Sideline Stories: Joel Russ, Cross for LifeFlight of Maine – 82 year old sets goal for 100 miles

82-Year-Old Joel Russ Aims to Run 100 Miles in August in Support of LifeFlight of Maine

“My mother would say that I started to run as soon as I was born,” shared Joel Russ of Walpole, Maine, about his love for the sport. “I’ve never sat still.”

The 82-year-old has been an athlete his whole life. He ran competitively in school and has completed a marathon, three Beach to Beacons, and many other 5Ks and 10Ks. This summer, he’s looking forward to adding another race to his list: the inaugural Cross for LifeFlight Family- Fun 5K Walk/Run at Portland’s Back Cove Trail on August 15.

For Joel, the Cross for LifeFlight 5K is more than just a race. It’s a way for him to give back to an organization that means a lot both to him and to his family.

Joel first became personally involved with LifeFlight of Maine in 2011, when his daughter-in- law KC Ford was a patient. She had been a passenger in a small plane that crashed while flying from Matinicus Island to Owls Head. A LifeFlight helicopter responded and flew her to Central Maine Medical Center, which KC credits with saving her life.

“In the last 15 years, I increasingly know more personal stories of neighbors and friends in my community whose lives have been saved by LifeFlight,” shared Joel. He shows his gratitude for the organization by lacing up his shoes and running more than one-hundred miles every August as part of the Cross for LifeFlight.

The month-long event is LifeFlight’s biggest annual peer-to-peer fundraiser. Participants are asked to track their miles doing an outdoor activity they enjoy and raise funds along the way.

Last summer, Joel was the top fundraiser in the Cross for LifeFlight, raising more than $17,000. He ran 130 miles over the course of August — the most miles run of any participant that year.

This summer, Joel will once again hit the pavement in support of LifeFlight. Joel is aiming to run 100 miles during the month, and surpass his fundraising from last year. He will be joining LifeFlight’s Grateful Patient Team, along with his son Matt and Matt’s wife, KC, who is team captain. Last year’s team raised $60,000 for the organization.

While the month-long challenge remains a core part of the event, he is looking forward to taking part in the Cross for LifeFlight Family-Fun 5K, which will bring together LifeFlight crew members, former patients, and other fellow supporters.

“I think it will probably increase the public awareness of LifeFlight,” shared Joel. “I think it will bring a new community of people together.”

• Summer is LifeFlight’s busiest time of year. In June, July, and August, 2025, LifeFlight cared for 877 patients — on average, a patient was transported every 2.5 hours. Summer of 2026, demand for LifeFlight’s services has been similarly high, highlighting the importance of community support.
• In 2025, we safely transported 3,031 patients from all across Maine.
• Each LifeFlight team and vehicle are equipped with more than $500,000 of advanced medical equipment on board and carry blood and specialized medications.

• Since 2013, peer-to-peer fundraising events, including the Cross for LifeFlight, have raised more than $3 million to:

  • upgrade and standardize LifeFlight’s helicopter fleet,
  • purchase advanced medical equipment carried onboard,
  • fund important clinical education and training programs across the state,
  • enhance the state’s aviation infrastructure. 

Learn more about the Cross for LifeFlight and Cross for LifeFlight Family-Fun 5K Walk/Run at www.CrossforLifeFlight.org.