Anthony Simonetti didn’t set out to be a runner. But like a real-life Forrest Gump, once he started, he never stopped.
The Staten Island native, who now lives in Hazlet, N.J., has completed one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet: seven full marathons on seven continents in seven days as part of the World Marathon Challenge.
“It was like that show ‘Amazing Race’ on steroids,” Simonetti told The Post. “We did the race, then got back in the plane and flew to the next place, then did that race. We never stayed in a hotel, just kept moving. We could sleep on the plane if we wanted, but I was so wound up I think I slept a total of four hours during the whole week.
“I didn’t train at all. I just told myself I could do it and I did. I believe in the power of the mind because it’s an incredible thing.”
The 32-year-old wasn’t running for glory or medals, but to raise money for the sick kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Growing up, he watched his older sister, Samantha, battle childhood cancer. The experience left a permanent mark. Though she survived — she’s now 34 — the experience never left him.
Simonetti, who graduated from Staten Island Tech HS in 2011 and received his undergraduate degree from Cooper Union, and 10 other runners referred to as “St. Jude Heroes,” were chosen to represent St. Jude at the 2020 Boston Marathon, raising $20,000.
But that was only the beginning for Simonetti, who earned an MBA from Harvard in 2021.
He went on to run other world major marathons for the hospital in Sydney, London, Berlin and Chicago.
When the World Marathon Challenge came calling, St. Jude proudly sponsored him once again, even sending out a an encouraging online post at the halfway point.
The challenge began in January, where Simonetti met the other runners in Cape Town, South Africa. From there, they traveled to Antarctica, where the first race of the challenge began.
After that, he and the other runners — 51 participants in all — went back to Cape Town to start the second race. From there, they participated in races in Australia, Asia, Europe, and South America before crossing the finish line for the final marathon on Feb. 5 in Miami.
Simonetti’s goal was to raise $100,000. As of now, he’s got almost $72,000. To donate, click here.
“It wasn’t easy,” he admitted, “but I have to say I was one of the few people that really enjoyed it. Each race became a dedication — not only to St. Jude, but to the people who shaped my life.”
Over the years, the determined runner has raised roughly $250,000 for St. Jude.
Next month, Simonetti plans to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — for the children.
