Laszlo Piringer is an athlete who just finished his 78-day run across America in 78. Laszlo battled the elements from Los Angeles, California, to Central Park in New York City and became the first Hungarian to complete this run as a solo athlete. However, his journey is made even more impressive when he did it for a cause greater than himself, partnering with the non-profit charity No Kid Hungry and raising enough money to feed 100,000 children.
Many would be surprised that Laszlo Piringer’s journey began with a reflection in the mirror. “Like many other people, I looked at the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. So I started dieting, sticking to a plant-based diet. I also went on to completely change my lifestyle and started running,” Piringer revealed, “Running made my life better and made me feel good about myself. Soon I realized that if I maintain this new lifestyle and take care of my body, it could take me to the end of the world.”
Even when enjoying his newfound passion for running, Laszlo Piringer felt like he could do more. So, after being an avid runner for a little over two years, he embarked on this cross-country run. “Running made me realize that there is more to life than just constantly staring at screens. There is so much life out in the world, so many more things to see and do,” Laszlo shared.
He began his run in Los Angeles, California. “I ran around 40-44 miles every day. Some days I would even run for 50 miles straight,” he recalled. Making his way on foot to New York, Laszlo encountered all the best things America has to offer. “I met so many people along the way,” Laszlo Piringer shared, “A man and his mother offered me a homemade meal as I ran through the Navajo Nation. I was even invited over to a family dinner in Missouri!”
For 78 consecutive days, Laszlo Piringer ran. He encountered sun, snow, hail, and rain. He ran through mountains, rough terrain, seemingly endless farmlands, and uninhabited desert. “This journey showed me just how beautiful this country is. America is colorful and vibrant, and it is still actually such a wonderful place filled with unbelievably kind and friendly people,” he said.
In his 78-day run across America, Laszlo Piringer shared that the scariest part was running right next to a highway. Laughing at the memory now, he said, “The moments I spent next to speeding cars and trucks were a little terrifying. Imagine my lonely body running on the side of a highway, and these vehicles pass by just inches away from me. “
Because his passion for running inspired Laszlo Piringer to think of things bigger than himself, he wanted to find a way to inspire other people to get out and do something more with their lives. “It was important for me that this run across America would have an impact. And I chose to partner with No Kid Hungry because they help with a cause dear to my heart. I am still amazed at how we were able to raise funds to feed so many children. I want to keep dedicating my future adventures to different advocacies.”
“My story centers around running, but I believe it to be so much more than that,” Laszlo Piringer said, “I want to encourage others to live an active and healthy lifestyle. And I want to inspire others to make the most of the one life they have. If there’s a dream they want to achieve, I want them to know that things only seem scary from far away. Things only seem difficult until you start. But that shouldn’t stop them from going after their goals.”
Laszlo Piringer is a proud plant-based athlete. He completed his run across America in 78 days and documented his entire journey. After a break from running, he is back to doing what he loves most. To learn more about his experience, you may follow him on Instagram.
