The course
Start Liberty State Park New Jersey
250Miles
Finish U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C.

Liberty State Park to U.S. Capitol

Chasing Democracy 250

250 miles. NYC to DC. One democracy.

A 250-mile run from Liberty State Park to the steps of the U.S. Capitol, celebrating 250 years of American independence and carrying forward the unfinished work of democracy.

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Enter the story

The undertaking

A Run For The Stories That Keep Us Moving.

We are running 250 miles from New York City to Washington, D.C. to honor the nation's 250th milestone, not just to cover ground, but to uncover stories. Stories of immigrants, activists, artists, and everyday Americans whose lives are woven into the fabric of what makes this country extraordinary.

Every mile is a conversation. Every step is a statement. Democracy isn't just a system of government; it is the promise that every story matters.

In their own words

The Purpose Behind Chasing Democracy 250

Watch on Instagram
The Declaration of Independence / 1776
02 / Why we run

More than a finish line

Because democracy asks something of us.

This run connects two national landmarks through the places and people between them. Each mile is an act of attention: to the freedom already won, the work left unfinished, and the responsibility we share for what comes next.

“The route is physical. The purpose belongs to everyone.”
03 / The route

Northeast to the capital

Two landmarks.
One continuous line.

The course begins in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty and runs south through the Mid-Atlantic to the U.S. Capitol.

Live status
Pre-run
Distance goal
250 miles
Route
Liberty State Park Washington, D.C.
Runners on course
Not started
Last update
Coming soon
Route and live location map Liberty State Park to the U.S. Capitol

Live tracking will activate when the runners begin their 250-mile journey from Liberty State Park to Washington, D.C. When the run starts, this same map will show the runners' location on the course.

Open full map
04 / Meet the team

4 runners. 2 crew. One shared purpose.

The team taking on 250.

Four runners on the road, supported by two crew members, each carrying a different American story through the same journey.

Harvey Lewis standing in his classroom
Runner 01

Harvey Lewis

High school government teacher and ultrarunner

Cincinnati, Ohio Follow on Instagram
As a teacher and ultrarunner, I wanted to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by running 250 miles and highlighting the diverse communities whose struggles and triumphs have built America. I’m running to go beyond the textbook and share stories that are often marginalized but vital to the formation of our democracy and nation.
Portrait of Greg Armstrong
Runner 02

Greg Armstrong

High school science teacher

Lebanon, Tennessee Follow on Instagram
Through this run, I want to celebrate and highlight the diverse voices that make America uniquely beautiful, and the promise of liberty and justice for all.
Gregg Lawson during an endurance event
Runner 03

Gregg Lawson

Former Military Intelligence Analyst, 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army

United States Army veteran Follow on Instagram
I’m a veteran doing this run to pay homage to the country that has given me so much and provides vast opportunities to Americans from all walks of life. Truly, anything is possible in this country.
Kristen Soinski running outdoors
Runner 04

Kristen Soinski

Wellness Consultant, Strength & Running Coach, and Ultra Runner

Cleveland, Ohio Follow on Instagram
I am doing this run to celebrate the diversity that makes our nation stronger and to advocate for the individuals and communities whose contributions are too often overlooked. I hope to foster greater awareness and appreciation of their lasting impact on our country!
Portrait of Carolina Rubio-MacWright
Crew / Support

Carolina Rubio-MacWright

Immigration attorney and Executive Director of Touching Land

New York Follow on Instagram
I took an oath to defend the Constitution. I am supporting this journey for those who cannot run, because every mile carries our rights, our freedom, and my infinite love for this imperfect nation with immeasurable potential.
Portrait of Naresh Kumar
Crew / Support

Naresh Kumar

Engineer and social entrepreneur from India

St. Louis, Missouri Follow on Instagram
I’m supporting this run to celebrate the American democracy that allowed a kid from India to turn their dreams into reality. I want to honor the unique opportunities this country offers immigrants to grow and thrive, while bringing awareness to the ongoing fight required to keep those doors of opportunity open for everyone who follows.
05 / Stories from the road

Field notes

The miles between the monuments.

Photos, voices, and moments from the route will live here once the journey begins.

Stories from the road

Stories and reflections from the open road.

Follow along as the miles unfold.

Harvey Lewis Chasing Democracy 250
Track the run
06 / Support the run

Carry purpose forward

Support the run.

Chasing Democracy 250 is a 250-mile act of movement, gratitude, and purpose.

This journey is about more than endurance. It is about honoring community, land, justice, and the values that make democracy worth protecting.

To carry that purpose beyond the road, we invite you to support Touching Land or Rising Hearts by donating directly to the organization that speaks to your heart.

Touching Land Donate to Touching Land Rising Hearts Donate to Rising Hearts
07 / Media contact

Press and media

For media inquiries.

For interviews, coverage, and story coordination, please reach out to Harvey Lewis.

Email Harvey Lewis

sweetland3@yahoo.com

Chasing Democracy 250 campaign media graphic

Media inquiries

Harvey Lewis is the primary contact for press questions and interview requests.

Route context

The run covers 250 miles from Liberty State Park to the U.S. Capitol.

Team roster

Four runners and a two-person crew carry the story from start to finish.