Ironman Japan

My 226 kilometers. One finish line. A bigger purpose.

On September 13, 2026, I completed my first triathlon: a full-distance Ironman in South Hokkaido, Japan.

3.8 km of swimming. 180 km of cycling. 42.2 km of running.

What began as the biggest physical challenge I had ever taken on became something much bigger: a journey connecting Switzerland and Japan through sport, people, and cancer research.

Every kilometer had a purpose beyond the finish line: turning personal endurance into an opportunity for a young researcher to pursue a promising idea.

Introduction

  • 226 km

  • 13:04:27

  • 3.8 km swim

  • 180 km bike

  • 42.2 km run

6:30 AM - The Start

Months of training reduced to one moment: standing at the water's edge.
A little fear. A lot of gratitude. And the people who came all the way to Hokkaido to be there with me.

226 kilometers ahead.

The Swim - 3.8 km

Two laps in the waters of Hokkaido. The first discipline of my first triathlon.
Don’t think about the marathon. Don’t think about the finish line. Just keep moving forward.

The Bike - 180 km

The longest part of the day - and the moment when patience became as important as strength.
An Ironman is not about going fast. It is about knowing how long you still have to go.

The Run - 42.2 km

Three laps. The first to warm up. The second was what I had trained for. The third was to enjoy, knowing my people were waiting at the finish line.
It wasn’t easy, but it was simple: one step after the other.

The Finish Line

13:04:27. Ironman.

But the finish line was never the real destination. The real goal was to turn those 226 kilometers into something that could continue long after the race was over.

Ironman Japan marked a new chapter for Faces of Hope: bringing the initiative to Japan and creating a direct connection between personal endurance and the next generation of cancer researchers.

100% of the funds raised will finance a pilot research grant for an early-career researcher working in oncology.

Through an open call for applications, young researchers will be invited to present promising ideas that need the first resources to be explored. The selected project will receive funding to generate preliminary results, helping open the door to larger studies and future discoveries.

Because breakthroughs rarely begin as breakthroughs. They begin with an idea, an opportunity, and someone willing to believe in them.

Research is hope. And hope has a face.

How you can support

  • A first step


    CHF 5 / JPY 1,000

    Even the smallest contribution matters. Many first steps together can start a journey of change.

    Donate CHF 5 / JPY 1,000

  • A set of samples


    CHF 50 / JPY 10,000

    Support the materials needed to test an innovative idea. With your help, a researcher can move from theory to practice.

    Donate CHF 50 / JPY 10,000

  • A key experiment


    CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

    Enable a crucial experiment in cancer research. This level of support can generate the first results that open new directions.

    Recognition on website and SNS channels.

    Donate CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

  • A breakthrough opportunity


    CHF 2,500 / JPY 500,000

    Fund a young researcher’s project idea with a direct pilot grant. Your support allows a postdoc to generate preliminary data and apply for larger grants.

    Recognition on website and SNS channels, plus a feature in the Faces of Hope Donor Series.

    Donate CHF 2,500 / JPY 500,000

  • Donate easily with TWINT

    Switzerland only

    Donations via TWINT are anonymous. To help us keep track and properly thank you, we would appreciate it if you let us know.

Join the journey

I hope you’ll join us on this journey: by making a donation and/or by sharing this initiative with others.

Small steps. Real impact.

Support Faces of Hope