MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A Southern Colorado man plans to walk the Manitou Incline every day for a cause close to his heart.
2,768 steps to the top of the incline is social media worthy for most.
For Gary Martinez Jr. it’s his daily routine.
“103 laps I’ve done so far since December 24th,” said Martinez.
There’s a reason behind it too.
“I’m starting a fundraiser,” said Martinez.
Every lap he makes on the incline, Martinez is raising money for the Kishami Academy, a school for kids with special needs.
“Being an autism parent myself, I wanted to give back,” said Martinez.
The hiker said he didn’t know about this resource while his daughter was growing up.
“Accommodating the students for what they need for support is just like music to an autism parents ears,” said Martinez.
He hopes his journey will spread awareness.
“I am going to do my very best with my legs and see how many laps I can do,” said Martinez.
He is off to a great start, hiking the incline five times a day. He said his sponsor, Lockhart & Powell CPAs, will match his laps with money, then double it.
“I feel like I can do at least a thousand or so,” said Martinez.
It’s hard work.
“I call it a wonderful suffer fest,” Martinez laughed.
It’s worth it for the hiker though, who says the Kishami Academy deserves the recognition and support.
“They need to get supplies for the students. They have a service dog that’s older,” Martinez continued. “They could certainly use a newer vehicle to take the kids to places, events around town.”
Martinez is enjoying the challenge and has found community at the incline.
It’s more than just an activity for him. He’s hiking with a purpose.
“It’s my favorite type of exercise to do. Why not use it towards a good cause and do something like this,” said Martinez “It’s good for us to all be united together as people.”
Martinez plans to hike the incline every day until December 24th.