My running adventures over the years have been about more than just miles—they’ve been about meaning, memories, and leaving ALS better than I found it. This August 18-26, to celebrate the tenth year of the Iron Phi running trip, my wife Tillie and I, along with our friends (and fellow proud Iowa State Cyclones) Ryan and Nicole Galles, are taking that spirit international with a journey to Ireland. We’re combining travel, friendship, and philanthropy with a shared passion for Iowa State—attending the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, where the Cyclones will take on the Kansas State Wildcats.

Along the way, we’ll visit many iconic Irish landmarks, recognize donors at each stop, and aim to raise $5,000 for Iron Phi. With your help, this trip will bring my personal Iron Phi fundraising total near $44,000 and celebrate the generosity of those helping us Leave ALS Better Than We Found It.

The Cause:

As always, I’m raising funds for Iron Phi, a program I helped launch at Phi Delta Theta to support ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) while developing leadership in college men. Since 2010, over 11,500 individuals have joined the program, 2,700+ have become Iron Phis (raised $1,000+ and completed an athletic goal), and together we’ve raised $5.4 million.

Iron Phi partners closely with the Live Like Lou Foundation, founded by my friend and mentor Neil Alexander and his wife Suzanne after Neil’s ALS diagnosis. With Phi Delta Theta’s support, Live Like Lou has grown nationally, and I’m proud to help carry out Neil’s vision to Leave ALS Better Than We Found It. We’re making real impact—supporting ALS families, funding research, and honoring Lou Gehrig’s legacy—with over $13.5 million raised to date.

To celebrate the generosity of those who donate, I’ll be continuing the scavenger hunt approach. Below is a list of all the locations (100 to be exact) that I will attempt to visit this year. In return for a donation, you’ll get a picture of me with a personalized thank you sign that recognizes you in front of a landmark. I will be blogging throughout the trip, and my posts will include the pictures thanking donors. Make sure to include which landmark(s) you want to support when you make your donation. Runner’s Choice stops are in-the-moment landmarks that are spontaneous. I can’t wait to thank you!

You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the “Make a Donation” link below my fundraising total. You can also send a check made out to Iron Phi to me if you’d rather donate that way. Message me on Facebook for my address.

The Schedule:

Tuesday, August 19 –Shannon to Killarney

• Bunratty Castle – Andrew Norrie
• Katie Day’s Heritage Pub & Kitchen (Limerick) – Cory & Jennifer Hanson
• King John’s Castle – Scott Mietchen
• Adare Manor – Home of the 2027 Ryder Cup – Brad & Mindy Carlson
• Desmond Castle (Newcastle) – Kerrie Herren
• Killarney Avenue Hotel – Roger Heineken
• Killarney National Park – Roger Heineken
• Boat Tour on Killarney’s Lakes – Kelly Caughlan
• J.M. Reidy’s Pub – William Kneip
• Drinking the First Guinness of the Trip – Chris Hill
• Runner’s Choice – Wes & Wendy Faust
• Runner’s Choice – Rob & Julie Waltz

Wednesday, August 20 – Ring of Kerry

• Ross Castle – Josh Ehlen
• Muckross Abbey – Randy & Lori Good
• Torc Waterfall – Andrew McGuire
• Ladies View – Sean & Michell Wagner
• Moll’s Gap – Kyle Prager
• Kenmare – Brad & Tracy Sievers
• Staigue Fort – Keith Wysocki
• Blind Piper Pub (Caherdaniel) – Stephen Bloomer
• Derrynane Beach – David Almacy
• Waterville – David Almacy
• Ballinskelligs – Kerrie Herren
• Skellig Michael – Debbie Smith
• Coomanaspig Pass – David & April Etler
• Kerry Cliffs – Tom & Colleen Good
• Valentia Island – Tim Bell
• Cahirciveen – Brian & Kyle Woods
• Rossbiegh Beach – Ross & Megan Roti
• O’Connor’s Pub – Bryan & Kristin Pates
• Runner’s Choice – Jeremy Smith

