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. Our Youth Runners want to honor those who gave up their life so we may live in a better world.

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

Donations to Running 4 Heroes Inc. helps to fund the following missions:

  • Fallen Hero Flag Program

    Every mile that is run for our fallen First Responders, our mission will send the flag that was carried to the family and/or agency of the fallen hero along with a handwritten note.

  • Injured First Responder Grant Program

    Since 2020, nearly $500,000 has been awarded to over 50 heroes who have been injured in the Line of Duty.



  • K9 Grant Program

    Since 2021, we have awarded over $50,000 in equipment and monetary donations to K9 Officers and agencies across the nation.

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    We are currently not accepting any K9 Grant Applications at this time due to the overwhelming number of applications on file.

  • Family of the Fallen Beneficiary Fund

    When a First Responder is lost in the Line of Duty and leaves behind children 17 years of age or younger, with the agency/family blessing, we spearhead fundraising campaigns to help financially support the families of these fallen heroes. As of November 2024, Running 4 Heroes has awarded over $375,000 to these families.

  • Tribute Hall

    Located at 1000 Belle Ave. Unit 1060 in Winter Springs, Florida, the Running 4 Heroes Tribute Hall helps us continue to honor our fallen heroes by keeping the stories of our fallen alive. From stories of the heroic 9/11 efforts to recently fallen heroes lost in the Line of Duty, this Tribute Hall is a powerful place that will forever honor our fallen heroes and provide anyone visiting Central Florida a place to honor our fallen.

  • Zechariah Cartledge Scholarship Fund

    Our Youth Runners honor every Fallen Hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For every 25 Official Miles that our Youth Runners run in honor of a fallen hero, they receive $500 in a Scholarship Fund for future schooling.

    Meet Our Youth Runners