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100 Miles for Mental Health: James Flannery Wilderness Run Fundraiser for SAFE

The Challenge

Run the Hundred Mile Wilderness route in one continuous effort

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Push boundaries of what's possible


Raise awareness and funds for mental health support

The Rules

Complete self-support

(no outside assistance)

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Start with everything needed

for the entire route

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Finish with everything started

with (minus consumed food)

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One continuous effort from start to finish

The Route

Location: Central Maine


Trail: Northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail


Start: Abol Bridge


Finish: Greenville Road Junction
 

Direction: Southbound

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Start date: June 20, 2025

Meet James Flannery

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James's athletic journey spans decades, from team sports in high school to conquering Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks. His most notable early achievement? "Bandit" running the Boston Marathon twice with friends in 2007 and 2009—with no training.

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Athletic Milestones

  • 2015: Thru-hiked Vermont's Long Trail (600+ miles total, north and back south)

  • 2018: Began focused running training in Golden, Colorado

  • 2021: Completed first ultramarathon (32 miles)

  • Present: Training for the ultimate 100-mile challenge

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From hockey and baseball fields to rock climbing walls, from Colorado's mountain peaks to Vermont's Green Mountains, James has always sought the next challenge. The two Boston Marathons remained his longest single-effort distances for years—until he decided to systematically pursue ultramarathons.

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Age: 34

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Hometown: Franklin, Massachusetts

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Background: Lifelong athlete and outdoor enthusiast

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Instagram: @famous_seamus 

Raising Mental Health Awareness + Supporting SAFE

"Over the course of my life, especially as a young adult, I have struggled to maintain balance in terms of my mental health, and my personal relationships have suffered as a result. Pursuing athletic challenges has always been one coping mechanism I employed to keep the mental and emotional struggles in check. I have always drawn inspiration from others sharing their own stories of struggle and perseverance, and that is the part I would like to lean into with this endeavor."

The 100-mile challenge represents more than endurance—it's about:
  • Breaking personal barriers that seemed impossible
  • Sharing stories of struggle and perseverance
  • Supporting others through Safe Coalition
  • Stepping into vulnerability by making this journey public
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Why SAFE?
James has chosen to support SAFE because he believes in the power of shared stories and community support. Having drawn inspiration from others who've shared their struggles, he wants to pay that forward while pushing himself beyond his comfort zone—not just physically, but emotionally and socially.​
Show your support for James: Donate to SAFE
For James, raising funds isn't just about giving back—it's deeply personal.

"I am raising money for SAFE because they are helping young folks find their way in this world with education and community support," he shares. "If not for athletics, I may have leaned harder on various substances to numb my feelings of hopelessness and existential dread."

James knows he's one of the lucky ones who found a healthy outlet, but he also knows that not everyone has that same lifeline.

"Not everyone has athletics to fall back on to manage their mental health challenges, and SAFE is a place where these folks can go for guidance and support." 
About SAFE
SAFE offers judgement-free support for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and related concerns. We serve over 55 communities in Massachusetts with programs for teens, support groups, harm reduction education, resources for families in need like a community diaper bank, housing support, and more.

Thanks to generous donors like you, our services are FREE for our clients--no insurance needed. 
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