Justin Fortier’s 72-Mile Race for Freedom
When Justin Fortier signed up for the Florida Death Race, he wasn’t just looking to complete a 72-mile ultramarathon—he was on a personal journey of growth, healing, and purpose. As he endured the terrain and relentless challenge, he also took the opportunity to support House of Cherith, raising $500 to provide essential bed linens for the nonprofit’s residents.
A Race Like No Other
The Florida Death Race is not your typical ultramarathon. Participants must not only push their physical limits but also carry a railroad spike, known as their “burden,” throughout the race. Those who fail to finish must take their burden home, a symbolic weight they will carry until they return to complete the race. But for those who persevere, the finish line offers a powerful moment: the chance to lay their burden to rest in a casket.
For Justin, this symbolism ran deep. “From a young age, I felt unwanted and unworthy of love, including my own. Never going to be good enough. That was my burden,” he shared. But through months of intense training and the endurance of the race itself, he confronted these feelings and finally let them go.
Crossing the Finish Line
After nearly 21 hours, Justin became the last person to cross the finish line, completing the race in 20 hours and 54 minutes—just under the 21-hour cutoff. His determination and resilience were unwavering, but he credits his support system for pushing him through.
“I wouldn’t have made it half as far without my crewman, Drake Williams, and all my friends and family sending words of encouragement the whole time,” Justin said. “The love I felt was overwhelming.”
Running for a Cause
This wasn’t the first time Justin had used his passion for running to make a difference. Having previously raised funds for another nonprofit during a milestone race, he felt compelled to continue the tradition.
“It feels very selfish spending hours on myself training for these things,” Justin admitted. “It feels nice to be able to rally people to help donate to a good cause, and I’m glad I landed on House of Cherith.”
Justin learned about House of Cherith through fellow runner and friend Matt McGee, Director of Development at HOC. Knowing the incredible work House of Cherith does to help survivors of sexual exploitation reclaim their worth and rebuild their lives, Justin knew it was the perfect cause to support.Joining the Fight for Freedom
House of Cherith provides safe housing, trauma-informed care, and a path to restoration for survivors of sexual exploitation. For Justin, the mission resonated deeply.
“What House of Cherith is doing is incredibly important. Even when all your value seems to have been stripped away, it's crucial to know your worth,” he said. “After reading the testimonies, I believe House of Cherith helps residents work towards reclaiming that reality.”
Justin’s journey through the Florida Death Race wasn’t just about finishing—it was about transformation, pushing limits, and making a difference. His efforts will provide comfort for survivors, proving that even the toughest races can lead to hope.