Running is more than the miles...

Besides challenging myself and exploring my limits, I run to inspire others and to give back. Over the past several years, I’ve worn a custom race singlet with three cancer ribbons. Each ribbon representing three people close to my heart who have battled cancer and are no longer with us in this world, but their spirits live on.

Anita Cass, Julia Tomasovich, and Noah Mayberry are the three individuals represented by the ribbons on my singlet.

I’ve made donations over the years in their memory that match my race fees, and I knew I wanted to do something bigger as the thought continued to weigh on my heart.

With that thought in my mind, I wrote down a goal in 2023 to launch Breaking Ribbons and complete a 100 mile fundraiser run (20 laps) on the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, SC, in support of families who have loved ones facing various forms of cancer.

We raised a little over $5,000 in 2023 and the run was one of the most rewarding, and challenging experiences of my life. Over 7,000 feet of total elevation gain, and 22 hours to completion. Here's a snippet from 2023 (CLICK HERE)

In 2024, we upped the ante and returned to the infamous bridge. This time, racking up 150 miles (30 laps) in 43 hours while raising $8,000 that supported four families that had a loved one fighting the good fight. Here's a snippet from 2024 (CLICK HERE)

The best part - supporting 8 families that have someone fighting cancer and providing resources to alleviate some constraints. We've provided $13,000 so far and counting as a result of these endurance efforts!

Starting on December 4th 2025, my brother Edwin Martin will be joining me as we up the ante yet again and run across the entire state of South Carolina to help even more families that have a loved one battling cancer. We expect this adventure to last until December 6th-7th as we'll be running non-stop with minimal breaks.

We will be running 200 miles from Fort Mill, SC, starting at Fort Mill High School and ending at The Citadel in Charleston, SC.

In an ideal world, we do not have these ribbons because we have cures. In addition, when you win a race, the winner breaks tape. Hence, breaking ribbons.

Every penny raised from this fundraiser will be provided to at least four families with a loved one currently battling cancer. Families will be hand picked through the support of community recommendations and non-profit leaders. If you know a family that has a loved one battling cancer who is truly in need, plus let us know.

With Love & Gratitude,

Ryan & Edwin

Breaking Ribbons | Run Across South Carolina