Madison native and UW‑Madison alumnus QuHarrison Terry is preparing for a week‑long endurance feat that puts the Badger State on the world stage. Beginning Sunday, Terry will run a full marathon each day for seven consecutive days, traveling across all seven continents in the Great World Race. The 183.4‑mile challenge is not just a test of physical stamina; it serves as the centerpiece of his “Miles Tell the Truth” campaign, which seeks to shine a light on veterans experiencing homelessness.
From local roads to global trails
Terry grew up in Wisconsin, learning to brave cold winters that now help him prepare for the Antarctic leg of the race. “I spent many years growing up in Wisconsin, so I’ve had my bouts with the cold and you learn to tolerate it,” he told WMTV 15 News. After years of competing in local races and winning events, Terry discovered the Great World Race and saw an opportunity to combine his passion for running with a cause close to his heart.
Family ties to military service
Research into his family history revealed a great‑uncle who served as a Tuskegee Airman and a grandfather who fought in the U.S. Army. Those discoveries prompted Terry to focus his fundraising on veterans, a group he says “serve this country and then they have no place to call home when they come back.” He partnered with the Veterans Empowerment Organization and the Vigilant Torch Foundation to channel donations directly to veterans in need.
How the campaign works
Every mile Terry runs is pledged to veterans. Donations made through the campaign website (QT.run) support the Veterans Empowerment Organization, with the Vigilant Torch Foundation acting as a partner. “And that’s where I took the 183 miles that I’m gonna be running in the Great World Race and I’ve given it to the vets,” Terry explained.
Race itinerary and challenges
The race was originally set to start in Antarctica, but severe weather forced organizers to swap the first two legs. The opening marathon will now take place in Cape Town, South Africa, followed by Antarctica. Subsequent stops include Perth, Australia; Singapore; the Algarve region of Portugal; Cartagena, Colombia; and a final finish line on Miami Beach, Florida, slated for November 21.
Running a marathon each day while traveling between continents presents logistical hurdles—changing climates, limited recovery time, and the physical toll of back‑to‑back races. Terry acknowledges the mental and bodily demands, noting, “The thing that sits in the back of my mind is like, how much is too much?” He emphasizes the importance of listening to his body while maintaining determination.
Madison roots remain central
Despite the global scope of the race, Terry’s pride in Madison remains evident. He recalled his first sub‑five‑minute mile in the city, a memory he says will stay with him forever. “And so just like you never forget that moment. And for me, that moment came from Madison, Wisconsin,” he said, adding that he hopes to return to run the Madison Marathon in person.
He also sent words of encouragement to fellow runners participating in the upcoming Madison Marathon, promising his spirit would be there cheering them on.
Supporting veterans at home
Beyond the race, Terry hopes his effort will inspire other veterans to seek help and remind the community that support is available. “For the people that have served the country, they’ve definitely put their mileage in,” he said. “And some of the truths that you come back to are heavy, but you don’t have to carry those truths alone.”
Readers can follow Terry’s progress and contribute to the cause through the campaign website. The Great World Race not only tests the limits of human endurance but also aims to bring tangible assistance to those who have defended the nation.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
