Mt. Hope High School track coach Renae Cicchinelli continues her training and fundraiser in the build up to participating in "America’s Longest Relay," the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Run the US Ultra Relay event that stretches from California to New York.

Cicchinelli was selected to run in Section 19, which takes place from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Brookville, Penn. It encompasses running 153 miles in six days, basically a marathon (26.2 miles) during each from July 29-August 3.

Cicchinelli applied to participate and began training for the arduous event late last calendar year. Since, she's been squeezing in training runs while coaching both the MHHS winter indoor and spring outdoor track and field squads.

Cicchinelli is entering "America's Longest Relay" for much more than competitive reasons. She's running to raise money to support those with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is something very personal for the 45-year-old Bristol resident, mother, coach and educator. Her mom and uncle are both suffering from the disease.

The monies raised from the event go to not only towards continued research for a cure, but also those in need of improved mobility and access, such as in their homes with bathrooms and stairs and transportation whether it be new chairs or vehicles.

"I am spreading awareness of this disease by running for MS Run the US, the organization I’m partnered with, along with asking for your support via donation to my efforts," Cicchinelli wrote in her letter asking for aid. "Your donation goes towards awareness, medical research, and aide to help individuals with their mobility."

As part of her preparation, Cicchinelli along with family and friends recently ran a "Dunkin' Run" to raise awareness and some more funds for her cause.

Cicchinelli broached the idea with the general manager of the Barrington Dunkin' shop, Janelle Lunsford, and she was agreed to donate some food and drink there and, with the assistance of multi-unit Dunkin' manager Jessica Phillips, at the Dunkin' on Main Street in Warren, managed by Cornell Reeder.

In total, the Cicchinelli crew stopped at five stores — two in Warren and Bristol along with the Barrington spot — during their training run of some 12 miles.

But don't let the "Dunkin'" deal fool you. It was a fun respite as Cicchinelli ramps up her training regime.

She's running some 70 miles per week, including consecutive one of long duration like 18 miles with 14 of it at marathon pace (6:55 per mile) and following up with a 15-mile session.

A few weeks back, Cicchinelli participated in a 30-mile trail run, which included 4,000-feet in elevation changes. Another back-to-back training session involved a 22-mile run followed the next day with 12 more miles.

Cicchinelli is about half-way to her goal of raising $10,000 in support of the cause. If you would like to donate visit https://msruntheus.salsalabs.org/2025relayteam/p/renaecicchinelli/index.html.