Runner Will Start 2,800-Mile Journey This October
Zachary Deel begins a cross-country trek from Tennessee to California to advocate for mental health.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Running
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On October 17, Zachary Deel will depart from Bristol, Tennessee, on a 2,800-mile run that concludes at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. This cross-country journey is scheduled to span nearly 70 days.
Why it matters
Deel intends to use the run as a personal outlet for managing depression and mental health while aiming to inspire his children. His effort highlights how physical activity can serve as a supportive tool for emotional well-being.
Zachary Deel previously demonstrated his physical endurance by placing in the top 15 of a 100,000-person fitness challenge. This performance serves as a benchmark for his upcoming 2,800-mile, 70-day journey across the United States.
The players
Zachary Deel
A long-distance runner using fitness to manage depression and mental health.
The details
Deel documents his fitness journey on a social media page called Zac Got Fit as he prepares for the trek. He plans to cover the distance over nearly 70 days, using the discipline of long-distance running to support his mental health. The route will begin at the State Street sign in Bristol and terminate at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.
Timeline
October 17: Deel begins the run.
Christmas Eve: Deel plans to arrive in Los Angeles.
Health Landscape
This endeavor follows a pattern set by individuals using endurance exercise as a psychosocial intervention for mental health. It aligns with broader trends exploring how sustained physical activity functions as a structured outlet for managing emotional well-being.
Incorporating physical activity as a tool for mental health can be a constructive strategy for many individuals. It is worth discussing with your doctor how specific exercise routines might support your own emotional health goals.
The takeaway
Maintaining regular physical activity can be a powerful component of a holistic approach to managing depression. Consider tracking your own progress toward wellness goals through activity logs or by consulting with a healthcare professional about creating a sustainable, long-term movement plan.
What happens next
Zachary Deel is scheduled to begin his journey on October 17 and aims to reach the Santa Monica Pier by Christmas Eve.
Further reading
Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of distance efforts in our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WJHL.
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