Competitor bio:

Corey is originally from Columbus, Indiana and holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. When not running, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling across the U.S. and around the world. Corey got a relatively late start to running but to date, he has completed over a dozen full marathons. Corey is competing in the 2025 World Marathon Challenge to raise money and awareness for The Freedom 13. This foundation was established in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, one of the 13 U.S. service members who was tragically killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during the final days of the U.S. withdraw from Afghanistan. To honor Jared and the other 12 service members, The Freedom 13 aims to establish recreational retreats in each of the 50 U.S. states where veterans and their families can go to spend time with family, connect with other veterans, and engage in various outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, and pickleball. The foundation will also provide access to service dogs, PTSD counseling services, and employment placement assistance.