Milwaukee’s own QuHarrison Terry is turning his love of endurance running into a mission for those who served our country. The 27‑year‑old athlete has joined the Great World Race, a grueling series of seven marathons on five continents, and he’s using the challenge to raise money for homeless veterans.
From Nicolet High to the Antarctic start line
“Nicolet High School gave me the fighting spirit,” Terry said, recalling his roots in the suburb of the same name. The Great World Race kicks off this Sunday in Antarctica, where Terry will begin the first of seven marathons that total 183.4 miles. He is one of 70 runners worldwide attempting the feat.
“I am going to be enduring several miles, but when I come home there will be a lot of veterans who won’t be walking those miles by themselves trying to figure out what it looks like when they return home,” Terry explained. His goal is to shine a light on the crisis of veteran homelessness and to help families secure a place to call home.
Fundraising for veterans
Terry is channeling his effort into two nonprofit groups: the Veterans Empowerment Organization and the Vigilant Torch Foundation. Both organizations focus on providing housing and support services for veterans and their families. So far, Terry’s campaign has raised $3,000, a modest start that he hopes to grow as the race progresses and media attention builds.
Family service runs in his blood. “My grandfather served in the Army, and several other family members have served,” he said. “These people went out, they served our country, and they come back and don’t even have a place to go and call home.”
Why the Great World Race matters
The Great World Race is designed to test the limits of human endurance while highlighting charitable causes. Participants run marathons in Antarctica, Chile, Kenya, Italy, and the United States, among other locations. By completing each marathon, runners draw attention to the nonprofits they support, encouraging donations from a global audience.
For Terry, the timing is symbolic. The race concludes just before Veterans Day, a national moment of remembrance. He hopes the visibility of his effort will inspire other Wisconsinites to support veteran housing initiatives, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.
Community response
Local leaders and veteran groups have praised Terry’s commitment. A spokesperson for the Veterans Empowerment Organization noted, “QuHarrison’s dedication brings much‑needed awareness to veteran homelessness in Wisconsin and across the nation.” The Vigilant Torch Foundation echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of community‑driven fundraising.
Friends and former teammates have rallied behind the cause, organizing local fundraisers and spreading the word on social media. The effort underscores a broader trend in Wisconsin of athletes leveraging their platforms for charitable impact.
Looking ahead
As Terry prepares to set foot on the icy Antarctic runway, he remains focused on the larger mission. “When I finish each marathon, I’ll think of the veterans waiting for a home, and that will keep me moving,” he said.
Supporters can follow Terry’s journey online and contribute directly to the veteran charities through the links provided on his campaign page. With each mile logged, Terry hopes to bring a veteran one step closer to a stable, dignified life.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
