A son followed in his late father’s footsteps by changing into his running shoes to cross the finish line at an Ironman continuing his years long running legacy.
Michael Hartnagel, 31, from Brownsburg, Indiana, lost his father Ralph, who died of prostate cancer in September 2023, aged 64.
Ralph was an athletic, larger-than-life character, Michael said, always seeing the positives in everything – and it was this mindset he took into his cancer fight, deciding on January 1, 2021, he’d start a running streak to improve his mood during his battle.
The streak lasted five months before Ralph’s health meant he could no longer continue, and so Michael decided to pick up the baton on behalf of his father, continuing the streak to this day.
After his father’s passing, Michael also used running as a way to heal and find purpose, sharing his challenges on social media – with a streak now close to 2,000 consecutive days.
Two days after his Ralph passed, Michael ran 157 miles across Indiana, raising more than $50,000 for a cancer non-profit he started.
From there, Michael ran 12 marathons in 12 months around 12 cancer care centers, as well as taking up Ironmans to push himself even further.
But one tribute Michael pays to his father has always been a constant in all the big races he runs.
During the first and last mile of each, Michael changes into his father’s running shoes, so he can feel Ralph with him.
On March 28, 2026, Michael’s cousin, Maggie, captured how he changed into his father’s shoes for the final part of the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, in California.
A post Michael shared of the moment later went viral, with the 31-year-old to continue this gesture as he completes more running challenges.
His journey can be followed on Instagram @dailymileproject and on TikTok @thepositiverunner.
Michael said: “At every single one of my big running events I always put on my dad’s shoes and finish as a tribute to him.
“The first and last mile of the Run Across Indiana, the last mile of all the 12 marathons around cancer centers, and any big event I do.
“Anytime I finish a big race or event it’s emotional.
“I’m reminded of the dad he was and how he continues to inspire me to do things I would have never thought possible.
“He is my why and the reason I have been able to accomplish so much.
“Every time I get close to the finish, I’m just overwhelmed with emotions and really feel his presence.”
