Every Step for Community

This year, our CEO Michael Chitwood is celebrating his 50th birthday in a bold and meaningful way — by taking on one of the world’s most challenging endurance races: the Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

On June 8, Michael will join over 20,000 runners from around the world to run nearly 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, through South Africa’s storied Valley of a Thousand Hills. Known as the oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world, Comrades is not just a race — it's a profound display of perseverance, resilience, and the power of community.

Michael has run Comrades before, but this year’s race carries deeper meaning. At nearly 50, he's taking each step not just for himself, but for the children, families, and older adults served by Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.

“The support runners give one another on the Comrades course is one of the best examples of humanity I’ve ever seen,” says Michael. “It reminds me of what we do at MSV — walk with people in their most challenging moments, so no one has to go it alone.”

At MSV, we believe in that same spirit: Strengthen and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

🏃‍♂️ This is more than a race. It’s a mission.
Michael is running to raise awareness and funds for MSV and we invite you to join him!

💛 Support his journey. Fuel our mission. Make a gift today.
Because every step is for community.

Comrades Marathon

Every Step for Community, Every Mile for MSV - Michael Chitwood’s 56-Mile Run Across South Africa

Team Members