Richard’s Run for Giant Salamanders
Update: Richard Completes the Oki Ultra Marathon!
On June 15th, Richard successfully completed the grueling 50km Oki Islands Ultra Marathon — his first ever ultra distance race!
Running along the stunning volcanic coastline of Dogo Island, this challenge was not only a personal test of endurance but also a way to raise awareness and support for the ongoing conservation work to protect the endangered Japanese Giant Salamander. With no previous long-distance race experience, taking on 50km was no small task — but inspired by the resilience of the species he works so hard to protect, and the community that supports Sustainable Daisen, Richard crossed the finish line in under 6 hours.
So far, thanks to your incredible support, over 140,000 yen has been raised! These funds will go directly to the ongoing fieldwork, habitat restoration, and rewilding projects led by Sustainable Daisen, helping to protect salamander habitats both in the rivers and in the surrounding farmlands and forests.
If anyone would still like to contribute, donations can be made using the link below. Every contribution, large or small, helps us continue this important work.
“Never give up, just keep moving forward.”
On June 15th, Sustainable Daisen’s founder and CEO Richard Pearce will be running a 50km (33 mile) ultra-marathon across the rugged terrain of the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture — a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic forces, full of brutal ups and downs. The course has a time limit of 8 hours. Whatever it takes, his mission is to drag himself over the finishing line within this limit
Why? Because the Japanese Giant Salamander needs our help.
This run is more than a physical challenge. It’s my way of showing just how serious we are about protecting this iconic and endangered species.
