INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Collin Chartier has a lofty goal this summer — raising $100,000 for the Herren Project, a national nonprofit providing resources for people recovering from addiction.
Originally from the Washington, D.C., area, the former triathlete now lives in Colorado. On June 13, he set out from Folsom Field in Boulder to the Lincoln Memorial in the nation’s capital.
On Thursday, he stopped in Indianapolis for the weekend, part of his 2,000-mile journey. Along the way, he’s hitting 10 cities to meet with local organizations raising awareness for mental health and addiction services.
“I get to use this opportunity to use my body, use my fitness to be in service of others,” Chartier said. “Sport is so much about ‘me, me, me, I, I, I.’ So, I want this to be about others and about the impact this run could have on maybe someone else, inspiring them to take their first step on their journey.”
At the peak of his career, Chartier was ranked as the 11th best triathlete in the world. In 2023, he was suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Now on his own recovery journey, he’s found a new purpose in life.
Instead of chasing medals, he wants to help guide others to the right path. Whether it’s taking a step forward for mental health, getting out of homelessness or addiction recovery.
“This journey, I’m like — ‘wow, 2,000 miles!’ No, it’s every day,” Chartier said. “OK, can I do 26? Can I do one day at a time? That one step might be walking around your block, or it might be going to a meeting. Just take that first step today.”
Now on day 50 of his adventure, the lifelong runner only has about 800 miles to go. He’s running about an 11- to 12-minute-per-mile pace.
He says his favorite part so far has been interacting with people on the ground.
“Out in between the cities in the rural country, the places where I never get to experience really. I mean, we fly by, we drive by, but to really go at a slow pace and meet some of the local people with such open hearts, friendly people,” Chartier said.
On Friday, he joined the Indianapolis chapter of the Back on My Feet Run Club for a 2-mile run. The group works to empower people experiencing homelessness or addiction through running.
Chartier plans to set off toward Dayton, Ohio, on Monday. To donate to his fundraiser, visit his website.
