2022 Trailblaze Challenge
WHAT: The annual Trailblaze Challenge San Diego is more than a hike. It is more than a fundraiser. The Trailblaze Challenge is a life-changing endurance experience that challenges participants physically and emotionally, and ultimately helps Make-A-Wish San Diego grant wishes to the 350 children with critical illnesses in our region.
Whether a novice hiker or advanced outdoor enthusiast, participants will have the opportunity to explore new trails, build confidence outdoors, and create life-long friendships all while training for the 28-mile trek on the iconic Pacific Coast Trail and raising funds to support wish-granting in our community. The Trailblaze experience represents the most impactful event in Make-A-Wish San Diego’s history, raising over $1 million between 2020 & 2021.
WHEN & WHERE: Hike Weekends
- May 6-8 ( San Diego)
- May 20-22 (Pacific Crest Trail at Big Bear Lake, CA)
- June 3-5 (Pacific Crest Trail at Big Bear Lake, CA)
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WHO: Presented by Wheelhouse Credit Unionand supported by Frank Subaru,each Big Bear hike weekend anticipates 100+ hikers participating, with 70 hikers participating on our local route, along with over 30 trained hike leaders and medic volunteers for each hike.
2022 Hiker Highlights:
- Wish kid Ben, 19 (who wished to meet a platypus eight years ago when he was battling leukemia)
- Wish Mom Deb Burt and Team Sam’s Posse (whose son, Sam, had a wish 11 years ago in San Diego)
- Wish Alum Megan (had her wish 15+ years ago in New Jersey!)
- 3-year-event veteran Rosemary, 83, (who hiked the challenge for the first time at 80 years young
) - Make-A-Wish San Diego CEO & President, Suzanne Husby hiking her 3rd year now
- And many more past hikers, novice hikers, and San Diegans with connections to former wishes granted in our community coming together.
HOW:
- All new hikers will need to sign up for a FREE info session to learn about the challenge commitment between now and February 16—RSVP at www.trailblazechallengesd.org.
- Also be sure to follow them on Instagram to get to know the event hiking community, training info, and/or ask questions @trailblazechallengesd.
- Companies interested in getting involved as a community partner with a hike team or event support can email event director Katie Wood at kwood@sandiego.wish.org to learn more.
