LI Woman Running 7 Marathons In 7 Days For A Patriotic Cause

Ultramarathoner Eva Casale is planning to once again run seven miles in seven days to raise funds in honor of service men and women from Long Island killed in action.

Eva Casale will run a total of 184 miles from April 21 through April 27. Every one of her marathon routes will have a connection to the communities that these fallen veterans once called home.

“I have a unique ability to run long distances, so I am using my passion for running to help others by supporting and honoring our veterans,” Casale said.

She has been running seven marathons in seven days since 2016 to raise money for Hope for the Warriors, an organization that provides support programs for service members, veterans and military families.

This year, Casale has created Team E.V.A., which stands for “Every Veteran Appreciated.”

“It’s an honor for me to organize and run this event and to know that I can bring people together to take part in such an important mission,” she said.

Casale, who has lived in Glen Cove since 2003, is no stranger to running lengthy distances for a good cause. Since 2006, she has run more than 85 full marathons and ultramarathons. Casale's website also notes she donated a kidney to a complete stranger in 2006.

Casale fits in a run before reporting to her full-time job as the vice president of information technology at Suffolk Federal, which is sponsoring her endeavor, during the week. On the weekends, she runs 20 miles each day, she told Patch in 2016.

Casale’s route is expanding into Nassau County this year. Opening ceremonies will take place at the Huntington Elks Lodge #1565. Casale will then run marathons in Northport, Eisenhower Park/Nassau Coliseum, Shelter Island, Sag Harbor, Miller Place, Middle Island, Glen Cove, along the South Shore including West Babylon, Lindenhurst, Amityville, Bellmore, Merrick and more, Brookhaven and Medford. The Closing Ceremonies will take place at Suffolk Federal’s Headquarters in Medford.

Information about each of the seven runs, including maps and street routes, are available on www.GoTeamEVA.org.

Casale told Patch in 2016 she was inspired to raise money for Hope For The Warriors after she completed the Suffolk County Veterans Running Series. "[The series gave me] the chance to meet a lot of the soldiers, marines and disabled veterans," Casale said. "I wanted to put my passion for running to work for veterans."

Anyone is welcome to help support Casale’s cause. You can join Casale for a 5k on her route for a $25 donation.

For those who aren’t runners, you can visit any Suffolk Federal branch between April 2 and 27 to donate. A $5-10 donation will get you a special gift. For a donation of their choice, a contribution card with the donor’s name will be displayed at the branch where the donation was made.

For more information visit www.GoTeamEva.org.

More about Hope For The Warriors

Hope For The Warriors provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans and military families that focus on transition, health and wellness and connections to community resources. These program serve post-9/11 active duty, National Guard and reserve service members and veterans from all branches of the military, as well as military families, families of the fallen and military caregivers.

Photo via Alyssa Nightingale: Suffolk Federal will be the lead sponsor for extreme distance marathon runner Eva Casale (pictured) as she completes seven marathons (184 miles) in seven days to raise funds and awareness for Hope For The Warriors.