My name is Andrew Collinson, and I run for Running 4 Heroes. I’m thirteen years old (almost fourteen this October). I’m in my final year of middle school at Gainesville Middle School - West Campus. I’m part of the cross country and track team as well as the band for my school. I take honors classes. I participate in a recreational soccer team. I’m working on getting my black belt in karate right now. Hopefully, I’ll get it in April next year. I also work closely with Free Chapel, a church I belong to, by helping with the food pantry on Wednesdays and feeding the homeless on Saturdays.

Matthew is a 13-year-old 8th grade student in Staten Island, NY where he is a 2-year inductee of the Artista National Honor Society. 

He is a US Naval Sea Cadet in the Staten Island DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal unit, and an Explorer with Metropolitan Fire.  With both units he attends drills, training, and spends time volunteering in the community.

An aspiring K9 handler, Matthew spends any possible free time he can participating in and attending law enforcement or firefighting events, especially with NYPD and FDNY K9 units.  Matthew also enjoys fundraising for causes including vesting K9s and participating in 5Ks to support local and first responder charities. He also enjoys adding to his patch, challenge coin and K9 trading card collections.

Matthew is proud to be a part of Running 4 Heros and is looking forward to supporting the mission and the brave men and women he’ll be running for.

Zachary is 14 years old and will be starting high school in the fall of 2024. He is honored to be part of the Running 4 Heroes mission and what it represents.

Coming from a family of first responders and combining his love of running, it was clear that this was a calling where he could make a difference in the lives of others. Zachary is no stranger to non for profit organizations and has helped a local 501C(3) organization raise awareness and funds for local firefighters in his community. His community involvement extends through his leadership in NJHS through middle school helping local agencies and acting as an ambassador in his school.

Zachary has diverse interests including music where he is involved in marching band and plays piano, farming and aviation where one day he aspires to be a pilot. Zachary is involved in his church where he is active in Hospitality Ministry. He also runs track and plays basketball for his school and was able to complete his first half marathon this spring.

Liam is a passionate and driven 10-year-old runner. Raised in a military family, Liam has always been inspired by service, sacrifice, and community. This spirit of giving back fuels his
desire to run for a cause close to his heart.

A natural athlete, Liam participates in multiple school sports. Running, however, holds a special place in his life, a love that began in third grade with the 100 Mile Club at school, where he discovered the thrill of pushing limits and the joy of achieving personal goals, reaching 50 miles during that school year including several 5ks. In addition to running, Liam is an accomplished speedskater, showcasing his versatility and speed across various disciplines.

Beyond athletics, Liam is passionate about theater, a pursuit that allows him to express creativity and connect with others in unique ways. He is also an active Cub Scout, learning the values of teamwork, leadership, and service.

Every year, Liam participates in the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser by shaving his head to raise money for childhood cancer research. This commitment to helping others extends to honoring the sacrifices of first responders, as he runs to remember those who gave their lives in service to others, carrying their memory in every stride.

With a heart full of gratitude and a determination to make a difference, Liam continues to inspire those around him through his athleticism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to supporting both the community and causes that truly matter.