Fla. runner maps out quests close to her heart

Heather Nagy has spent the past 12 years competing for a cause.

The 67-year-old Citrus Hills, Florida, runner usually signs up for four races a year — in addition to her daily workouts, often along the Withlacoochee State Trail, that range from 3 to 10 miles — while running to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. The 80 names written in Sharpie on her racing jersey help explain her motivation.

“While we have a lot of success stories, I run for all of the people in my life (who battle with diabetes),”Nagy said.“I have the names (of people) that are still in the battle and some that have passed on, but I run for all of them.”

But this year the coronavirus pandemic robbed Nagy of the opportunity to participate in her usual races in Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville, in addition to a special road trip to Seattle.

“The Tour de Cure is a magnificent event,”Nagy said.“Every single one of them are well-run and you make a lot of friends there and you miss that camaraderie and the music and the cow bells and the food and the fun that goes along with the fundraising.”

Instead of cutting all of the races from the Tour de Cure circuit — the events often accommodate cyclists, runners and walkers — the American Diabetes Association waived the registration fees and turned the events into virtual runs.

Nagy is the only runner in the country who signed up for all 53 races.

“It’s been quite a ride,” she chuckled.“And I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

Heather Nagy competes in runs to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.