Sonoran Odyssey

300 Miles of Grit and Glory

Welcome to Sonoran Odyssey!

Our project follows ultrarunner and super yacht chef Helgi Olafson as he prepares for the 2025 Arizona Monster 300 Ultramarathon, overcoming hip pain caused by Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) and living with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The film emphasizes mental health, resilience, and teamwork, with fellow super yacht crew supporting his journey. The project invites sponsors to fund the film, with proceeds benefiting the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA).

Meet Helgi Olafson

Helgi Olafson is a professional super yacht chef, ultrarunner, and health advocate living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). He uses endurance sports to raise awareness of his condition and promote a “movement as medicine” approach. Helgi has completed over 14 200-mile ultramarathons, including multiple finishes in the Triple Crown of 200s. He is also the race director of The Mighty Gallatin 300, a challenging 300-mile stage run through Montana's Rockies, where the first-ever finisher was recorded in 2024 after 40 attempts.

14+ 200-Mile Ultramarathons: Including finishes in the Triple Crown of 200s (2018, 2021, 2023).

"Race Director of The Mighty Gallatin 300:" Created a grueling 300-mile stage race with 72,000 feet of elevation gain.

Health Advocacy: Uses his journey with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) to inspire others and promote physical and mental resilience.

Sonoran Desert of Arizona, April 4-11th 2025

Arizona Monster Website

Helgi's Diagnoses

Helgi has been battling severe hip pain, initially thinking running would ease his ankylosing spondylitis (AS) symptoms. However, in early 2024, he was diagnosed with femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), a condition affecting his hip joints. Instead of surgery, he's following a rehab plan with physical therapists to restore functionality, aiming to return to peak form for his 15th +200-mile race in Arizona. His journey emphasizes the importance of mobility for both physical and mental health, inspiring others facing similar challenges.

Despite the challenges of training with femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and managing ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Helgi is determined to conquer the 308-mile finish line within the 170-hour cut-off. His journey exemplifies perseverance and resilience, inspiring others to face their challenges with courage and optimism. This documentary will reveal that, for even the most experienced ultramarathon runners, the journey is often far from easy.

GOALS

Raise $15,000 - $20,000 in Sponsorship Funds:

Secure sufficient financial backing to cover production costs and ensure a high-quality documentary. (production, editing, crew vehicle, crew accommodation, crew supplies etc.)

Increase Awareness for SAA:

Drive donations and visibility for the Spondylitis Association of America through the film.

Inspire Action:

Encourage viewers to take up endurance challenges or be inspired to join the mental mental health conversation through Helgi's story.

Sponsorship Levels and Benefits

Trailblazer Sponsorship

$2,000

Supporting Brand promotion in the opening credits of the film (Example: "In association with: your company").

Product placement within a brief segment of the film to highlight your brand.
Supporting Brand logo placement on social media promotion of the film.
Supporting Brand logo placement on teaser trailer (~60s short) for social media promotion of film.
24" x 12" magnetic decal of logo on crew van during race.

Popular

Visionary Sponsorship

$5,000+

Primary Brand to host the documentary launch on their YouTube channel or platform of choice.

Primary Brand promotion in the opening credits of the film (Example: "Presented by: your company")
Product placement within multiple segments of the film to highlight your brand.
Primary Brand logo placement on social media promotion of the film.
Primary Brand logo placement on teaser trailer (~60s short) for social media promotion of film.
36" x 18" magnetic decal of logo on crew van during race.

SUPPORT HERE

Foundational Sponsorship

$500

Foundational Brand or Name Recognition promotion in closing credits of the film.

Foundational Brand logo placement on social media promotion of the film.
Foundational Brand logo placement in credits of teaser trailer (~60s short) for social media promotion of film.

NonProfit Partner

25% of the sponsorship funds will be donated to the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA), a nationally recognized 501c3 non-profit, to support essential research initiatives and programs. Helgi has been fundraising for SAA since 2011. If donations exceed expenses, any profits for this film will be donated entirely to SAA.

Meet the Team