Dan Marchese | Tri-State 200

When I first started running, it was on the trails. I quickly fell in love with being out in the woods, moving through different terrain, and letting my mind escape from everything else. Not long after, I discovered the Appalachian Trail and learned that it cuts through New Jersey. I started making the drive up and instantly loved it. It was a completely different experience compared to my local trails, these were rugged,  remote, and something kept pulling me back, even with the two hour drive.

After years of running ultras and racing, I found myself searching for something more than just finish lines. I wanted adventure. Growing up in the tri-state area, we get the best of everything, but the mountains have always felt like home to me. Wanting to step into the multi day world, there isn’t a better way than running 200 miles through the tri state region on the Appalachian Trail.

But I wanted this run to mean more than simply covering a lot of mountainous miles. That’s why I’m teaming up with MissionCleanWater to help raise money for people who

don’t have access to clean water. Giving this challenge a purpose bigger than myself changes everything.

In August 2026, I’ll set out from the Connecticut/Massachusetts border and run south on  the Appalachian Trail all the way to the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border roughly 200 miles through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Northeast. I’m beyond excited for this adventure and even more excited for what it stands for.