SHU Lacrosse Alum Runs 27 Days for Cancer Foundation
Ian Farley logs 1,000 miles from South Carolina to Pennsylvania
Sacred Heart University alum Ian Farley ’15 recently completed a run of 1,000 miles over 27 consecutive days to raise money for the HEADstrong Foundation, which supports families battling cancer.
Farley, assistant men’s lacrosse coach for Quinnipiac University, started in Mount Pleasant, SC on July 31, and followed the East Coast Greenway to Swarthmore, PA, in what was called the Relentless 27 Run. He initially planned to run from South Carolina to New York City (NYC) in 27 days, but car issues and an ankle injury forced him to stop in Pennsylvania. He stayed there with the Colleluori family (the founders of HEADstrong) before traveling by car to NYC to participate in the NYC Ice Cream Social Half Marathon on August 26. Despite not being able to run to NYC, he was still able to complete his goal of running for 27 consecutive days.
Farley, who was a member of the SHU men’s lacrosse team for four years, has supported the HEADstrong Foundation since he was an undergraduate student. The team has held several fundraisers for the foundation, whose purpose is to offer financial, residential and emotional support to families affected by cancer.
“Luckily, I do not have anyone in my life who is currently affected by cancer. But I wanted to give back and help a foundation I know does great work,” said Farley. “Throughout the entirety of my run, I continuously reminded myself of the incredible organization that I was raising money for.”
A lot of preparation and training led up to Farley’s trek. He worked for 20 weeks with a trainer who laid out a plan for running and lifting, as well as a new diet regimen.
Although he felt well prepared physically, he encountered some unforeseen challenges. On day six of his run, Farley began experiencing ankle pain and discovered he had strained a muscle. With prescription medication and an ankle brace, he managed to continue despite the pain.
“I continuously reminded myself that there are people going through a lot more than I was,” said Farley. “That is what gave me motivation to keep pushing through the pain.”
Farley’s perseverance across the many miles does not come as a surprise to those who know him. Jon Basti, SHU’s men’s lacrosse head coach, remembered Farley as a player. Farley was lacrosse team captain during the 2014-15 season and returned as a volunteer coach during the 2017-18 season as he worked toward his coaching career.
“Ian’s journey through the Relentless 27 Run speaks 100% to his character and innate ability to put others above himself,” said Basti. “He is a true teammate and leader. We are very proud of him and all that he has accomplished.”
Although Farley is unsure if his work schedule will permit him to participate in another Relentless 27 Run, the event piqued his interest in ultramarathons, 50-mile and 100-mile races. He recommends the experience to others who are up for the challenge, pointing out that his many-mile run was eye-opening, enabling him to see parts of the country he otherwise may have never enjoyed.