Rising Stars: Meet Tallyn Sherman of University Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tallyn Sherman.

Hi Tallyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The idea for Rise Again Running Events (RARE) came to life while I was working on the design of an apartment community for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I.D.D.). As I learned about the significant costs involved in building and maintaining such a community, I realized that fundraising could be one of the most effective ways I could contribute. I’ve always loved running—especially ultra-marathons—and I thought, “What better way to combine my passion for running with my desire to help create homes for those in need?”

I decided to host ultra-marathons to raise funds not only for Tall Tales Ranch but also for other community housing and homeless shelter nonprofits. These causes are deeply personal to me. I’ve witnessed the challenges my sister, who has severe epilepsy, faces every day. The strength it takes her to accomplish her goals inspires me. My mom, who once struggled with homelessness, managed to rebuild her life, start her own businesses, and raise me with the belief that life is what you make of it. Without the resources and support they received, their stories—and mine—could have turned out very differently.

I wanted to create something that could start by helping organizations, that were already in place, to assist those in need. Eventually, I hope to grow a platform that provides services and spaces, through the ultra-marathon community, to be able to help people like ones who have helped my mom and sister.

It’s been a real grind. In the first year, I was already working full-time at an architecture firm while training for an ultra-marathon I was competing in. I used that first year though figuring out how to set up a non-profit, secure race permits, and manage logistics in and around Denver. Then, I joined the Colorado Air National Guard, which meant spending the beginning of the second year at Basic Military Training and Air Force Engineering Tech School.

Since returning, I’ve been juggling studying for my architecture license exams, fulfilling active duty orders, and getting the first RARE ultra planned. Despite these challenges, two years later, RARE successfully hosted the inaugural race, The Ol’ College Try 24-Hour Ultra at Auraria Campus in Downtown Denver. This first race raised $680 for Tall Tales Ranch.

It hasn’t been easy and I won’t pretend it has been. However, knowing that the efforts of RARE, and the dedication of our competitors, continues to inspire me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has most definitely not been smooth. Lots of no’s to having businesses be sponsors for the race, lots of no’s for getting permits for parks and trails around Denver, and learning on the go about the nonprofit sector, although it has been interesting. Asking for help is a struggle, too. As a startup non-profit, I haven’t been able to pay myself because I put all profit back into the events and towards the partnerships RARE has, so asking others to volunteer their time to help build RARE into something so that RARE could then start hiring and paying employees is a very, very hard sell. I’ve got plans in the works to go back to school to get either a certificate or Master’s in Public Administration to further my knowledge to be able to build RARE into the vision I have and build a team that’s dedicated to the mission.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work as it relates to RARE currently specializes in fundraising for other non-profits who deal in Community Housing and Homeless Shelters. I’m known for helping bring Ultra Races into more urban environments, which helps set us apart from other similar events that are held in more rural areas. With being so new, our inaugural event, The Ol’ College Try, is what I’m most proud of at the moment.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
They can donate to RARE through our website, riseagainrunning.org. All proceeds go to our operational costs and help fund our events, allowing more money to then flow to our partners and RARE’s future goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://riseagainrunning.org
• Instagram: riseagainrunning

Image Credits
James Holk Photography