Running Grand to Grand for the animals

The Grand to Grand Ultra isn’t just a race. It’s a weeklong test of endurance, grit, and heart. This September, five Best Friends supporters will shoulder their packs, step into the high desert, and take on 171 miles to help save the lives of dogs and cats across the country.

For seven days, they’ll navigate sand dunes, rugged canyons, steep climbs, and long stretches of silence broken only by the sound of their own footsteps. And on Day 3, they’ll pass through Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — a moment that has inspired participating runners since the race first began, including late Best Friends co-founder Gregory Castle, who completed the event in 2014 at age 72.

This year’s team carries on that legacy with determination and compassion, knowing that every mile makes a difference.

Each runner on the Best Friends team is raising funds to support homeless pets . And thanks to a $25,000 match from Best Friends supporters Jeff and Sherry Hotham, donations will help twice as many pets in shelters around the country.

We asked each runner why they’re taking on this challenge and, just for fun, which animal they’d choose as their imaginary running coach. Their motivations are as varied as their backgrounds, but their answers and stories reveal a team united by compassion, adventure, and a deep love for animals.

For Suzanne Sandrue of Franklin, New Jersey, the inspiration is her soul dog, Tootsie. “She’s taught me to enjoy every moment, big and small,” Suzanne says. Her first visit to Kanab, Utah, was a weeklong volunteer trip at Best Friends — an experience she describes as transformative. “Running through the Sanctuary now feels like coming full circle,” she says.

Her animal coach: “I would choose a sloth. They are so cute, and in comparison to them I would feel like I am moving so fast, which I most certainly will not be during this event.”

Emily Keddie from Bend, Oregon, stumbled upon the Sanctuary years ago while exploring Utah. Since then, she’s followed Best Friends’ work closely. Her dog, Jolly, has been her companion and protector for nine years. “Saving lives is a beautiful mission,” she says. “My dog has saved mine.”

Her animal coach: “A marmot. They are bossy, and I imagine that loud whistle would be them persistently cheering/shouting at me to keep going. They are also pretty fast, and it would be a riot to chase after their bouncy tails.”

The animal connection runs deep for Matthew McGrew of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He grew up caring for horses, cattle, ducks, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, parrots, and fish, spending his summers on a massive ranch in northern New Mexico. “If I can put in long training sessions and raise money for Best Friends, then I feel like I’m doing my part,” he says.

His animal coach: “I'm going to go with the tortoise. Slow, steady, get the job done, finish the race.”

Dallas Kittrell, an air ambulance pilot in St. George, Utah, has found that training for the race has changed the way he spends time with his own pets. “I’ve been much more intentional,” he says. “Thinking about the lives we’re helping has made me appreciate my dogs even more.”

His animal coach: “I would want a roadrunner. I have always loved birds, and my family has had birds my entire life. I also feel a special connection to roadrunners. I think they are incredibly smart and beautiful creatures. On top of all that they are fast and handle the desert environment well, which is what I need.”

And for Victoria Johnson of Wrightwood, California, who’s celebrating her 16th year as a Best Friends employee, the race is both a mission and a milestone. “This challenge combines all my favorite things: hiking, running, adventure, and raising money for animals,” she says. After breaking her ankle six weeks before the 2023 race and losing her heart dog, Angel, shortly after, this year’s run is her redemption.

Her animal coach: "It would have to be an ostrich. They are born to run and well-adapted to the desert. Their long neck and legs act as natural radiators against the heat, and they have great survival instincts using their feathers as a shield against the harsh midday sun. Being of English blood, heat is not my favorite thing, so I'm going to need to channel my inner ostrich. And ostriches are hilarious — and you need a good sense of humor to take part in Grand to Grand.”

Training for the Grand to Grand Ultra is its own test of endurance: early mornings, long miles, heavy packs, and the mental discipline to keep going when the trail gets tough.

Suzanne had always avoided running in the heat, but this training forced her to confront that head-on. “I’ve enjoyed it more than I thought I would,” she says.

Emily’s training has been punctuated by big backpacking and fastpacking (a combo of trail running and ultralight backpacking) trips. A recent fastest-known-time attempt left her with tendonitis, but she’s recovering. “I know my body well,” she says. “I’m coming back strong.”

Running Grand to Grand for homeless pets

For Matthew, the biggest challenge is time. “Making space in today’s busy schedules to go out for a 20‑plus‑mile run or hike,” he says, “that’s the hardest part.”

Dallas has battled the desert heat, too. “I feel great after a run,” he says. “But thinking about how difficult it will be makes me want to sit on the couch in the cold A/C.” Still, he gets out the door and keeps going.

Victoria trains at 6,300 feet in the mountains, where “you can’t walk more than half a mile without contending a giant, lung-busting hill.” She balances training with four dogs, two cats, teaching yoga and fitness classes, and her full‑time role at Best Friends. Her partner, Lloyd, often meets her on the trail with his bike for support.

Though they come from different states, backgrounds, and running histories, the 2026 team has formed a tight bond.

Monthly virtual meetings help them share gear tips, training strategies, and encouragement. Some will travel to Kanab in August to train on the actual course — a chance to experience the terrain they’ll face in September.

“It’s been great to have the support of Best Friends,” Suzanne says. “Being part of a team makes the experience a little less scary.”

Emily agrees: “It’s nice to have people to bounce logistics questions off of.”

Matthew calls the group go-getters: “friendly, accommodating, helpful, encouraging.”

Dallas, who has never entered a race as part of a group before, says the camaraderie has been invaluable.

And Victoria, who has run 23 marathons, says endurance sports and fundraising share a common thread: “I love being part of something bigger than myself.”

Every runner has a vision of what the Grand to Grand will feel like: the sand dunes, the heat, the long miles, the quiet moments, the determination it takes to keep moving.

Suzanne looks forward to connecting with new people and sharing the experience.

Emily is both excited for and wary of the sand calling it “fun but not without its challenges.”

Runners face a desert challenge to help animals

Matthew dreads the thick sand trails but looks forward to accomplishing the challenge and raising awareness about saving animals.

Dallas is excited to meet fellow racers and hear their stories but is dreading blisters.

Victoria anticipates an emotional moment on Day 3, when the course passes through the Sanctuary. She hopes to see staff and animals cheering. “It will be a real boost,” she says. “The Sanctuary holds a special place in my heart.”

Whether they’re seasoned ultrarunners or tackling their first race at this level of difficulty, the 2026 Best Friends team is united by compassion, determination, and a shared belief that every mile they run will make a difference for the animals.

Running 171 miles through the desert is no small feat. But for this team, the finish line is only part of the story. The real victory is helping to provide dogs and cats across the country with safety, healing, and homes.

And with every step, they’re doing exactly that.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.