Jeff Koontz Takes on the Race Across America
Pittsburgh, PA - On June 16, Project412's own Jeff Koontz will roll out of Oceanside, California with 3,000 miles of road between him and the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He'll be racing in the Race Across America (RAAM), widely considered one of the most grueling endurance events in all of cycling — and he'll be doing it for a cause much bigger than himself.
Jeff is riding to raise money for the KDKA-TV Turkey Fund, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Since 1981, the Turkey Fund has partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to help local families in need put a warm meal on the table at Thanksgiving. This year, that mission stretches coast to coast.
The Race
RAAM is not a stage race. The clock starts in Oceanside and doesn't stop until the Atlantic. Riders cross 12 states, climb over 175,000 vertical feet, and manage their own sleep — or lack of it — along the way. Jeff will have 12 days to make the crossing, supported around the clock by his crew.
For anyone who has followed Jeff's preparation, this has been a long time coming. In January, he spent 24 straight hours on the rollers, logging 628 miles in his basement while dialing in the nutrition and pacing strategies he'll lean on out on the road.
The Cause
Every mile Jeff rides is in service of the Turkey Fund's mission: making sure no family in the Pittsburgh area goes without a Thanksgiving meal.
45 years, 3,000 miles, and 1 mission for local families.
You can support Jeff's ride by donating at KDKATurkeyFund.com. Every dollar goes toward helping families right here at home.
Follow Along
Once the race is underway, you can follow Jeff's progress in real time on the official RAAM live tracker.
Jeff's journey will also be covered on KDKA-TV throughout the race — catch updates on "Pittsburgh Today Live," "Talk Pittsburgh," and KDKA-TV News. We'll also be sharing updates on Project412 social media as Jeff makes his way across the country.
The race begins June 16. Let's bring it home, Jeff.