Habitat for Humanity "Home Run"

Michael Zawadzki aka Mr. Z

(Local Boston Marathon Runner)

Show your support by sponsoring or purchasing a t-shirt below

Habitat for Humanity’s Home Run!

I am a runner in training for the 2024 Boston Marathon. I love to run, and I especially love to run in support of local charities. My name is Michael Zawadzki and I am 67 years young. I am a resident of Boyce in Clarke County, VA, and have qualified to run in the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024.

I moved to Boyce in 2018 from Falls Church, VA, and, being semi-retired, decided I needed a hobby. Well, my “hobby” of running soon turned into a passion. From the time I ran the Liberty 5K, I was hooked, both by the race atmosphere and by the community of runners I met there. I joined the Shenandoah Valley Runners and the Runners Retreat Group and I moved from 5k’s to 10k’s to half marathons. Two years ago, I ran my first marathon, thanks to my coaches, Stephanie Danahy and John Stacy, who host a regular Sunday training group in Winchester. Without their guidance and motivation, together with support from my fabulous runners' group, I would not have qualified.

I qualified last year in Virginia Beach to run the iconic Boston Marathon – for me, this was a dream come true! Now I want to share my dream with people in need and that involves working with a local Shenandoah-based charity, the Warren County Habitat for Humanity chapter in Front Royal. I contacted them and it turns out that they currently need funds for a project to break ground in May and start building a house for a local Front Royal family.

I plan to utilize my Boston race to help make their family’s dream of a new, safe home come true. A house where they can make many happy memories together in years to come. To achieve this goal, I need your help. I am going to run 26.2 miles on April 15, 2024, and I want to raise as much money as possible to make Habitat’s house build for this family become a reality.

We can make this happen TOGETHER. Many hands can make light work, as all Habitat volunteers already know. Sweat equity is important – I provide it through running, and numerous Habitat volunteers provide it by hammering nails, painting walls, etc. However, it also takes financial supporters like you to make Habitat’s projects a reality.

To become my virtual running partner, click on the link provided and donate to this wonderful cause. Help me make a difference to this family and change their lives for the better through the provision of a stable and affordable home. Any amount will be graciously and thankfully accepted.

“Warren County Habitat for Humanity partners with people in our community, to help them build and improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With your support, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families."