Running for a Reason

Alaskan Jonas Ely is running across the country to encourage healthy lifestyles

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By Corey Allen-Young

Story Created: Nov 30, 2011 at 8:50 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2011 at 8:50 AM AKDT

Thousands of miles and dozens of pairs of shoes… one Alaskan college student is on a mission to get more people in shape, and he's got a unique way of showing it as he runs across the country: 3,258 miles from San Francisco to New York City, Jonas Ely and his crew made the choice to run for four months. And it was no ordinary race, as their goal was to get all of us thinking about lifestyles and natural methods that will keep us healthy.

Being fit is no joke for Jonas Ely. He takes his health seriously and wants the rest of us to do the same. “I feel a lot better when I’m in shape, I think quicker and faster and I have so much more energy if I stay active.” Its a motto, but Jonas is letting his feet do all the talking. Simply called “The Run,” Jonas's group of cousins and his uncle, a naturopathic doctor, ran 30 miles a day across 16 states to talk about how to become more healthy, which includes using more natural medicines and methods, like vitamin d, fish oil, and acupuncture which he says could improve our lives. “We're not saying don't have surgery, we are just saying you can integrate both of them and have a balance,” said Jonas.

The run and its mission were far from easy because everyone wasn't a believer. “Most of my friends didn't think I could do it.” But motivating thousands of people is something Jonas's mother says is part of what their family does. “I did ride my bicycle across the United States years ago, but he had to one up me again thinking it would be better,” said Mary Rita Ely. “But I’m proud of him.” “Knowing that you had a hot shower and food at the end of the day and just knowing you are going to cool cities and meeting new people inspired us to keep going,” said Jonas. It’s message that Jonas hopes transforms the way we all look at being healthy. Running from July to November, Jonas says he felt “The Run's” healthy message made some impact. In a few states, including New York, proclamations were made for natural medicine awareness days. Also Jonas got the chance to meet one on one with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich. And although it’s over, he's gearing up for next year to get more people running and thinking healthy.






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Julie Vincek said on Wednesday, Nov 30 at 8:41 PM

Way to go Jonas! How cool to bring more attention to naturopathic health care options which benefit so many. Impressive run for such an amazing cause, thank you!

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