Clem Chung's 1 in 44 Challenge
A Race to Run 144 Miles in 44 Hours
STARTING LINE
Ontario Beach Park
Friday, November 17 | 4 PM
FINISH LINE
Ontario Beach Park
Sunday, November 19 | 12 PM
GO, CLEM GO!
Donate to Clem's Fundraising Challenge
View Clem's Run Route
Cheer Clem On (scroll down to view the race checkpoints)
ABOUT THE 1 IN 44 CHALLENGE
Rochesterian Clement Chung, has been on a mission to bring awareness to autism since his son was diagnosed at age three. After connecting with an AutismUp Family Navigator for resources and education, Clement has been actively involved in connecting others to the mission of AutismUp and supporting the parent-led organization’s philanthropy efforts. This past April, during Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month, Clement announced the kick-off of his “1:44 Challenge.” The avid running enthusiast established a personal goal to raise $14,400 by running 144 miles around the boundaries of Monroe County, New York with the additional effort of completing the lap in 44 hours. The challenge is underway and will conclude when he crosses the finish line in November, 2023. Throughout his training efforts, Clement has looked to the generosity of his community to achieve a fundraising goal of $14,400 to be donated to AutismUp.
The 1:44 Challenge was inspired by the 2022 autism incidence rate which previously stood at 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The rate has increased once again to 1 in 36 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control, since the inception of The Challenge, demonstrating the need for intensive services and support.
Clem states, “My #1 goal for the 1:44 Challenge is to bring awareness to our community about the needs that autistic individuals have, and the resources that AutismUp provides to support them. While the money is helpful, I think it’s more important for people to realize how much it costs to provide these services. Ultimately, I’d like people to advocate for more availability of services (through increased funding in the State budget) and integration with other supports – breaking down the silos that make accessing resources so challenging on top of managing the specific needs of autistic people. I also want to bring awareness to the importance of movement and outdoor recreation as a way for some autistic people to add joy and purpose! I’ve been collaborating with Zach Bates, an autistic ultramarathoner based in Arizona, to hopefully provide a role model for others interested in exploring our sport.”
Clement has been working toward his fundraising goal of $14,400 thanks to the contributions from his community, but his work does not end there! Clement will continue his run to the finish line of his 144 mile feat over the weekend of November 17-19, 2023, while still collecting donations towards his mission. AutismUp and Clement Chung welcome everyone to cheer him on at the finish line, located at Ontario Beach Park/Roger Robach Community Center at 12 PM, and experience the joy of philanthropy and autism awareness & acceptance!
Clem's Tentative Checkpoints (check back for updates):
Ontario Beach Park/Roger Robach Community Center, Rochester (Fri 4pm)
Monroe County Northwest Quadrant Water Resource Recovery Facility,
Greece (Fri 6:30-6:45pm)
Hamlin Beach State Park entrance on Moscow Road (Fri 9:45-10pm)
Morton Walker Fire District, Hamlin (Fri 11:00-11:20pm)
Sweden Town Park (in Sat 1:50am, out Sat 3:50am)
Churchville Park (Sat 6:30-6:45am)
Free Style Mercantile (Sat 9:45-10:15am)
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, Rush (Sat 12:30-12:45pm)
Honeoye Falls Marketplace (Sat 3:30pm - 4pm)
Mendon Fire District (Sat 6:15-6:30pm)
Dixon Schwabl, Pittsford (Sat 8:30-8:45pm)
High Acres North Trailhead, Perinton (in Sat 11:15pm, out Sun 1:15am)
Gloria Drive Landfill North Entrance, Penfield (Sun 3:15-3:30am)
Mama Lors on Ridge Road, Webster (Sun 5-5:10am)
Mama Lors Lake Rd ** (Sun 7 - 8:15am)
** May skip this checkpoint depending on progress
Webster Park at Holt Road (Sun 8:30-8:45am)
Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge (Marine Park) (Sun 10-10:15am)
Ontario Beach Park/Roger Robach Community Center (Sun 12pm)
