TONAWANDA, N.Y.  Many marathons have been cancelled since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, but that isn't stopping Tonawanda's Vic Talarico from running.

"I just love running. That's obviously why I'm out here. I wanted to challenge myself and I've always been intrigued by going from one lake to the next. I know it's a heck of a challenge," says Talarico.


What You Need To Know

  • Vic Talarico, a Tonawanda man, ran 50 miles for charity

  • His route took him from Lake Erie in Buffalo to Lake Ontario in Youngstown

  • This was all in an effort to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

On Sunday, Talarico ran 50 miles, from Lake Erie in Buffalo to Lake Ontario in Youngstown. This is all to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

"Years ago, I ran the Memphis half marathon, where they go right through the complex, and it's like the size of a small college. It was really inspiring,” he said.

After that experience, Talarico has done whatever he could to raise money to help fight childhood cancer and other diseases. 

"I want to help people and I know it's been a tough year for a lot of people, and I'm sure it's no different for St Jude. So I feel good knowing that I can try and raise money for them," adds Talarico.

He says that he is not only happy to be helping a wonderful organization, but that he is grateful for the support of his friends.

"It's a great cause and a real challenge as well. Your regular marathon is a mere 26.2 miles and today, Vic will be running nearly double that, so that's a challenge for nearly any runner. We're just so happy to be out here supporting him and giving him all of the help that we can," explains Steve Schnepf, Vic's friend.

As of Sunday morning, Talarico had raised more than $1,400. For more information, and to donate, visit events.stjude.org/lake2lake.