Running for Redding

Couple devotes a year to raise money to help others struggling during the pandemic

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, Laura Cunningham insisted she find a way to help others struggling to pay their bills or put food on the table. Stuck in her home during the lockdown, she longed to do more. So when the state reopened in May, she started running.

Cunningham started a GoFundMe and pledged to run every day for a year in hopes people would donate to her page, proceeds of which would be given to the local social services department. She said in a video she understood people were “afraid” and “emotionally taxed” during these difficult times.

“I haven’t run in a really long time, I am very out of shape, but I am going to run every day, 365 days starting May 20, which is the day Connecticut opens up,” she said. “I

love Redding very much and I love all of you.”

Cunningham ran every day for months, through the sunshine and pouring rain, sporadically documenting her journey on Facebook.

But her momentum slowed when she started experiencing pain in her knees, which eventually gave out on her. She couldn’t go on, but remained determined about sticking to her word.

Unsure how she would keep her promise, her husband, James, stepped in and picked up the baton about two or three months in.

“James is the man, he's the guy, quietly, running for Redding,” Laura Cunningham said.

James Cunningham has been running every day since and is nearing the “final big push,” he said. He’s been running about three miles a day during the week and a little less on weekends to keep his consistency while trying to prevent injury.

Most days James Cunningham is up early running before work, but when he can’t make the time, he can sometimes be spotted closer to midnight, jogging beneath the stars.

The couple initially set a fundraising goal of $1 million. According to their GoFundMe page, they have raised about $635.

“I wanted to set the sights really high, even if I don’t meet it, so that way I could be able to try reaching a higher goal rather than having a low bar and being disappointed,” Laura said.

As the Cunninghams eye the final stretch of their 365-day effort, they said they remain adamant about finishing strong.

“We wanted to do something for the community, I wanted to be involved and help in some capacity rather than sitting on my couch the whole time, waiting for something to happen,” Laura Cunningham said.

H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media James Cunningham, of Redding, chooses the music he will listen to on his run Wednesday morning. Cunningham's wife started an effort to raise money for residents who might be struggling through the pandemic. She ran every day hoping that people would donate to the cause. When her knees gave out, her husband took over the running.

H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media James Cunningham, of Redding, passes Lonetown Marsh during his morning run Wednesday. Cunningham's wife started an effort to raise money for residents who might be struggling through the pandemic. She ran every day hoping that people would donate to the cause. When her knees gave, out her husband took over the running.