Not Your Average Joe: Joe Nail Completes 50 Marathons, 50K Pushups in all 50 States

 

 

In the summer of 2024, Joe Nail, a dual MBA and international policy master’s degree student at Stanford, U.S. Army Officer, founder of Lead for America, and Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, completed a remarkable challenge: running 50 marathons and doing 50,000 push-ups in all 50 states.

The challenge was named Project 1310 because over the course of 50 marathons, he ran a total of 1,310 miles. The purpose of this incredible challenge was to raise money and awareness to support veterans transitioning from the military into civilian life when they return home after serving for their country.

Nail was driven by something much bigger than himself. It is a story about utmost resilience, service and leadership while highlighting an incredible mental and physical journey. Faith is also noted as a big part of Nail’s life and how it carried him through this journey.

 

Authors

  • Chantal Eiwanger

    Chantal Eiwanger ('26) is from Vancouver, Canada, studying Communication and Media Studies. She is a student-athlete on Stanford’s Varsity field hockey team and writes for The Stanford Daily sports section. Chantal is passionate about the intersection of sports and journalism and aspires to build a career in the professional sports industry.

  • Elise Evans

    Elise Evans is a fourth-year student at Stanford University, where she has combined undergraduate studies in Communication with work toward a master's degree in Sociology. An avid digital creator and sports photographer since middle school, she has been a features contributor to the Stanford Daily and plays in central defense for the women’s soccer team.

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