Lauren Godfrey, Founder

Lauren is the founder of the Be The One Race, an event that began as a passion to serve the veteran community and quickly became a call to action. When Lauren learned how many veterans lose their battle to suicide, she knew she couldn’t stay on the sidelines - she needed to do something within her own community.

As a high school student, balancing schoolwork while planning a large-scale event was not easy. Many people doubted whether she could see it through, questioning her age or thinking her goals were too ambitious. But she worked hard, pushed through setbacks, and refused to quit. Lauren faced red tape, obstacles, and moments of discouragement, but each time she was knocked down, she chose to get back up - because our veterans deserve to be seen, honored, and supported.

The Be The One Race is proof that age does not limit impact, and that meaningful change begins when someone decides to show up and take action.

Joanne Martin, Event Advisor

Joanne Martin served as a mentor throughout the entire Be The One Race journey, offering unwavering encouragement, guidance, and support every step of the way. Whenever help, information, or reassurance was needed, Joanne was there - leading with generosity, wisdom, and a deep commitment to service.

A proud member of American Legion Post 436, which partners with the Be The One Race, Joanne is incredibly intelligent, highly involved, and deeply invested in the future of the veteran community. She consistently goes above and beyond to advocate for the race, sharing its mission whenever and wherever she can.

Joanne believes that with action, education, and continued support, the stigma surrounding veteran mental health can be reduced. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication make her a role model to many, and her impact on this race - and on the people behind it - cannot be measured.

Angier American Legion Post 436, Partner

American Legion Post 436 proudly serves as the partner of the Be The One Race. From the very beginning, the members of Post 436 worked alongside Lauren throughout every stage of the journey - planning, organizing, preparing, and helping cultivate the event into what it is today.

Their support has been unwavering. Whether through hands-on assistance, encouragement, or simply showing up when it mattered most, Post 436 has consistently demonstrated what true community partnership looks like. The members are strong, brave, and deeply dedicated to serving veterans and their families, embodying the values of service, commitment, and compassion.

American Legion Post 436 stands firmly behind the mission of  Be The One and the belief that through action, awareness, and community support, lives can be saved. Their dedication to the cause and to those who have served our country is an integral part of this event’s success.