Nathan Kornely runs 100 miles to support the Alzheimer’s Association 

When Nathan Kornely told his family he was planning to run 100 miles overnight from San Diego to Orange County, they were initially skeptical, especially since Nathan doesn’t consider himself a runner, and has said he doesn’t like running. But his family knew he would cross the finish line, even if it meant he would have to crawl through it. They knew because Nathan had the mental toughness as a former football player for Villa Park High School and Fullerton College, and he had sheer determination to finish.  

Nathan didn’t choose to run 100 miles just to prove to himself that he could do it. He was running to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association®, a cause that has been meaningful to him since his grandmother and great-grandmother were diagnosed with the disease.  

Family at every mile

“Family is my everything,” Nathan said. “Seeing the disease take a toll mentally, emotionally and physically on my family, seeing the constant care and suffering that my family has gone through got me thinking about finding my own way of suffering as a way to honor them.” 

Nathan drew strength from his family throughout the run, especially during the five hours it took to run through Camp Pendleton in the middle of the night. His dad rode a bike alongside him with a light on his head while his mom drove their car in front of him filled with nutrition and water. In total, there were about 30 friends and family who ran with Nathan from 500 feet to 20 miles, boosting his morale and cheering him on. But his biggest inspiration was his grandparents, who were never far from his thoughts.  

“Thinking of my grandparents helped me get through the night running,” he said. “There were times when your mind wants you to quit. But reflecting on my grandparents who had been fighting this disease for years, and this run would only take me 22 or 23 hours, I knew I could do anything for that long. I was choosing this, so there was no excuse, no complaining, no feeling bad for myself.” 

From finish line to Walk to End Alzheimer’s

As part of his journey, Nathan set up a fundraising page to raise money for the Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. To date, he’s raised $30,000 with no sign of stopping. On Nov. 7, Nathan and his family will walk in Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Huntington Beach, where he will proudly hold the white flower, representing hope for the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.  

“If someone would tell me six months ago that I would run 100 miles and raise $30,000 for Alzheimer’s, I would have said you’re crazy,” he said. “I’m super humble and blessed that everyone around me, including people I don’t know, is willing to donate to a great cause.  Something I’ve been saying to myself lately is, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’ In the last few months, the community around me has shown me what is possible. I’m very grateful and blessed to be in the position that I am to give back.”  

Nathan’s milestone may just become the first of an annual tradition of some large-scale event to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. In the meantime, he’s focused on giving back to those who supported him during his run.  

Paying it forward

“I’ve been blown away by the love and support I’ve received in the last couple of months,” he said. “I want to turn that around and be there for the people who have been there for me.” 

That includes his three younger siblings, Reid, Emma and Luke, for whom Nathan strives to be a positive role model. Beyond his immediate family and friends, Nathan hopes his story can reach more people.  

“I’m not a runner, in fact, I couldn’t stand running,” he said. “But if you put your mind to something and work at it every day, little by little, you can achieve anything. If my story inspires one person, that’s what I want to do. I want to give hope to others in any way that I can.”  

It’s not too late to support Walk to End Alzheimer’s; fundraising continues through December 31, 2026. Visit alz.org/walk. To support the Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, contact Sandy Morales, development director, at samorales@alz.org.