Unsung Hero: 11-Year-Old Nikolas Toochek

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Every Tuesday on the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show, Michael Barkann and Ike Reese welcome a new #UnsungHero in Philadelphia on their show. This unsung hero is recognized for their off-the-field accomplishments. If you are interested in being an #UnsungHero call 215-625-6550. 

You can see all of the heroes at CBSPhilly.com/unsunghero.

Nikolas Toochek - Running The World For Children

"He's 11-years-old, and at age nine Nik [Toochek] created a philanthropic campaign called 'Running The World For Children,'" said Michael Barkann on the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show. "And the idea was for him to run a marathon on each continent for kids in need, by raising money and awareness for a non-profit called 'Operation Warm' and 'Operation Warm' was started by his grandfather in 1998. It provides over 1.4 million brand new winter coats to impoverished children living in the United States."

Listen: Nik Toochek on the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show

How did Nik get involved in running at such a young age?

"My dad was always a runner and I could never sit still, I was always active jumping," Toochek said. "So, I just jumped right in with him. We did our first half-marathon and right after I was like, 'I still have tons of energy, now I just want to go out and try a full.'"

A few days ago, Nik said he ran a marathon in his seventh continent. He ran Antarctica twice, and even wore shorts while doing so!

"It's great running, but the main thing I always think about is the kids and how they need coats," Toochek said. "Whenever I get tired during a run I always think of them and say, 'I gotta keep going because I'm fortunate enough to have coats, but they don't even have one when I have five.' I just always keep going for them."

For more info go to http://www.nikrunstheworld.com/

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