Runners Will Complete 480-Mile North Dakota Relay
Twelve runners will cross North Dakota to raise support for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Running
Beginning October 15, 2026, twelve runners will embark on a 480-mile relay across North Dakota, spanning from Medora to West Fargo. The event, known as the 10.15 Project, aims to raise funds for Haven Midwest, a non-profit offering resources to families coping with pregnancy and infant loss.
Why it matters
This relay fosters camaraderie and community support for grieving parents who often navigate the isolating experience of pregnancy and infant loss. By drawing attention to these families, the initiative highlights the ongoing need for specialized emotional and practical resources in the region.
The relay encompasses a 480-mile route across the state, undertaken by a team of twelve participants. This effort follows Terry Vandrovec's training progression, which began in April 2026 with a daily one-mile run to prepare for the long-distance feat.
The players
Terry Vandrovec
A 47-year-old runner and organizer of the relay event.
Haven Midwest
A non-profit organization based in the Fargo-Moorhead area providing support to families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
The details
The 10.15 Project is strategically timed to coincide with Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Twelve runners will participate in the relay to generate support for Haven Midwest, an organization based in the Fargo-Moorhead area that provides essential resources for families. The route spans the state from Medora to West Fargo, symbolizing a collective journey of remembrance and support for bereaved families.
Timeline
April 2026: Terry Vandrovec began daily training for the relay.
October 15, 2026: The 480-mile relay run begins.
Health Landscape
The relay aligns its mission with the national observation of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day to bring local awareness to this public health issue. This event reflects a broader trend of utilizing community-based athletics to address the psychosocial needs of grieving families.
For families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, connecting with established support systems like Haven Midwest can be a crucial step in the grieving process. Residents interested in the role of physical activity as a coping mechanism may find it beneficial to discuss personal wellness and grief support strategies with their physician.
The takeaway
The 10.15 Project highlights the power of community-driven support to address the emotional health of families after pregnancy and infant loss. Those seeking support can contact regional health networks or organizations like Haven Midwest to explore available mental health resources.
Further reading
Learn more about local endurance initiatives in the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.
