Christendom College alumnus Jared Plasberg ’25 began an extraordinary journey on February 19 — running from San Diego, California, to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina — to raise funds for the Front Royal Pregnancy Center. The run, spanning more than 3,000 miles, will take Plasberg across the country over the course of approximately three months as he runs, prays, and raises awareness for the pro-life cause.
Plasberg, who graduated in 2025, has always been a natural runner. But the idea of crossing the United States on foot took shape during his time at Christendom. Following a reversion to the Catholic faith in high school, Plasberg enrolled at Christendom in 2021 — a decision he says transformed his life.
“[At Christendom], I formed real friendships, received a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation, and was inspired to strive for greatness,” says Plasberg. “True greatness is not in achievement alone, but in virtue, responsibility, and love for others.”
One day during his time at Christendom, Plasberg decided to push himself and take part in an especially grueling physical and mental challenge: running back and forth across Christendom’s campus to total 100 miles.
“During a 100-mile run in a thunderstorm at night, I began talking with [my friend] Johnny Kuplack, who had recently completed a run across the United States,” recalls Plasberg. “This conversation was like a seed planted that germinated into the idea of running across the country months later.”
That fateful night led Plasberg to where he is now: in the middle of a run that only a few have undertaken, and certainly not in the manner he is. Unlike many ultramarathoners who rely on sponsorship teams and medical support, Plasberg is traveling primarily solo, pushing a stroller stocked with food and essential gear.
He plans to average approximately 30 miles per day over 115 days. Along the way, he hopes to attend daily Mass whenever possible and offer up his miles in prayer for mothers and unborn children served by the Front Royal Pregnancy Center.
“Human life is not an abstract concept,” Plasberg said. “It is lived and experienced every day. It is personal and relational because it involves real men and women, real families. Life is so good, so precious. This run is my way of carrying that reality across the country, step by step. It’s about inviting others to walk with me by supporting work that protects and changes lives.”
Through prayer, perseverance and this extraordinary public witness, Plasberg is hoping to inspire others to defend the dignity of human life — one step and one mile at a time.
To follow Plasberg’s journey and support the Front Royal Pregnancy Center, visit here.
To learn more about his story, visit here.