2026-01-10 15:30:23

A legend has been reawakened in time. Recently, Hal Finney's widow, Fran, posted on social media to commemorate this early Bitcoin pioneer at a crucial moment 17 years ago—when Hal publicly announced "Running bitcoin," becoming the first to publicly run a Bitcoin client in history.

This is not only a memorial; Fran also officially launched the fifth "Running Bitcoin Challenge" charity event. Started in 2021, the event is centered around the half marathon distance (21.1 kilometers), which Hal loved in his lifetime. Participants worldwide are invited to join by running or walking, with funds raised going toward ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) research.

How important was Hal's role? He was the recipient of Satoshi Nakamoto's first 10 BTC transfer—this transaction is clearly recorded in block 170 from 2009. As early as 2004, he proposed the Reusable Proof of Work (RPOW) system, which directly influenced Bitcoin's architecture. During Bitcoin's early development, he was deeply involved through test networks, feedback on vulnerabilities, and more, truly laying the foundation of the ecosystem.

Fate was not kind to him. In 2009, he was diagnosed with ALS, and his condition gradually worsened, eventually leading to paralysis. Yet, he never gave up coding. He passed away in 2014 due to complications from the disease, ending a life full of determination.

Hal's story reminds us that behind every great technological advancement, there are those willing to sacrifice everything. Through activities like the Running Bitcoin Challenge, the community continues to pay tribute to this spirit, while also uniting efforts to conquer ALS, a neurodegenerative disease.

BTC1,69%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

17 Likes

Reward
17
8
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

PoolJumper

· 01-13 12:29

Hal Finney is truly a legend, the first believer of Satoshi Nakamoto.

View OriginalReply0

FOMOmonster

· 01-12 19:15

Really, Hal is truly a legend among legends. Even with a paralyzed body, he's still coding. I truly admire his willpower. Satoshi Nakamoto's first BTC was given to him. What does that mean? It means Hal is the cornerstone of Bitcoin. Every time I see the Running Bitcoin event, I think of him. He's gone, but his spirit remains on the chain. Raising funds for ALS research is such a great cause. If Hal were still alive, he would definitely participate. By the way, if it weren't for Hal back then, would the path of Bitcoin have been different?

View OriginalReply0

CoffeeOnChain

· 01-12 11:22

Really, Hal's dedication back then is something we still need to learn from today. --- The 10 coins Satoshi Nakamoto transferred to him, if only they had been kept until now... Ah, never mind, don't think about it. --- Paralyzed but still coding? That kind of willpower is incredible. --- The Running Bitcoin Challenge idea is brilliant, both commemorative and fundraising for ALS, much better than those empty slogan-shouting. --- So the Bitcoin we use now was actually polished on Hal's hospital bed? That's mind-blowing. --- Starting RPOW in 2004? Hal truly was the chosen one, what a pity. --- Every time I read this story, I feel a different emotion... Maybe it's because my own experiences have changed. --- That transaction in block 170 feels like witnessing a testimony. --- If you ask me, compared to those self-media constantly hyping "faith," Hal is the real embodiment of faith.

View OriginalReply0

MidnightTrader

· 01-10 15:57

Hal, this guy is really incredible. Even with his body paralyzed, he's still coding. I truly admire his mental strength.

View OriginalReply0

MEVHunterX

· 01-10 15:46

The moment Satoshi Nakamoto made his first transfer to Hal, this legend was already written... RIP to the true pioneer

View OriginalReply0

NftDeepBreather

· 01-10 15:41

Really, every time I hear Hal's story, I get emotional... Satoshi Nakamoto's first 10 coins to him—what a status symbol. --- Wow, running the Bitcoin Challenge idea is brilliant. Commemorate runners with running, and raise funds to fight ALS at the same time. The design is perfect. --- Paralyzed but still coding? His willpower is incredible. We, who lie flat every day, feel a bit ashamed. --- How much is the transaction at block 170 worth now? No need to say more, this is the soul of Bitcoin. --- It's the fifth time already. It seems the Running Bitcoin Challenge has been quite popular over the years. I need to find time to join. --- They created the RPOW system back in 2004, before Bitcoin even existed. This guy was really thinking ahead. --- ALS is truly amazing. It took away a genius like Hal. This activity is meaningful. --- From the first person to run Bitcoin to now still running... The community's tribute to Hal is very warm.

View OriginalReply0

MemecoinTrader

· 01-10 15:39

honestly the narrative architecture here is chef's kiss—they're literally weaponizing nostalgia to manufacture consent around a cause. fran understands memetic velocity better than 99% of influencers, ngl

Reply0

FlatlineTrader

· 01-10 15:38

Hal Finney is truly an invisible giant; Satoshi Nakamoto's first transaction was given to him.

View OriginalReply0