Driven to run: Marathons take on a deeper meaning for local runner

CLARKS SUMMIT — Allied Services and You allows local runners to participate in marathons across the world, from New York to Tokyo. What began in 2010 as the popular Ryan’s Run has blossomed to become an international, collaborative effort to spread the message of Allied Services Integrated Health System.

For Jim Brogna, vice president for strategic partnership development at Allied Services, the marathons take on a deeper meaning, especially in 2025.

Originally, the team behind Ryan’s Run had five bibs — the tags worn by runners — for the TCS New York City Marathon to share with local runners. Brogna was a willing participant, though many others in the community helped to make Ryan’s Run a successful venture without putting on their sneakers.

“The feeling is you don’t have to run a marathon to make a difference,” Brogna said, noting that donations and volunteering for the charity campaign are just some of the ways the public has helped over the years.

After Ryan’s Run namesake Ryan Leckey left WNEP-TV, the team at Allied Services rebranded their campaign as Allied Services and You, a decision that ensures the name of Allied Services is spread throughout the nation and world.

“We were able to remind people every time we said the name [of the campaign] that this is all about Allied Services, and the programs and services that we offer,” Brogna said.

Allied Services has now reached Silver Level charity status at the TCS New York City Marathon, earning them 65 bibs in this year’s race, which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Brogna’s personal marathon

Through a partnership with the charity organization Realbuzz, Allied Services has been looped into the international marathon community. Some of those overseas opportunities are transferable to races within the United States, which is where Jim Brogna’s 2025 marathon schedule gets especially hectic and gratifying.

On Sept. 20, Brogna will run in the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio. A bit over a month later, on Oct. 26, he’ll be running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.

Professionally, both of these races are consistent with the overlying Allied Services’ dedication to cariung for veterans.

“Whether it’s traumatic rehabilitation when they come home from service, or aging conditions, or long-term care, or home services, or, God forbid, end-of-life care, we treat more veterans than almost any other healthcare in this region,” said Brogna.

He added that veterans who receive end-of-life care in the Allied Services system are eligible for a special service, in which Ron Skamanich, a retired sergeant, honors the ill veteran with special prayers and recognition.

For Brogna, the Air Force and Marine Corps marathons are of great personal significance. Brogna’s late father-in-law, Senior Master Sergeant Carl Biscontini, served in the United States Air Force. His brother, the retired Lieutenant Colonel Frank Brogna, served in the United States Marine Corps. While participating in the marathons corresponding to their service, Brogna will carry their names with him.

“I decided to make it a more personal thing for me, while telling the story of the people that Allied serves — the veterans in our community,” Brogna explained.

The date of the Air Force Marathon will line up roughly with Carl Biscontini’s enlistment and retirement dates, adding yet another layer to Brogna’s personal marathon. In the case of this particular coincidence, he didn’t know the significance of the dates until it was pointed out by other family members.

“It feels like there was a driven purpose that maybe I didn’t even realize,” he said.

Donations to support Allied Services and You’s race to reach their fundraising goals can be submitted here:
https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/james-brogna-3