NJ firefighter to run 70 miles for CHOP before July 4 – NBC10 Philadelphia

A South Jersey firefighter is preparing for the longest run of his life just days before the nation marks its 250th birthday.

Chris Fantazzia, a professional firefighter in Margate, plans to run 70 miles on Wednesday, July 1 from Independence Hall in Philadelphia to Lucy the Elephant in Margate.

He hopes to complete the run in 12 to 14 hours while raising $25,000 for the neurosurgery program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The challenge will be unlike anything he’s tackled before. Fantazzia said his longest run to date is 30 miles, despite completing both a marathon and an Ironman over the past year.

“This will be we’re going 40 miles past,” he said.

The fundraiser also has a deeply personal meaning. Fantazzia dedicated the run to his mother, Kim, who will celebrate her 63rd birthday on July 4. She learned about the tribute through a Facebook announcement video.

“To me that’s one of the greatest gifts that a mom could receive,” Kim Fantazzia said.

Fantazzia said honoring his mother felt natural because of her lifelong generosity.

“She’s always giving. Our whole life she’s always been the first person to put her hand out,” he said.

Choosing to support CHOP was also personal. Fantazzia said his 5-year-old cousin, Rosie, has a rare chromosomal disorder and has received extensive treatment at the hospital.

“It’s close to home, not only having my own daughter but a family that is there,” Fantazzia said.

The run is expected to take place in extreme heat, with high temperatures along much of the route forecast to approach 100 degrees Wednesday.

Fantazzia said a friend will follow him in an RV sprinter van stocked with ice, coolers and towels to help him stay safe.

For Fantazzia, the run is a different kind of service — one driven by patriotism, support for children receiving care at CHOP and a heartfelt birthday gift for his mother.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.