UAB Student to Run 500 Miles to Fight Global Hunger

Joseph Henry is a Masters in Public Health student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). An avid runner, he is using his talents to help combat global hunger.

On February 9th, Henry will start the Hunger 500 run from the White House in Washington, D.C. all the way to the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. The goal is to raise awareness about hunger, and funds for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The run culminates at the start of the Sixth Annual Universities Fighting World Hunger (UFWH) Summit.

Joe recently took time to answer some questions about the Hunger 500.

Tell us what gave you the idea to do this massive run to benefit WFP and the University program?

I was inspired to create and run the Hunger 500 after attending last year’s Universities Fighting World Hunger Summit at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. At the summit I heard several stories of people taking action to raise awareness for the fight against hunger. One of these stories was of a man who ran three marathons in three days. After hearing this story, I thought that there may be a place for me to do my part, and the Hunger 500 was born.

Are you doing any type of special training now to prepare for the run?

My training for the run has been substantial. In addition to running several days per week, I have been doing strength and agility training for the past three months. My goal with my training was to train my body to endure the many unknowns that are sure to arise along the run. I felt that if I only trained to run in a straight line I would be setting myself up for failure. I believed I have not only trained to be a competent endurance runner, but to be a well-rounded athlete as well.

Is there a way for cross country and indoor/outdoor track runners to be involved with the event?

Any interested runners can join me for a portion of the run by contacting the Hunger 500 at [email protected]. We would love to have any runners who are interested!

What is the best way for someone to follow the run this February and take part in obtaining the objectives?

Along the route, we will be updating our blog with photos and videos on the Hunger 500 website. People interested in helping us reach our goal of raising $100,000 for the World Food Programme can donate on our secure donation page, which can also be found on the Hunger 500 website.