9 Year Old Runs First Marathon for Children at Fortitude for First Descents

LEWES, DE, November 28, 2012 (Press-News.org) 9 year old Nikolas Toocheck will run his first marathon on December 1st at the Fortitude for First Descents Marathon at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE. The event includes both half and full marathons. Nikolas will be running in this race and six additional marathons as part of his campaign, "Running the World for Children." Nikolas created this campaign to raise money and awareness for Operation Warm, a nonprofit that provides new winter coats to children living in need throughout the United States.
Nikolas is fundraising to help supply new winter coats to disadvantaged children through Operation Warm, a non-profit organization founded by his grandfather Richard Sanford. Nikolas's goal is to complete a marathon on each of the seven continents. He aims to raise a dollar for each step, hoping to raise 1 million dollars, the approximate number of steps in seven marathons. Nikolas will literally be running the world for children.

Nikolas has volunteered with Operation Warm in various ways from handing a child a new coat to donating money from his own piggy bank. Nikolas bared no hesitation when deciding to combine his passion of running with his belief in Operation Warm's mission. "I've learned how important it is to help other people who need it," Nikolas says, "and I think that Operation Warm is great because every kid should be able to have their very own warm coat."

Already earning distinguished titles, Nikolas is a three-time US Youth Track and Field All American, two-time Race Walk National Champion, six-time USATF National Junior Olympics National Qualifier, as well as other records. Nikolas enjoys all types of runs; from a muddy trail to the open road. "Nikolas just loves to run," says Tara Toocheck, mother of Nikolas and daughter of Richard Sanford. His plan to "run the world" developed from his "tremendous love of running and wonderful adventurous spirit" says Nikolas's mom.

Greatly anticipating his first marathon, Nikolas views the long road ahead of him as an incredible journey for which he feels fortunate to undertake. Nikolas's own words explains it so simply, "To do something I love so much and help children in need at the same time is so awesome! What could be better?"

To learn more about Nikolas Toocheck Running the World for Children or to make a donation: nikrunstheworld.com

Operation Warm, Inc. is one of the nation's largest nonprofit providers of new winter coats to children in need. Operation Warm's vision is that every child wearing a new winter coat is healthy, able to attend school regularly and develop a strong self-esteem. In the winter of 2011-2012, Operation Warm served over 200,000 children. In February 2012, Operation Warm served its one MILLIONTH child. For more information visit: http://www.operationwarm.org.