Bergen Man Completes California To NYC Run In 84 Days

ROCHELLE PARK, NJ — Hellah Sidibe is crushing life goals. On Sunday, Sidibe completed a cross-country run that took him from Huntington Beach, California to New York City, a trek that covered thousands of miles. Then he got engaged.

Sidibe, a Rochelle Park resident, started his run in early March, crossing through 15 states in 84 days, covering 3,200 miles. The trip wasn't easy, including 14 hours of running each day, he told Northjersey.com.

As if that wasn't enough, Sidibe's run will also benefit the nonprofit organization Soles4Souls.

The organization "turns unwanted shoes into opportunity," collecting used and new shoes and clothing, which they distribute to people across the world.

"I grew up in West Africa, Mali, and when you’d get a new pair of shoes, you had to make sure you took care of it because that would be your only pair for the next few years. Soles4Souls is a company whose mission, my past and present align perfectly," wrote Sidibe.

Over the weekend, Sidibe started his last day of running in his home of the last four years, something he said motivated him to finish the last leg.

"One of, if not the most special parts about this run was the fact that I was literally running home. On the last day I started my run in my town and the community showed up for me. In the biggest possible way. It was absolutely unexpected and more than I could imagine," he said.

"This town has seen me running every day for the last 4 years and I felt so proud to be repping RP. Thank you guys for welcoming me home and sending me off to my finish. Y’all helped to make my dreams come true. WE DID IT!"

Gov. Phil Murphy caught wind of Sidibe's accomplishment, and took to Instagram to congratulate him.

"Congratulations to New Jersey’s own Hellah Sidibe, who just completed a run from Huntington Beach, California to New York! 84 days, 15 states, and more than 3,200 miles – a tremendous accomplishment that shows the enormous spirit of our state," Murphy said.

To top it all off, Sidibe proposed to his girlfriend on Wednesday, and the two are now engaged. The YouTuber Casey Neistat filmed the proposal.

"Since day one of my transcontinental I couldn’t wait to get to the finish line not only because I’d be completing such a tough journey but because I was going to propose to Belle!" Sidibe said.

"We’ve been through it all together. She’s the reason why I am here and have been able to accomplish so many things including this run across America. Grateful to have you in my life Belle, love you more than words can describe. Looking forward to what’s in store for us. We are just getting started y’all!"

Running has become a daily routine for Sidibe, who recently shared that he's run every day for four straight years, 1,461 days as of May 15.

"Running is so special to me because no matter what your height, weight, age, ethnicity, education, or income is, anybody can get out there and do it. You don’t need anything crazy and you don’t need any experience. It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life on a journey together," he said.

Sidibe documented his journey across America on Instagram, which included many shots of him in pain, working through the 3,000-mile run. He hasn't announced whether the four-year streak would continue on Thursday, but it's safe to say if he does take a day off, he's earned it.

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