Some people take on challenges for the thrill. Others do it for a cause. For Brandon Pierce, it’s both.
A marketing professional in Las Vegas, Brandon is no stranger to long hours and big commitments. He’s built a career on strategic thinking, execution, and endurance of a different kind. But for the past two years, his biggest test hasn’t come in the boardroom – it’s been on the open road.
Brandon is taking on MS Run the US, a cross-country relay raising money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS). This year, he’ll be running 220 miles from Barstow, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada. When he crosses that finish line, he’ll have officially run 10% of the United States – a milestone few ever achieve.
But for him, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about the people.
A Personal Mission: Running for Family
Brandon’s “why” is clear: his sister-in-law has MS. He’s seen firsthand the impact this disease has – not just on those diagnosed, but on their families.
“MS isn’t just something that happens to one person. It affects everyone around them,” Brandon says. “Watching my sister-in-law fight this disease has changed my perspective. If running can bring awareness, raise money, and get us one step closer to a cure, then I’m all in.”
That’s why, in 2023, he ran 145 miles as part of the MS Run the US relay, covering Segment 14 from Milwaukee, WI, to Valparaiso, IN. That route ended in the town where he was born and raised – making it an incredibly personal experience.
“Finishing in my hometown was surreal. It felt like coming full circle,” he says. “But as meaningful as that run was, the fight against MS wasn’t over. My sister-in-law still had MS. So many others were still battling. I knew I had to do more.”
And he did.
Stepping Up When It Mattered Most
In 2024, Brandon wasn’t planning to run. He had completed his segment the year before and was preparing for his next big challenge. But when a fellow runner was injured, MS Run the US asked him to step in and cover part of a segment, this time starting in Valparaiso, Indiana.
“145 miles wasn’t enough, apparently,” he jokes. “But in all seriousness, when they called, I didn’t hesitate. I knew what was at stake. This relay isn’t just about the runners—it’s about the people who rely on the funding and awareness we bring.”
That impromptu effort only solidified his commitment to the cause. Which is why, in 2025, he’s taking on his biggest challenge yet – 220 miles across the desert.
From Barstow to Las Vegas: A Run That Feels Like Home
Brandon’s 2025 segment will take him from Barstow, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada – the city he now calls home.
“It feels symbolic,” he says. “In 2023, I ran to where I came from. This year, I’m running to where I am now. It’s a reminder that no matter where life takes you, you bring your purpose with you.”
Training for a run like this isn’t just about logging miles. It’s about preparing for the heat, sleep deprivation, and mental toll of running through the desert for days on end. Hydration, nutrition, and pacing become just as critical as endurance itself.
“You don’t just wake up one day and decide to run 220 miles,” Brandon says. “You build up to it – mile by mile, training session by training session. And somewhere along the way, you realize it’s not just your body that’s getting stronger – it’s your mind.”
Ultra Running and Success in Business
It’s no coincidence that Brandon is both an ultra runner and a successful marketing professional. The same qualities that drive him on the road also shape his approach to leadership, problem-solving, and long-term success.
“Running an ultra and running a business have more in common than people think,” he says. “Both require resilience, patience, and the ability to push through discomfort. You don’t always see immediate results, but if you stay consistent and trust the process, you get where you need to be.”
Just like in ultra running, business success isn’t about sprinting to quick wins – it’s about strategy, discipline, and knowing how to adapt when the road ahead gets tough.
“In an ultra, you hit low points. You’re exhausted, your legs hurt, and your mind is telling you to stop. But if you’ve prepared well, you know how to manage those moments. Business is the same way. There are setbacks, unexpected challenges, and long stretches where progress feels slow. The ones who succeed are the ones who know how to push through.”
Brandon also emphasizes the importance of mental toughness.
“You learn a lot about yourself when you’re 50 miles into a run with another 150+ mile to go,” he says. “It forces you to control your thoughts, manage stress, and stay focused on the bigger picture – skills that translate directly into business.”
And just like in a race, the right support system can make all the difference.
“No ultra runner gets through it alone. We have crews, pacers, and teammates who help us keep going. Business is no different – you need the right people around you to succeed.”
The Goal: $10,000 for MS Research and Support
This run isn’t just about pushing physical limits. Brandon’s goal is to raise another $10,000 – money that will go toward research, awareness, and direct support for those affected by MS.
“Every donation brings me one step closer to my goal and, more importantly, closer to stopping MS in its tracks,” he says. “Together, we can make a real impact – one mile, one dollar, one victory at a time.”
How to Support the Cause
Brandon isn’t running just to finish – he’s running to make a difference. If you want to be part of that mission, you can donate to MS Run the US and help fund critical research and resources for those affected by MS.
“If you’re able to donate, every dollar makes a difference,” he says. “And if you can’t, spreading the word is just as important. The more people know about MS and the need for a cure, the closer we get to making that happen.”
Leave a Comment