Our Athletes

I'm proof to keep fighting for yourself. I've spent the majority of my life working through depression, and how to cope anxiety / panic attacks. Up until 2021, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without my heart racing out of control. Fate pushed me to face my inner demons and do the unthinkable: climb a mountain. It was after climbing

I'm proof to keep fighting for yourself. I've spent the majority of my life working through depression, and how to cope anxiety / panic attacks. Up until 2021, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without my heart racing out of control. Fate pushed me to face my inner demons and do the unthinkable: climb a mountain. It was after climbing Grand Teton that I founded Mental Mountains Project to inspire others to keep going and raise awareness for those suffering with mental health illnesses.

On each run, each expedition, the fears around panic are still there, but I see them as the gift now that set me on this path to see what I'm made of. The guy who used to struggle to get groceries standing on the top of Kilimanjaro, triathlete, and ultra runner. That gifts taught me showing up is my super power. Coming back again and again after getting my ass kicked. Because that's what we do to overcome hard things. Showing up is our choice. Reaching out a hand to lift up that someone is our choice. See you all at the top.

- Keith Batenhorst | Founder & CEO

I've always been drawn to hard things, long miles, thin air, early mornings, and finish lines. But, the hardest mountains I've climbed have never been physical. After years of quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional patterns I didn't understand, I reached a breaking point and began learning skills that have changed my l

I've always been drawn to hard things, long miles, thin air, early mornings, and finish lines. But, the hardest mountains I've climbed have never been physical. After years of quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional patterns I didn't understand, I reached a breaking point and began learning skills that have changed my life.

Mental Health Care gave me tools, language, and hope. It saved me. Not everyone gets that chance. 

That's why I'm proud to be a part of the Mental Mountains Project. Every climb and every race is a way to turn my story into something useful, helping raise funds so others can access the support they need and deserve. I'm still learning. Still healing and still climbing. See you at the top.

Leif Thronson | Deputy Director of Fundraising

I’m a Seattle-based mountaineer (among other outdoor passions). Earlier in my career I worked as a paramedic, where I saw firsthand the significant and often unmet need for better mental health support within our communities. I have since moved to professionally focus on technology to support great mental healthcare delivery at a large me

I’m a Seattle-based mountaineer (among other outdoor passions). Earlier in my career I worked as a paramedic, where I saw firsthand the significant and often unmet need for better mental health support within our communities. I have since moved to professionally focus on technology to support great mental healthcare delivery at a large mental healthcare provider organization.

I am pushing myself towards bigger and more technical objectives, and adding in ski mountaineering where I can. I’ve recently stood on the summits of Ama Dablam and Denali, and I spend much of my time navigating the peaks of the Pacific Northwest, including Mt. Rainier. I'm excited to be a part of MMP to support their mission through my expeditions.

Follow @justin_einstein

Justin Einstein | Athlete Ambassador