Miles for the Mission
Campaign 001 · Ironman Florida · November 7, 2026

My name is Luke Baker. I'm 28, I have been climbing for a few years, and I picked up triathlon last year. On November 7, 2026, I'm racing my first full Ironman. That is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike, and a 26.2 mile marathon to finish. 140.6 miles in a single day. I live in Dallas now, but I grew up in Niceville, Florida, so this race is a bit of a homecoming. My brother Jake is racing it with me and it is his first full too. I'm taking it on to raise money for two causes that mean a lot to me.

The first is Crux Wilderness. Over the last couple of years, climbing has become one of my favorite things to do. It gets me outside, takes me to some amazing places, and it is what I do with my brother Jake. He is my climbing partner, and he is the one who showed me Crux in the first place. It has been really good for me, and I think that same time outdoors can be a great way for veterans to find whatever they need. That is what Crux does. They help veterans, military members and their families build long term physical and mental health by getting them outdoors and teaching them to climb. My dad served more than twenty years in the Army and the Air Force, and both of my grandfathers served as well. Veterans matter to me, and I believe in what Crux is doing.

The second is Border Animal Mission. BAM rescues animals along the Texas and Mexico border. They provide low cost spay and neuter, vaccinations, and safe transport to new homes for animals that would otherwise go without. BAM is run by Chris and Jesse Halprin. Chris is a close friend of mine and a lieutenant and pilot in the Air Force. I love what they do, and I wanted to help.

The goal is simple. I want to raise $25 for every mile I race, and every dollar gets split evenly between Crux Wilderness and Border Animal Mission. The money goes straight to the causes, never to me or my race.

A few ways to give: $26 is a dollar a mile of the marathon. $112 covers the bike leg. $140.60 is a dollar a mile for the full 140.6.

This race is the first campaign for Miles for the Mission. It started as one race for two causes, and I hope it grows into something that keeps going long after November.

Whatever you can give, you are in this race with me. Every stroke, every pedal, and every step. Thank you for being part of it.

Go the distance. For someone else.
milesforthemission.com

Miles for the Mission

Campaign 001 · Ironman Florida · $25 a mile for veterans finding healing outdoors and animals finding their way home