RAPID CITY, S.D. — For , what started as a half-joking idea eventually became a 450-mile mission fueled by sacrifice, remembrance and purpose.

This Memorial Day season, Mai Richards is running across South Dakota as part of her “Miles of Honor” journey, carrying the U.S. flag from Sioux Falls to Sturgis while honoring fallen service members and veterans along the way. The run is expected to conclude Memorial Day in Sturgis during a closing ceremony at Harley-Davidson Rally Point Plaza.

Richards said the idea grew naturally after completing five consecutive years of the Memorial Day Honor Run between Spearfish and Sturgis, where each mile was dedicated to fallen heroes submitted by families across the country.

“At one point, kind of half joking, I said, ‘Well, maybe I should just run across the state of South Dakota,’” Richards said. “The little joke slowly turned into something real.”

The Black Hills native said this year’s run also carries symbolic meaning as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

“I kept thinking about what better way to not only celebrate that but also remind people why we have the freedoms and privileges that we do,” Richards said.

Each day, Richards runs between 18 and 22 miles while carrying the American flag across South Dakota highways and communities. During those long stretches, she said her thoughts often center on sacrifice and the families left behind after military loss.

“I think carrying the U.S. flag for 450 miles constantly reminds me that freedom and stability came at a human cost,” Richards said. “That’s not lost on me when I’m out there running hour after hour across South Dakota.”

Richards described the journey as both mentally strengthening and emotionally exposing. While running originally became an outlet to process difficult moments growing up, this challenge has forced her into deeper reflection.

“There’s nowhere to hide out there for 18 to 22 miles a day,” Richards said. “You confront your thoughts, your fears, your gratitude and your purpose head on.”

Throughout the run, Richards said she has been overwhelmed by support from communities across South Dakota and even from followers around the world.

“People often know me as the happy-go-lucky girl,” Richards said. “So being able to openly share moments where I’m emotional, exhausted or struggling a bit, and then be met with kindness instead of judgment, has been incredibly meaningful to me.”

Richards, who previously served as the 2020 Sturgis Buffalo Chip Poster Model, said she now hopes to use her public platform to spotlight causes bigger than herself.

“As the years have gone on, I’ve become more intentional about using that visibility for something meaningful,” Richards said. “Running has become one of those ways.”

As she approaches the finish line in Sturgis, Richards hopes the journey reminds people to look beyond politics and remember the human cost of freedom.

“What matters most is remembering the people who gave their lives in service to our country,” Richards said.

More than anything, Richards said she hopes people leave with a renewed appreciation for life, sacrifice and service.

“To me, one of the best ways we can honor veterans, both past and present, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, is to try to live a life worthy of that sacrifice to the best of our ability every single day.”

You can help Mai along her way by donating here – https://www.gofundme.com/f/miles-of-honor-a-450mile-run-across-south-dakota