Navajo Nation firefighter runs half marathon in full gear for charity

A Navajo National Fire Department firefighter is winning the hearts and respect of people on social media after finishing the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Arizona in full turnout gear this past weekend.

Jeremy Curley, 31, took on the herculean effort of running with more than 60 pounds of gear to help raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Sunday's run in the Valley wasn't his first time. Curley, who has been a firefighter for eight years, said he's run several half-marathons and a full marathon in his gear.

He did his first run in gear in 2016 to memorialize a little girl who was murdered.

"They announced for everyone to wear yellow for her favorite color," he wrote in an email interview with azcentral. "So the night before I decided to wear my gear since my helmet was yellow."

His previous two half-marathons have been to help St. Jude, he said. He spent Sunday cheering supporting people who took part in the run.

"It takes away the pain that I get in my feet and knees," he wrote.

St. Jude posted on their Facebook page that the group Curley was part of raised $122,000 at the marathon. Curley's page shows he was able to reach $425 toward his goal of $500. Curley said people will be able to donate for the next couple of weeks.

Reaction to a photo of Curley running in all that gear drew praise for his efforts.