4ft5 into every single photo and project, using that unique perspective to my advantage. Check out www.4ft5photographer.com to see what I mean. And then there is running. It's a simple equation for running - every small step in front of the other builds on top of one another to create miles and with every small step, you can cover some pretty big distances if you are willing to put in the work. WHEN I FOUND THE DAAA THINGS STARTED TO CHANGE. Since 2006 I have participated in the Dwarf Athletic Association of America, a non profit that provides annual sporting competitions across the country and world events every four years for people with dwarfism or of short stature. For many, this is their one opportunity to compete on a level playing field and know what it means to compete to win. Many of us spend the entire year at a competitive disadvantage but for one or two weeks, you feel like Michael Jordan. There is nothing like hearing your national anthem play ahead of the gold medal match of a world basketball tournament. Not many can say that but I experienced it and it changed my life. The DAAA provides a canvas for the little to become the big - like when a young athlete finally makes a basket for the first time because they do not have to worry about being blocked or when one wins the 100M dash and is named the fastest little person in the world - that changes lives. It changed mine and I want to provide opportunities for others to do the same and that is where this trail run comes in. DAAA is completely reliant on private donations to run (pun intended) so this running project will hopefully help in putting on future games. Running long distances. That didn’t happen overnight. Running and enjoying it. That didn’t happen overnight. It’s in the everyday obedience to the sport that it has become something big to me - it’s an avenue to create and tell a story. So June 2nd starting at 8PM, I will run 24 hours to raise money for the Dwarf Athletic Association of America. I will ask for donations up front as well as look for donations for every 6 mile loop that I complete. In 24 hours, I am aiming to run 70 miles. It could be more or it could be less but 70 miles with the goal of raising $7,000 for the Dwarf Athletic Association of America. The first ask is helping to support a portion of the travel, nutrition, and gear / equipment needed to accomplish this goal. At the end of the day, I would be asking to raise $3,000 to help support this aspect of the trip. In doing so, I would be open to wearing your brand if you are a company, share your products and brand via social as well as exchange content for your support. As a photographer, my job is to work with brands to create eye catching product, brand, and lifestyle imagery that sells. If it aligns, I would exchange this service for financial support. Donations Directly to DAAA: Monetary donations can be made via this link and all donations will go directly to the DAAA. by Kevin Cekanor Follow Kevin on instagram Kevin is also an Amazing Photographer!  Check out his photos from our last Ohio Tech Happy Hour event in Cleveland!
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