Virginia man completes three marathons to raise money for bombing victims
The tragedy at the Boston Marathon shook the country as images of the hundreds injured and heartbreaking memorials flashed across televisions throughout the nation. In response, many people from all over have tried to find a way to help the victims of the bombings.
In Arlington, Va., Frank Fumich decided to turn off the news and use his athletic talents to help the victims of the bombings. A family man and ultra-marathon competitor, Fumich decided to run three marathons in succession to raise money for the Richard family. Eight-year-old Martin Richard was killed at the finish line of the marathon, and his mother and sister suffered serious injuries which will change their lives forever.
When Fumich set out on his charitable mission, he set a goal of raising $26,000. Fumich ended up shattering that goal by raising a grand total of $33,000. Fumich said he will donate the extra money to Jeff Bauman, who lost both legs in the bombings.
Fumich managed to finish the 78.6-mile run in 19 hours and 38 minutes. He said he chose to run the length of three marathons in honor of the three victims who lost their lives at the Boston Marathon.
Fumich was ecstatic to see the incredible results from his efforts, hardly able to contain himself he posted on Facebook detailing the success of his endeavor and gratitude to all who made it possible.
“I have just risen from a coma and I see $30,000!! OMG! Did all this really happen or was it just one crazy a– dream?!..no wait, I see my ankles look like my grandma’s, so it must be real!!! WOW! Speechless!” Fumich wrote.
Fumich did not complete the event on his own though. Many people joined Fumich for shorter distances to show support for those in Boston. Fumich got some help too from training buddy Matt Nelson, who assisted Fumich in setting up a website for people to donate and share their stories, titled Endurance Trust Incorporated.
Fumich has been planning on running a total of 50 marathons, one in each state. He planned on saving the Boston Marathon, the hardest marathon in the nation, for last, but considering recent events, Fumich said it just may be his next stop.
