2026 IASIU Annual Conference

About Running 4 Heroes

Running 4 Heroes started with a kid, an appreciation for our First Responders, and a mission to raise awareness and funds for those fallen in the line of duty.

Zechariah Cartledge was born with the gift of running. He was raised with an appreciation for First Responders and all they do for the community. As he grew older, Zechariah decided to help the families of our fallen First Responders in a meaningful way. Encouraged by the mission and vision of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Zechariah began his journey raising funds for those families by running.

In 2019, Zechariah founded the Running 4 Heroes non-profit 501(c)(3). Since then, other Youth Runners have joined the cause, and together they run one mile for every First Responder who makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

To date, over 2,500 fallen heroes have been honored with a 1-mile run, and over $1,000,000 has been given to injured First Responders, Surviving Families, and K9s.

Our Youth Runners want to honor those who gave up their life so we may live in a better world while supporting those heroes who serve each and every day.

“Our First Responders do so much for us. I want to let them know they are appreciated.” – Zechariah Cartledge