It all started the way most questionable decisions do: with some trash talk and way too much confidence.

Jeff Lochner is that guy. Marathoner. Clocked a 3:39 in LA. Talks about it often. Real proud of it. Then came the 2023 New York Marathon… and things went sideways. His time? 4:43. Oof.

Enter Larry Gates: Jeff’s friend and professional roaster. Upon hearing about this very average performance, Larry (a non-runner, by the way) claimed he could beat that time. No problem.

Jeff, fueled by ego and probably too many protein shakes, fired back: “You couldn’t beat my worst time on your best day.” And just like that, the bet was on.

Somewhere in the middle of this testosterone showdown, Sherly Johnson jumped in. Athletic, competitive, and never one to miss out on a challenge, she was in even though this will be her first marathon. And so the Menage A Trotters were born: big dreams, bigger mouths, and absolutely no chill.

They aimed for the 2025 New York Marathon, but didn’t make the lottery. So they pivoted and found their way to the Berlin Marathon through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Finish Berlin, and they secure NY 2026 bibs and raise funds to fight a disease that affects over 30,000 people in the U.S.

What started as a dumb bet turned into something real. Something good. Something worth sweating for. Yes, Jeff still wants to prove Larry wrong. Yes, Larry’s still talking big. And yes, Sherly’s still planning to beat them both. But now, they’re running for something much bigger.

They’re running for the kids and adults living with cystic fibrosis — for more treatments, more hope, and one day, a cure. Their goal? $50,000. Every step they take in Berlin gets them closer.

So whether you’re Team Jeff, Team Larry, or Team Sherly, your donation means everything. 

Help us turn a ridiculous bet into real change.

Donate here, but make sure to also drop a note about who you're rooting for!