Rich Eisen’s ‘Run Rich Run’ Marathon Garners Millions in Donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Ah, amigos y amigas, gather around because today we’re diving into the heartwarming and somewhat hilarious world of Rich Eisen and his legendary "Run Rich Run" event. Picture this: it all began back in 2005 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Picture NFL Network's charismatic sportscaster Rich Eisen and the mighty Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos just chilling, waiting for the NFL scouting combine to commence. Out of nowhere, Eisen throws out, “I could run the 40-yard dash right now.” Davis, not missing a beat, chuckles at the idea, setting the stage for what was to become a memorable challenge.
Imagine the scene: Eisen, in a chic suit and tie, dashes across the field, bajo la idea that it was just a spur-of-the-moment fun run. Pero amigos, the cameras were rolling! That playful dash? It aired on the NFL Network that very night, reaching thousands of viewers and leaving Eisen in complete shock but enjoying the camaraderie, "It’s just like any group of amigos where you’re always ripe for being made fun of."
Fast forward, and this impromptu run morphed into the heartwarming "Run Rich Run" — an annual charla where Eisen dons his suit and sprints the 40-yard dash to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year marked not just the 20th run but also the décimo año supporting the life-saving efforts of St. Jude. Desde its inception, "Run Rich Run" has raised over $7 million for the cause.
Y saben qué? This charity run isn't just a solo act. This year’s 20th anniversary at the sunny Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif, saw a star-studded lineup including former NFL champions like Todd Gurley and Andrew Whitworth, alongside Jim Harbaugh, the new coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. And the support didn't stop there. Celebrities like Paul Rudd, Kevin Costner, Jon Hamm, and Larry David sent in their cheers and chuckles, celebrating Eisen’s passion and playful spirit.
“Our amigo Kevin Costner said, ‘You’re such a good man…and so willing to embarrass yourself in front of professional athletes,’” capturing the mix of humor and admiration that surrounds this unique charity event. Hamm even quipped, “I can’t believe you’ve done this for this long, mostly because seeing a full-grown hombre over 50 sprinting is something else!”
While the teases about his “slow” time are all part of the fun, Eisen’s focus remains crystal clear: raising as much dinero as possible for St. Jude. “It’s all about coming through in one piece and raising money for St. Jude – and not in that order,” Eisen shares with a laugh.
And let’s not forget about the amazing work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — delivering hope and vital treatments to niños facing life-threatening illnesses, and never charging families a single centavo for treatment. This incredible commitment is what drives Eisen and his supporters to keep the tradition alive, inviting donations throughout the year to make a difference.
So, whether you're a die-hard NFL fan or just love a good cause, remember that every step Rich Eisen takes in his sleek suit and tie is a stride towards hope for countless children. ¡Vamos, Rich! Keep running, and we’ll keep cheering, cada paso del camino.