Thursday, August 21 – Dingle Peninsula

• Dingle – Suzanne Alexander
• Ventry Beach – Dylan Berg
• Dingle’s White Cross – Stephen Bloomer
• Dunmore Head Viewpoint – Debbie Purdy
• Coffee with a View at Caife Na Tra – Bill & Lindy Good
• Coumeenoole Beach – Kyle & Ashley Schilling
• Dun Chaoin Pier – Kerrie Herren
• Ceann Sibéal Viewpoint (Star Wars Movie Site) – Mike Scarlatelli
• Clogher Strand Beach – Debbie Smith
• Gallarus Oratory – Jennifer Morrow
• Dingle Bay Hotel – Linda Carlson
• Murphy’s Ice Cream – Bill & Lindy Good
• Dick Mack’s Pub – Drew Miller
• Foxy John’s Pub & Hardware – Joe & Sarah Wechsler
• Runner’s Choice – Andrew Christy
• Runner’s Choice – Bryan & Lauren Loonsfoot

Friday, August 22 – Dingle to Dublin

• The Brazen Head (Ireland’s Oldest Pub) – Kevin Marks
• Guinness Storehouse – Brad & Mindy Carlson
• Guinness Storehouse – Suzanne Alexander
• Drinking a Guinness at the Storehouse – Haley & Taylor Abel
• The Fleet Hotel – Dean & Carla Breneman
• Palace Bar – William Kneip
• Ha’Penny Bridge – Jeremy Sale
• Trinity College – Mike Hyatt
• Merrian Square Park – Iowa State Pep-Rally – Ryan & Nicole Galles
• Temple Bar Pub – Brad & Kelly Becker
• Stag’s Head – Official Iowa State Pub – Josh Ehlen
• Runner’s Choice – Joe & Sarah Wechsler
• Runner’s Choice – Adam & Lindsey Good

Saturday, August 23 – Aer Lingus Classic – Gameday in Dublin

• Dublin Castle – Mike Hyatt
• Christ Church Cathedral – Rob & Julie Waltz
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Debbie Purdy
• Mulligan’s Pub – Scott Lynch
• O’Donoghue’s Pub – Scott Lynch
• Toners Pub – Scott Lynch
• Doheny & Nisbett Pub – Scott Lynch
• Smyth’s Pub – Scott Lynch
• Aviva Stadium – John & Amanda Winters
• Aer Lingus Classic – Iowa State vs. Kansas State – Jami Touney
• Aer Lingus Classic – Iowa State vs. Kansas State – Josh Ehlen
• Aer Lingus Classic – Iowa State vs. Kansas State – Tom & Colleen Good
• Runner’s Choice – Jason & Jadee Purdy
• Runner’s Choice – Brad & Lindsay Klein

Sunday, August 24 – Dublin to Galway

• Sean’s Bar (Athlone) – Roger & Paula Griffith
• The Residence Hotel – Debbie Smith
• Hall of the Red Earl Ruins – Mike Scarlatelli
• Quay Street Murals – Bill Wittress
• Latin Quarter – Geoff & Hope Wood
• Thomas Dillons – Home of the Claddagh Ring – Elissa Christmas
• Eyre Square – Tom & Lauren Jensen
• O’Connell’s  Pub – Robbie Marsden
• Galway Cathedral – Sparky Reardon
• Spanish Arch – David & April Etler
• Claddagh & Long Walk – Jennifer Morrow
• Tigh Neachtain Pub – Josh Lembrich
• Runner’s Choice – Alex & Emily Anne Pride Sutton
• Runner’s Choice – Anne Good

Monday, August 25 – Galway to Shannon

• Dunguaire Castle – Linda Carlson
• Ballyvaughan – Rob & Julie Waltz
• Fanore Beach – Ross & Megan Roti
• The Burren – Randy & Lori Good
• Doolan – Andy Tomka
• Cliffs of Moher – Bret Zimmerman
• Cliffs of Moher – Jason Brannon
• Eagan’s Bar – Adam & Lindsey Good
• Domoland Castle – Colin Hueser
• The Savoy Hotel (Limerick) – Tiffany Conrad
• Runner’s Choice – Mario Villa
• Runner’s Choice – Tad Derrick
• Runner’s Choice – Brayden Hosman

I hope that you’ll share this incredible adventure by supporting me in my journey. Your donations will be put to great use, helping us battle ALS and supporting college-aged men as they become the greatest version of themselves.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Steve