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The Million Dollar Fundraiser: A Fundraising Masterclass From Wilson Kriegel
- Feb 2
- 5 min read
In a recent episode of the Bitten By The Running Bug podcast, host Tim sat down with Wilson Kriegel, an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, mountaineer, and passionate fundraiser whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. From a childhood marked by trauma, instability, and chronic depression to a life built on discipline, purpose, and extreme challenges, Wilson’s journey shows the incredible power of movement, mindset, and meaning.
HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
From Survival to Strength
Wilson’s early life was far from easy. Taken from his mother at a young age following a difficult divorce, he grew up moving between more than 48 homes. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts were part of his daily reality.
Everything began to shift when he moved to the U.S. at 16 and discovered sport.
Basketball, soccer, track, and eventually running introduced him not only to physical challenge — but to community, support, and the chemical and emotional benefits of movement.
“It was my first experience of difficulty mixed with joy. Exhaustion mixed with peace.”
Running, in particular, became a lifeline. His first race happened almost by accident — a brutal 10K in Central Park after a late night out — but the atmosphere, the cheering, and the sense of accomplishment lit a spark that never went out.
The “Man of Steel” Mindset
Growing up, Wilson found escape in superhero stories — especially Superman.
In his darkest moments, the idea of becoming strong, resilient, and unstoppable wasn’t just fantasy. It became a blueprint. But over time, his definition of strength evolved.
“Being Superman isn’t about being made of steel. It’s about vulnerability and humility — and still doing impossible things anyway.”
Transformation came gradually. In college, he rebuilt his body, going from 140 pounds to a powerful, muscular frame. That physical change showed him what was possible.
From there, he began setting bigger and bigger challenges.
From Marathons to Extreme Endurance
What started with 10Ks soon escalated into:
30–40+ marathons
Hundreds of half marathons
Ultramarathons
Month-long mileage challenges (460 miles in a single month)
Rim-to-rim-to-rim runs across the Grand Canyon
High-altitude mountaineering expeditions (including Denali — twice)
Now in his 50s, Wilson is tackling some of the world’s toughest endurance races, including multi-day desert ultras and 100K+ mountain events. And he’s doing it while building companies — eight venture-backed startups, including multiple successful exits and unicorns. Running, he says, has been the foundation of everything.
“Training is my religion. Six or seven days a week for 30 years. It stabilizes me emotionally, physically, chemically — it multiplies who I can become.”
The Power of Presence
One of Wilson’s favorite aspects of extreme challenges isn’t just the achievement — it’s the mental state they create. In intense physical environments, the brain shifts into deep focus and flow. Breathing, movement, and effort bring a rare sense of peace.
“Presence is freedom. When you’re fully in the moment, there’s no room for anxiety or depression.”
For someone who spent years battling mental health struggles, those moments of clarity are priceless.
Turning Miles into Meaning: Fundraising Through Running
About five years ago, Wilson added a new dimension to his racing: fundraising.
What began with running a marathon for a cancer charity quickly grew into a major mission.
Over the past decade, he’s raised — and personally donated — around $1 million for causes including:
Children’s education and at-risk youth
Cancer research
Foundations supporting disabled athletes
He’s served as an ambassador, trustee, and hands-on participant — even pushing disabled athletes through marathons and triathlons. For Wilson, fundraising isn’t just about money. It’s about purpose.
“When you race for something bigger than yourself, everything changes. The pain means more. The effort means more.”
How He Successfully Raises Money: some of his fundraising masterclass
Wilson shared some practical fundraising lessons in his fundraising masterclass that anyone can use:
1. Lead by exampleHe always donates first — often covering a third to half of the total target himself.
2. Use multiple channels
Social media posts and training updates
Direct messages to close contacts
Emails with photos and race context
3. Tell a story People respond to:
Big challenges
meaningful causes
visible effort
4. Ask boldly (even when it’s uncomfortable)Most people donate immediately or not at all — so clarity and confidence matter.
5. Accept realityNot everyone will care — and that’s okay. What matters is the impact you do make.
His Message to Everyday Runners
For anyone already training for a half marathon or marathon but not considering charity running, Wilson’s advice is simple:You’re already doing something hard.Why not make it matter even more?
“Think about your life — family members, friends, people affected by illness or disability. For the same effort, you can challenge yourself and change someone else’s life too.”
Even raising a few hundred pounds can make a difference. And beyond money, you’re raising awareness, community, and humanity.
Gratitude Through Running
One of Wilson’s most powerful reflections was about gratitude. The ability to run — to choose discomfort, to have time, health, and opportunity — is something many people don’t have.
“There’s a lot to be grateful for just being able to put your trainers on.”
Pair that gratitude with giving back, and running becomes more than fitness. It becomes a force for change.
Final Thoughts
Wilson’s story is a reminder that:
Movement can heal
discipline can transform
purpose can multiply impact
From a childhood of pain to a life of extreme challenges and generosity, he truly embodies what it means to become your own superhero. Not through invincibility — but through resilience, vulnerability, and showing up every day.And as he continues to tackle some of the world’s toughest endurance races, one thing is clear: For Wilson, every mile isn’t just about pushing limits. It’s about lifting others along the way.
Wilson has supported these great charities, amongst many others:
Rise Alliance For Children - Early stage education using science based play learning in environment of trauma and displacement. They have over 40,000 children in our school programs in 8 countries through more than 150 local partners. He is a Board member and has raised six figures for the charity during his challenges.
Kyle Pease Foundation - focused on inclusion of young athletes with disabilities into sports. Over 140 disabled athletes over 1300 finish lines crossed in 2024.
He has raised and donated nearly $40,000 over 2 years racing 10+ times
ZERO Prostate Cancer has supported millions of people at risk, diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy and support - with an urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care. He has raised over $25,000 over several races.
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