Adam Trubo, an ultra runner and longtime supporter of Special Olympics New Mexico, announced in a radio interview on ESPN 101.7 "THE TEAM" that his upcoming 100-mile race in Leadville, Colorado, aims to raise $100,000. The funds will be used to send 30 athletes and staff to the 2026 USA Games.
"We brought in over $59,000," said Trubo. "You get to run in the clouds. This is a way that I can up the game to do good for my community. different temperaments, talents, and convictions."
According to Trubo, his "100 Friends for 100 Miles" campaign is returning for a second year as part of his commitment to inclusive athletics in New Mexico. This initiative, linked to the August 16 Leadville Trail 100, seeks to raise nearly double last year’s total of $59,000. The goal is to fully fund Team New Mexico’s travel to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. Trubo will be joined on the trail by Special Olympics athletes pacing sections of the race, creating a real-time representation of inclusion.
The Leadville Trail 100 Run is one of the most storied ultramarathons in the United States, dating back to 1983. Known as the "Race Across the Sky," it covers 100 miles of rugged alpine terrain in Colorado with elevations ranging from 9,200 to 12,600 feet and over 15,000 feet of vertical gain. It is part of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and features both out-and-back mountain trails and high-altitude challenges that require peak endurance and mental resilience.
Special Olympics New Mexico supports more than 3,200 athletes across the state by providing access to sports training and competition in 11 Olympic-style sports year-round. The organization plays a vital role in fostering inclusion and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Its programs are free to athletes thanks to donations, sponsorships, and grassroots campaigns. As public grant funding becomes increasingly limited, initiatives like "100 Friends for 100 Miles" are crucial for sustaining athlete opportunities.
Trubo's run aligns with a clear fundraising mission: raising $100,000 to send 47 members of Team New Mexico—including athletes, coaches, and staff—to the USA Games in Minneapolis. The funds will cover travel expenses such as lodging, meals, and uniforms. The campaign not only provides financial support but also direct athlete engagement; Special Olympics athletes Tim Harris, Ben Blewett, and Bella Sieberg will pace Trubo during sections of the race.
Editor's note: This article includes excerpts from an interview conducted on "TEAM Talk" with Joe O'Neill, Adam Diehl, and Andres Chavez."TEAM Talk" airs Monday through Friday between 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on ESPN Radio 101.7 TheTEAM.
