Turning pain into purpose through an unprecedented physical challenge.
On February 16, 2025, Summer Willis embarked on an extraordinary journey—attempting to become the first person in history to crawl an entire marathon. This grueling 26.2-mile challenge symbolized the painful journey that survivors of sexual violence face: slow, agonizing, and relentless, yet showcasing incredible strength and determination.
The campaign’s name, “The Last Time We Crawl,” represented a powerful promise—that through awareness, advocacy, and policy change, we can create a world where survivors no longer have to crawl through broken systems and societal judgment.
During this historic event, Summer set world records for crawling a 5K and half marathon. In a powerful and unexpected moment, she chose to stand and run the second half of the marathon—a profound metaphor for the survivor’s journey from trauma to triumph. U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Texas legislators joined her for the final stretch, announcing that upcoming consent legislation would be named the Summer Willis Act in her honor.
Impact:
- Set world records for crawling a 5K and half marathon
- Generated national media coverage and conversations about sexual violence
- Inspired survivors nationwide to share their stories
- Catalyzed legislative support for the Summer Willis Act
- Raised funds for survivor support programs
