October 20, 2025
Media Coverage Catches Fire as Raleigh's Jalen Snipes Runs 150+ Miles to Charlotte
Every once in a while a story comes along that pulls people in for reasons bigger than the headline. That is exactly what happened when Jalen Snipes, a real estate agent with The Coley Group, stepped up to the starting line at Raleigh Fire Station One, ready to take his first steps toward a one hundred fifty mile journey to Charlotte. He was running not for recognition, but to honor the firefighters who once saved his childhood home.
What began as one Raleigh man’s personal promise quickly grew into something the entire state connected with. News stations shared his story, strangers followed along online and families gathered along the roadside with handmade signs and cheers of encouragement. The support was sincere and the momentum carried far beyond the miles he covered.
WRAL captured the emotion of the moment
WRAL shared the stillness of those first few minutes before he took off. Firefighters gathered around him, hands on shoulders, offering a group prayer. He wore a Raleigh Fire Department shirt and looked both focused and humbled.
When asked why he was running, Jalen said something that stuck with viewers: “It’s selflessness. They put themself second and put us in the community first.”
It was not just a run, it was gratitude in motion.
ABC11 gave viewers the backstory that changed everything
ABC11 took the story deeper, reminding everyone what sparked this mission. When Jalen was a kid, lightning struck his family home. Firefighters were the ones who kept that day from becoming a tragedy. The memory never left him.
He told ABC11: “Once they saved the house, it put a fire in me to put my feet on the pavement for them.”
ABC11 also shared how quickly people rallied behind him. Donations climbed past ten thousand dollars, helped by supporters and a matching contribution from The Coley Group.
WSOC highlighted the gratitude woven through his journey
In their coverage, WSOC focused on Jalen’s words to firefighters statewide. It showed how personal the run was to him.
He said: “You saved my home and many others. I am forever indebted.”
Hearing his voice, raw and sincere, made the story resonate far beyond the running world.
Instagram Turned Jalen’s Run Into a Shared Experience
While traditional media introduced the story, Instagram made people feel like they were right there with him.
On @jalensnipes, his updates were simple but full of heart. Early morning miles, tired smiles, quick videos from the side of the road, photos with firefighters who met him along the way. His followers became an extended cheering section.
From Jalen, after finishing his first long stretch: “Raleigh, you carried me today. Thank you for every honk, every wave, every message. This run is for the people who protect us. On to the next miles.”
From a supporter who drove out to catch him on the route: “Stopped by with my kids to cheer you on. You made their day. Keep going Jalen, we believe in you.”
From another follower: “My brother is a firefighter. What you are doing means more than you know. Thank you.”
From community reels and clips:
- A family handing him water with tears in their eyes.
- Fire engines rumbling slowly behind him in silent support.
- Other runners choosing to join him for a few miles, no introduction needed.
- A little boy handing him a handwritten sign that said simply, “Thank you.”
Jalen never ran alone, even when the road was quiet. Every message, like, share and donation added energy to his stride. Instagram made it a conversation, not a performance. People watched the miles unfold in real time. They felt connected to the mission. They wanted him to succeed. It turned a physical challenge into a collective act of appreciation.
A Run That Reminded North Carolina Who We Are
Jalen’s journey is a reminder of something important. Communities grow stronger when people show up for each other. Firefighters show up for us every day. This time, the state showed up for them.
If you want to keep up with Jalen and support the cause that inspired all these miles, you can follow him on Instagram at @jalensnipes and continue spreading awareness for the North Carolina Firefighters Fund.