Serious runners only please
We are assembling a small group (20 maximum), of active or former military personnel or dedicated athletes to comprise a core team of runners committed to a 3-day 176 mile tribute run from Tallahassee to Jacksonville. The run has a specific timetable for each marker throughout each day. Runners need to be flexible, willing to run on any given day and when needed. RAIN OR SHINE.
Runners will run approx. 1 mile for every Florida fallen military hero who died while serving during the current war on terror, stopping to salute and give tribute by name at every Hero Marker, briefly greeting family, friends and comrades who may be waiting nearby. Stopping no longer than 90 seconds each.
Each runner must be physically capable of a consistent 8-9 minute mile for 2 mile legs. Core teams will regularly rotate over the 3-day period. We are not looking for quantity of runners but a solid team dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave their lives and their families. This route will be grueling at times because the trail winds through many hilly areas as we in Florida. A specific pace must be maintained in order to timely greet waiting families.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our core team or be a drop-in runner contact us at, Florida@RunfortheFallen.org.
Meet This Year's FLORIDA
CORE RUN TEAM
Brittany Dino
I am thankful to be joining the Run for the Fallen family as we bring honor and remembrance to Colorado's military fallen and their families.
Bryon West
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Florida in 2018. I started participating in charity runs in 2012. It is a great way to combine my passion for running and give back to the community. I never served in military, but have many family members who have. The military and their families sacrifices so much for the freedoms we enjoy, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Remembering and honoring their sacrifice is very important. That is why I am very proud to be a part of this run. God Bless America.
Tony Hanneken
I've done Florida Run For The Fallen before. I'm excited to be a part of 2024 FRFTF to support the Gold Star families and run for those who can't! We are a team of runners that collectively insure that service members who have lost their lives will never be forgotten!
Mark Mease
We run for those who can’t! I served in the United States Marine Corps and have been involved with veteran non-profit organizations since 2014. I have enjoyed being one of the core runners for Florida Run For the Fallen since day one. We run as one and for those who cannot. Honoring Florida’s fallen veterans and first responders and meeting Gold Star Families along the 3 day route brings many emotions among the runners and those who attend. I am honored to pay tribute to those men and women who have lost their lives and leave behind friends and family. We honor them we remember them and their names will never be forgotten.
Randy Haddox
I served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four. I am a disabled veteran who has served three tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. After I was medically retired in May 2017, I moved to Black Mountain North Carolina where I focused on rehabilitation though mountain trail running. I have lived in Jacksonville Florida since October 2019 where I work as an Occupational Safety Manager. I have been a member of Team RWB since 2013 and have been running for over 25 years. Some of my running achievements include two marathons, the R2R2R in the Grand Canyon, and many hours and miles exploring the Smokey Mountains.
Jon Vedia
Annual Florida Run for the Fallen. Help us bring tribute to our State's Military Fallen Heroes and their Families.
I run for those who can't.(sick, injured, deceased, etc) I run in thier Honor.
Perpetually Recognizing the Sacrifice of our Military Fallen Heroes and Their Families!
MIKE TAYLOR
I am thankful to be joining the Run for the Fallen family as we bring honor and remembrance to Florida's military fallen and their families.
Scott Knapp
I ran to honor and remember Florida’s Fallen in 2023 and I’m returning to continue to honor and remember. I’m a 21 year retired veteran of the US Army. I continue to serve my country working for the Department of Defense.
I love trail running as well as ultra marathons. My love for running and for honoring my fellow veterans have combined in this organization and I am thrilled to be but a small part of it.
Jamie Saunders
I am really honored and full of gratitude to be able to join the Run for the Fallen Florida team. This has a lot of meaning for me because of my father, Captain Don Saunders, with the US Marines and because of the children I get to work with daily. I’m a licensed mental health counselor and have the privilege of working with survivors of childhood trauma. Their stories, my father’s experience in Vietnam, and many other’s who currently serve or have served our country are a huge motivator and reason why I run. Running is a gift and I desire to run in honor of those who cannot. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
MIKE McClellan
I have participated in the Florida run twice before and runs in Arizona over 4 times. I am a long time friend of the founder, George Lutz, and knew his son Tony. I saw George go through the loss of his son and helped him bring Honor and Remember to life. As a former Navy Officer who has been in combat, the cause of Honor and Remember is dear to my heart.
Scott Tyler
I heard about the run from Randy Haddox. I participated in Fl Run for the Fallen in 2023. I was born in Sumter SC on Shaw AFB. I am a retired Air Force Security Forces member from the 125th Fighter Wing in Jax Fl. This event is important to me because it acknowledges our fallen heroes and their families.
Mathew Sabatino
Although I'm an Ohio native, Florida has been home for most of my adult life. After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2008 and commissioning in the Air Force, I served over 10 years in the Florida Panhandle. My family and I have recently returned and I'm humbled to participate in the Florida Run For The Fallen for the first time after running in the Virginia Run For the Fallen for the last two years. This event combines my love for running with a heartfelt tribute to my fallen brothers and sisters in arms. For me, each step in this event is not just part of a run; it's a step towards ensuring their memory and sacrifices continue to inspire and are never forgotten.
Brian Reed
I ran this for the first time last year. I've been running for about 10 years. I'm doing this to give back and honor those who preserve my way of life.
Regina Sooey
I am thankful to be joining the Run for the Fallen family as we bring honor and remembrance to Flordia's military fallen and their families.