Running for rescue.
One mile at a time.

In honor of Palmae — and for every rescue animal still waiting to find their home.

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The Story

A rescue dog
changed everything.

Palmae is a rescue. Like so many rescue animals, she came from difficult circumstances — but she went on to become one of the most important parts of Chris Bryan's life.

Anyone who has spent time with a rescue dog understands the kind of bond that forms. Palmae brought stability, companionship, and peace into Chris's life during times when he truly needed it.

Because of what she means to him, Chris wanted to find a way to give something back — to the organizations that rescue and care for animals like her.

At the same time, distance running had become an important part of his life. Running helped him physically, mentally, and spiritually. The idea behind The Palmae Project is to combine those two things — his passion for running and his gratitude for rescue animals — into something that can help organizations like CARA.

Palmae, Chris's rescue dog

Palmae — the reason behind every mile.

The Journey

Building toward
100 miles.

Chris started from the beginning — and has been building steadily toward something remarkable. Each race is a step. Each mile runs for a reason.

August 2025
Tupelo Marathon
26.2 miles. The foundation. The first proof that the journey was real.
Completed
October 2025
24-Hour Challenge
2 miles every hour for 24 hours straight — 48 miles of grit and endurance.
Completed
January 2026
Great Scorpion Trail 50K
31 miles of trail running. The first ultra. A new distance unlocked.
Completed
June 2026
Missoula Marathon
Back on the road. Building base for what comes next.
Upcoming
August 2026
Tupelo Marathon
Where it all started — run again with purpose and momentum.
Upcoming
Fall 2026
50-Mile Ultramarathon
The next frontier. A new distance. One step closer to the goal.
Upcoming
The Goal
100-Mile Race
The vision behind every step since the beginning. One hundred miles for Palmae. For rescue animals everywhere.
The Ultimate Goal

The Mission

Purpose behind
every step.

Running with Heart

The Palmae Project isn't just about running races — it's about giving every mile a reason. Each race Chris runs carries the story of a rescue dog and the animals still waiting for their chance.

Full Transparency

Every donation goes directly to the rescue organization — Chris never touches the funds. All money is structured to flow straight to CARA, fully transparent and fully accountable.

Rescue Dogs Change Lives

Palmae certainly changed Chris's. This project is his way of honoring that bond while supporting the organizations that give animals the chance to find homes and families of their own.

The Partnership

Partnering with
CARA.

"My hope is that the Palmae Project can help bring attention to the work CARA does and provide another avenue for people to support rescue animals."

Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) is located in Mississippi and dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need.

Chris reached out to CARA's board directly with his proposal — asking to formalize The Palmae Project as a way to raise both awareness and funding for their mission. Each race becomes an opportunity for people to rally behind the cause.

100%
of donations go direct
3
races already completed
100mi
the ultimate destination
Partner Organization
CARA Community Animal Rescue & Adoption

Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Mississippi. Every dollar raised through The Palmae Project flows directly to their mission.

Mississippi, USA

Get Involved

Follow the journey.
Support the cause.

You don't have to run a mile to make a difference. Follow along, share the story, and when the time comes — put your support behind the animals waiting for a home.

Support CARA Read the full story

A note on transparency: All donations through The Palmae Project go directly to the partner rescue organization. Chris does not handle any funds. Every dollar reaches the animals.