In a unique quest to support cancer treatment, Russ Keeler of Kingston has been receiving numerous packages containing bras, not as a prank, but to set a new Guinness World Record. This Sunday, Keeler will attempt to wear 50 bras while running the Steamtown Marathon, aiming to complete the race within six hours.
“Sunday morning, 50 bras are going to be strapped on,” Keeler stated during a training session at Kirby Park. “The gun is going to go off. I’m going to cross the start line.” If he succeeds, Keeler will be the first male runner to achieve the record for most bras worn during a marathon.
Keeler’s mission is not just about setting records; it’s also about charity. He aims to raise $1,500 for Think Pink Mountain Top to aid local women in affording cancer treatments.
A Passion for Cancer Advocacy
Keeler, an experienced marathon runner, has previously participated in events like the Pittsburgh Marathon and New York City Marathon, supporting organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Allied Services. With over two decades of involvement in cancer research fundraising, Keeler has performed numerous initiatives to generate resources for the cause.
On Sunday, he will represent Think Pink Mountain Top, an organization that originated as a Relay for Life team to support a member undergoing breast cancer treatment. Now a nonprofit, Think Pink Mountain Top focuses on providing financial aid to women receiving chemotherapy in Luzerne County.
Kim Davis, a founding member, expressed the impact of fundraisers like Keeler’s: “We’ve given out for co-pays … rent, gas cards. You name it, anything they need during their time trying to…go through all this.”
Keeler’s connection to cancer advocacy is deeply personal, as his grandmother battled breast cancer during his teenage years. Reflecting on advancements in cancer treatment, he noted, “All the different research … the treatments, the research, early detection, everything has gotten so much better that more women are beating it and surviving longer.”
Inspired by a Fellow Runner
The idea for this record attempt came from Keeler’s experience at last year’s New York City Marathon, where he learned about a runner named Brady McDonald who tried to set a record by wearing 23 bras. Inspired, Keeler decided to attempt the challenge himself, and Guinness World Records set the bar at 50 bras.
Keeler chose the Steamtown Marathon so friends and family could witness his endeavor. He plans to arrive early with his daughters to ensure all 50 bras are properly donned before the race begins.
“All of them were donated from friends, family and people all across the country, they’ve come from everywhere,” Keeler shared. To meet Guinness requirements, each bra must be unmodified, and Keeler has prepared by adding extenders to ensure they fit over each other.
Beyond the Marathon
Following the marathon, Keeler will donate the bras to Pink Smile Promise, aiding women in Jamaica with free mammograms and pap smears. “I have about another 60 or 70 that aren’t even going to be used, they’re just sitting in a box,” he said, planning to donate around 100 bras in total.
Anyone wishing to support Keeler’s cause can contribute through his GoFundMe page, aiding his $1,500 goal for Think Pink Mountain Top.
Keeler recalled his previous adventurous fundraising efforts, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. “I’m out there to help anybody. I’ll do anything,” he stated. “I’m at that point where, if you ask me to come and I can do it, I’m going to do it.”
