Running has been part of Mt. Hope High School track coach Renae Cicchinelli's being for the better part of her life. Running with a purpose other than it being about figures and fastness is something she's only now beginning to embrace.

With that in mind, Cicchinelli, an accomplished marathoner, is endeavoring on a race with much more meaning than others of the past.

In July of 2025, Cicchinelli will participate in what has been dubbed "America’s Longest Relay," the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Run the US Ultra Relay event that stretches from California to New York.

She has been selected to run in Section 9, which takes place from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Brookville, Penn. It encompasses running running 153 miles in six days, basically a marathon (26.2 miles) a day from July 29-August 3.

Cicchinelli is doing so for way more than competitive reasons. She's running to raise money to support those with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is something very personal for the 45-year-old Bristol resident, mother and educator. Her mom and her uncle are both suffering from the disease.

The overall goal is reach $10,000. An initial target is to receive $2,000 in donations by December 31, 2024. The monies go to not only towards continued research for a cure, but also those in need of improved mobility and access, such as in their homes with bathrooms and stairs and transportation whether it be new chairs or vehicles.

"I am spreading awareness of this disease by running for MS Run the US, the organization I’m partnered with, along with asking for your support via donation to my efforts," Cicchinelli wrote in her letter asking for aid. "Your donation goes towards awareness, medical research, and aide to help individuals with their mobility."

Cicchinelli, who is a Phys Ed teacher at the Henry Lord Community School in Fall River, has run numerous marathons during her career, but she has yet to attempt the "ultra" version of the competition.

"This will be the first time I've done something this long," Cicchinelli added recently. "Right now, I'm recovering from my last marathon cycle. I had a tendon issue I ran through, so I'm still working my way back."

To reach the readiness stage for an ultra marathon, she said she will have to build her training regime to about 45 miles a week. With some sixth months to prepare, she said, "I have plenty of time" to get in top condition.

"I'm 45 now. And I've been trying to get a new PR (personal record) in the marathon for years," Cicchinelli continued. "I've come close, but I'm not in my 20s or early 30s anymore. I feel like I'm at a time to use my running, not trying to hit PRs and doing it for myself, but while I can still do it to use my running to help other people, not just myself."

Cicchinelli's family was first touched by MS when her uncle was diagnosed a few years ago. He was gymnastics instructor who owned his own school in New Hampshire, but was forced into retirement due to the onset of the disease's effects, loss of motor skills and strength.

"Part of the reason he retired was he had balance issues. He was unable to spot and coach the way he wanted to for the safety of his athletes," Cicchinelli said. "He was definitely person valued health and valued exercise."

MS reached even closer to her when mother was diagnosed. She, too, quickly succumbed to balance and cognitive troubles associated with the disease.

"I see them both and their struggles and I want to do something that helps," Cicchinelli said. "And when I talk to friends, it's such a common disease. It seems like most people know someone who's affected by it."

And because of that, she will put her body through one of the most arduous events the sport of running offers.

"People ask why you run so much, and I tell them I run because others can't," Cicchinelli added. "And I want to run this race because so many others can't."

To donate to Cicchinelli's effort visit https://msruntheus.salsalabs.org/2025relayteam/p/renaecicchinelli/index.html.

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