Two Men Will Run 185 Miles for Wounded Veterans

Two complete strangers will run 185 miles together next month for wounded veterans.

Paul Koczera, of Shepherdstown, WV, and Jeremy Rausa, of Washington, D.C., have volunteered to run for Maryland-based nonprofit 185 for Heroes. From Sept. 14 - 20, Koczera and Rausa will run a marathon per day, dedicating each day to a particular wounded warrior.

The 185-course along the C&O Canal stretches from Cumberland, MD, to Washington, D.C.

The week-long run will conclude with a ceremony at Georgetown University complete with speakers who are veterans, runners and community members joining together to honor U.S. heroes.

“The ceremony is our way to tell our veterans that we recognize the sacrifices they have made for us,” said Ashley Ackenhausen, vice president and co-founder of 185 for Heroes, in a news release. “We honor their bravery and heroism, and we are here to welcome them back.”

185 for Heroes started in 2010 when two siblings, Ashley Anderson -- now Ackenhausen -- and her brother Clay, decided to take on an endurance challenge by running the 185-mile stretch. The siblings wanted to turn their endurance run into a charity and decided to make the event a fundraiser for wounded veterans.

For Ashley and Clay, the cause was very personal. Both are active members of the United States Navy and knew people who were wounded and struggling.

185 for Heroes’ motto is, “We run because they fought.”

The organization has since raised more than $55,000 for wounded veterans and grown to a network of over 700 supporters.

Both runners this year were inspired to join the cause after hearing from previous runners.

Rausa said the passion last year’s runners, David Brown and Michael Rychlik, showed when speaking about the run sparked his desire to join the cause.

“I am honored to run this year for all my fellow service members whom have already given so much,” Rausa said.

Rausa has served on active-duty in the U.S. Army for 20 years.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Operation Second Chance. The nonprofit organization dedicates their efforts to helping veterans as they recover in military hospitals through weekly visits, providing them with basic necessities and offering emergency financial assistance. Operation Second Chance also helps veterans and their families transition back into a civilian lifestyle.

Anyone can make donations to the cause online.

>> Photo: Left, submitted by Jeremy Rausa, Right, submitted by Paul Koczera.