Miles That Mattered: How Ted Epstein Turned Endurance into Impact

Running for a Cause

For Ted Epstein, running was never just about miles.
It was about meaning.

The Freedom Run — 1985

In 1985, Ted ran more than 100 miles in the Freedom Run, an event sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League to support Ethiopian Jews seeking freedom and safety. It was one of the first times Ted’s endurance was tied directly to a humanitarian mission — using physical effort to shine light on human struggle.

It would not be the last.

Running Across Colorado for National Jewish Health — 1988

In 1988, Ted took on a challenge deeply personal to his heart.

Vivian’s father, Herman Sheldon, had been a respected Denver real estate developer. He helped build some of the city’s earliest luxury apartment buildings and developed the North Valley Shopping Center. So valued was his impact that a street in Thornton was named Sheldon Street in his honor.

But Herman’s life had also been marked by a long battle with severe asthma.

Despite his condition, he remained active well into his late 70s, even playing tennis with Vivian the week before he passed away at age 79. The care he received at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine — now known as National Jewish Health — helped extend his life.

To honor his father-in-law and raise awareness for asthma research and treatment, Ted decided to run across the state of Colorado.

From April 25 to May 1, 1988, Ted ran 209 miles — more than a marathon each day — traveling from the Colorado border northward toward Wyoming. Along the way, radio and television stations interviewed him in city after city, helping spread the message about asthma, lung health, and the importance of exercise.

Pledges were collected for every mile Ted ran. His legs carried not only his body, but the hopes of patients and families facing respiratory illness.

Ted Epstein Gorilla Mask Run

Art, Stairs, and a Gorilla Mask — 1989

Ted found creative ways to give back beyond the road.

In January 1989, he and fellow artist Felicia Nassi exhibited their sculptures at Bill Daniels’ Cableland home. Ted donated a large portion of his bronze sculpture sales to National Jewish Hospital.

But Ted also liked to make fundraising memorable.

On May 2, 1989, in the middle of another multi-day benefit run, Ted and his friend David Savitz climbed the 49 floors of the United Bank Building in downtown Denver — a 2,000-stair ascent.

Less than ten minutes later, reporters and photographers waiting at the top were greeted by a surprising sight: Ted, breathless, sweaty… and wearing a gorilla mask.

The stunt brought smiles, cameras, and attention — exactly what Ted wanted. Awareness was just as important as miles.

As The Denver Post reported:

“My priorities are to have a good time and raise awareness of asthma and exercise,” Ted said.

Although he did not suffer from asthma himself, Ted was determined to spotlight what he called an “overlooked disease.” At the time, 15 million Americans lived with asthma, and thousands died each year.

After the stair climb, Ted was driven back to the road to continue his run toward New Mexico. For him, the cause never paused.

Running for Education — 1991

Ted’s giving spirit extended beyond health causes.

In February 1991, he ran for two straight days around the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol to support the 75th Anniversary of the Emily Griffith Opportunity School. Pledges were made for every mile he covered, helping fund education and job training for people seeking a second chance.

Miles for Many More

Over the years, Ted ran in numerous charity events — sometimes quietly, without publicity. He paid entry fees that went directly to causes he believed in. Friends and family pledged money for every mile he ran.

Among the organizations he supported were:

Multiple Sclerosis Walk
Relay for Life (cancer research)
Special Olympics
Kops N Kids
Make-A-Wish Foundation

For Ted Epstein, endurance wasn’t only about testing limits.

It was about using those limits — pushing them, stretching them, living beyond them — so someone else’s life could be a little easier, a little healthier, a little brighter.

The miles always meant more when they helped someone else cross their own finish line.

TED – Endure