File this under things I would never do but totally respect.
Ultramarathoner Corey Cappelloni missed his Nana. Ninty-eight-year-old Ruth Andres was quarantining at the Allied Services Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Scranton, Pa., when COVID-19 first hit. Cappelloni, the 45-year-old runner and asylum officer, was calling every other day and sending his grandmother weekly gifts, but they still missed each other terribly.
Run For Ruth Fundraiser 
Ruth and Corey 
Corey at the Finish Line (Jessie Wardarski/AP)
It was Cappelloni’s girlfriend, Susan Kamenar, who got the idea for Corey to run from his home in Washington, D.C. to his grandmother’s care facility in Scranton, PA. The distance (including avoiding major roadways), was about 220 miles, or roughly the equivalent of seven 50k ultramarathons. Cappelloni, an experienced long-distance runner, planned to run the entire way in only seven days (plus one day of rest).
Corey’s Planned Seven-Day, 220-Mile Journey:
- Run 1 – Washington, DC & Maryland Rock Creek Trail
- Run 2 – Northern Central Railroad & York County Heritage Trails
- Run 3 – Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
- Run 4 – Elizabethtown & Conewago Recreational Trail
- Run 5 – Elizabethtown & Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
- Run 6 – Bloomsburg, PA
- Run 7 – Wilkes-Barre to Scranton, PA (to see Nana!)
Cappelloni started Run For Ruth, a fundraiser to track his journey while raising money for Allied Services, Ruth’s care facility. He wanted to express his appreciation for the excellent care the facility was providing while bringing attention to the residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers who were struggling with isolation during the pandemic—and the heroic care workers who were supporting them in these difficult times. Cappelloni aimed to raise $22,000—$100 for each mile.
“This endurance challenge is a way for me to show Nana that I am there for her, to raise awareness for all the residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers across the country and the world. The run is also to honor the victims of coronavirus, including my great uncle Charles “Chuck” Gloman who passed away on May 11th, and to deeply thank all the heroic staff at Allied Services and similar organizations for putting the care of others first.”
Corey Cappelloni, Run for Ruth
Before the journey began, Ruth tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but the 98-year-old fought through it. Cappelloni began his run on June 12 with his Kamenar following behind in an RV and documenting his journey. On day 6 of his run, Cappelloni received the good news—his Nana had fully recovered from the coronavirus. And on June 19, he reached his destination and was able to wave to his grandmother from outside her window while she sheltered safely inside. Run For Ruth was also a success and has raised more than $24,000.
Read More about Corey and Ruth and the 220 Miles That Brought Them Together Again:
- Run to Ruth: Ultramarathoner Runs 220 Miles to Talk to His Grandmother Through a Window (RunnersWorld.com)
- D.C. Ultramarathoner Will Run 220 Miles to See His 98-Year-Old ‘Nana’ at Scranton Nursing Home (Washington Post)
- Corey Cappelloni Completes Run for Ruth (Allied-Services.org)
- 7 Days, 7 Ultramarathons, 1 Purpose (RunForRuth.com)
- Watch Corey and Ruth FaceTime before Corey sets off on his run. (YouTube)
- Man Runs 218 Miles to Virus-Stricken ‘Nana’s’ Nursing Home (Star Advertiser)