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Florida teen Zechariah Cartledge completes final run for fallen heroes

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Updated  December 31, 2024 12:42am EST
Seminole County
FOX 35 Orlando

Florida teen completes final 'Running for Heroes' mission

Sixteen-year-old Zechariah Cartledge laced up his shoes one last time to honor fallen first responders, completing his 1,572nd mile run as part of his "Running for Heroes" mission.

The Brief

    • Sixteen-year-old Zechariah Cartledge completed his final run for "Running for Heroes," a mission he started at age 10 to honor fallen first responders, covering 1,572 miles in total. 
    • His nonprofit, which has raised over $1 million for injured first responders and their families, will continue with new young runners while Cartledge transitions to mentoring and board leadership. 
    • His dedication has inspired communities nationwide, leaving a lasting legacy of gratitude and support for first responders.

SANFORD, Fla. - Sixteen-year-old Zechariah Cartledge laced up his shoes one last time to honor fallen first responders, completing his 1,572nd mile run as part of his "Running for Heroes" mission.  

"It's really just a way to come up one more time and honor the 1,571 first responders I've been able to help with this organization," Cartledge said. "So it's a really big night for running for heroes. The end of an era."  

Cartledge began his journey at age 10, running to honor first responders killed in the line of duty. Over the years, he’s paid tribute to heroes across the nation, including Master Deputy Bradley Link, who was killed in an ambush in Lake County this summer; Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, who died in 2021 after being shot in the head; and Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia, who succumbed to injuries from a 2018 standoff.  

The Winter Springs teen’s dedication has inspired countless individuals, including local leaders like Winter Springs Police Chief Matt Tracht.  

"Amazing young man. Amazing journey. Amazing foundation," Tracht said. "It feels good when the community comes together. A lot of cities don’t have that, but it means a lot to us in Central Florida."  

Florida teen to complete final run for fallen heroes

Sixteen-year-old Zechariah Cartledge planned to lace up his shoes one last time to honor fallen first responders in Sanford on Monday as part of his "Running for Heroes" mission.

Cartledge’s efforts extend beyond running. He founded the nonprofit "Running for Heroes," which has raised more than $1 million for injured first responders and the families of fallen heroes.  

"It just started with me running for fun in my neighborhood," Cartledge said. "It’s turned into a national nonprofit, giving back and running over 800 miles as an organization."  

Though this marks the end of his personal runs, "Running for Heroes" will continue. The organization is encouraging kids ages 9 to 15 to join the cause and run in memory of fallen heroes. Cartledge will remain involved, serving on the board and mentoring the next generation of runners.  

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