Running 26.2 miles, raising $10,000 for charity

FLEMING ISLAND—Stephen DoRego has been training tirelessly for months. He's incorporated long runs, tempo runs, and scheduled rest days into his regimen as he prepares for the Boston Marathon on April 15.

Just last weekend, he ran 20 miles, his previous scheduled long run before the big race. But his regiment still has one last check mark – fundraising $10,000 for charity. 

"My life is fundraising and training," Stephen said. 

He is fundraising for Family Reach, a charity dedicated to helping families suffering from cancer by covering groceries, rent, and other living expenses. 

"I thought it was a unique cause," Stephen said. 

"I've had family members going through chemo at one point. There's a lot of people who resonate."

Stephen said he doesn't want families to choose between paying for chemotherapy or the electricity bill. His marathon fundraising effort caught the attention of Club Pilates in Fleming Island, which Stephen has frequented during his training. 

"I've been going to Club Pilates for a year. I'm close with the owner, Sarah. I told her I was running Boston through Family Reach, and she wanted details," Stephen said. 

Club Pilates donated over $700 of goods and services during a silent auction on March 17. 

He said some additional businesses were Urban Bean, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's, Maple Street Biscuit Company and Restored Hyper Wellness. 

The Family Reach charity team has five runners. They have set a cumulative goal of raising $50,000. Stephen has about $1,000 left before he meets his fundraising goal. 

His finishing goal for the Boston Marathon, his first marathon, is four hours. 

If you want to donate or learn more about Family Reach, visit sdruns262.com.