LEESBURG, Fla. — Nearly 30 years after a life-altering bicycle accident, Jonathan Holiday is returning to his roots to embark on an extraordinary physical and philanthropic challenge. The Leesburg native, now 43 and living in Atlanta, will compete in the Long Haul 100 Mile Ultramarathon in Lakeland, Florida on Saturday, January 18, 2025, using his journey to inspire others and support a cause close to his heart.

On August 19th, 1995, Holiday’s life hung in the balance after a severe bicycle accident left him critically injured. Holiday was just 13-years-old at the time when he and his friends were bike riding in the Ocala National Forest. They were rushing back to camp to beat a rain storm that was on its way. When Holiday didn’t show up to camp, his friends went out looking for him. There, they found Holiday laying motionless on the side of the road. Resuscitated at the scene and rushed to Shands Hospital, he underwent emergency brain surgery, his survival uncertain. Doctors gave him an 8% chance of survival due to his brain being starved for oxygen.

(Doctors were not sure if Jonathan would survive his injuries. He was 13-years-old in this photo and given just an 8% chance of survival. Doctors performed emergency brain surgery which would ultimately save his life.)

During the resuscitation attempt paramedics had to jump start his heart three-times. When Holiday began to regain conscientiousness, he began a 6 month process to recover. It was an experience which left him with a profound sense of purpose. “That incident in 1995 changed my entire perspective on life,” Holiday said. “I vowed to live with intention and make a difference wherever I could. I found Jesus and learned to live a life full of helping others whenever I could. I struggled for years with cognitive issues but I was able to graduate Leesburg High School in May of 2000.” says Holiday.

Holiday’s upcoming ultramarathon is the latest chapter in a life defined by resilience and generosity. Running under the banner of his personal mantra, #RunOnPurpose, he is raising funds for an orphanage in Africa, a cause he and his family have long supported. Jonathan is currently an Executive Consultant at Roofing Done Right in Georgia after spending many years with Covenant Roofing in Lake County. Since recovering from that horrific injury in 1995, Holiday has went on to live a life full of purpose and fullfilment. From graduating Leesburg High School to finding work, a loving wife and now being a father of three, Jonathan makes each and every day count. “I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me the ability to live through that. To this day no one knows what happened. There is no evidence of what took place. I am just thankful to even be alive. I had a friend at Leesburg High School who fell out of a truck and had the same injury as I did. Unfortunately he died from his injuries. It just goes to show how incredibly fortunate I am to be here today.” says Holiday.

(Despite his accident early in his life, Jonathan got back on the road and has participated in many Triathlon’s, Marathons and Ironman competitions. This is his first attempt at a 100-mile race.)

This isn’t his first foray into combining athletic endurance. Two years ago, Holiday completed a grueling 50-mile marathon in Tennessee, raising $7,000 to help construct a boys’ dormitory at an orphanage in Kenya. For his 100-mile challenge, he’s already surpassed $30,000 in donations. “My brother Robert Holiday owns an HVAC business and says he will match our funds. Life is about giving back to people. The money raised will go to help finish a third campus in Siaya, Africa.” Holiday says. A few years ago Holiday met with Tom Abungo the executive director of Connect With A Child. Since that meeting, Holiday has made it his mission to secure funding to help those in need anytime he runs an event. If you feel like donating to Jonathan’s cause you can click here:

“The Long Haul 100 isn’t just about testing my physical limits—it’s about giving these kids opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” Holiday explained. “It’s a way of turning the gift God gave me into progress and my survival into a second chance for others.” For those interested in what Connect With A Child is you can click here to learn more info. 

(Jonathan middle stands with Tom Abungo “left” who is the director of Connect With A Child along with Jonathan’s wife Alicyn on the right.)

Holiday has been training rigorously for the ultramarathon, balancing his preparation with his work and family life. The event on Saturday will mark a meaningful return to his home state, where his journey began. “I love this area. My family is multi-generational in Lake County. They owned Pineridge Dairy Farm which is now called Pine Ridge Village and is owned by The Villages.” Jonathan also has a great story about how he got into running. “About 21 years ago I was 50 pounds heavier and a few friends and I decided to go to a local YMCA in Tavares. When I first showed up I couldn’t even run one mile. But as time went on I got stronger and faster. Eventually we attended an event at SeaWorld which was a 5K race. When I ran that race and finished, it got me hooked on longer distance racing.” says Holiday.

(Jonathan now lives in Atlanta but he is an amazing Lake County success story. Here he sits with his wife of 16 years Alicyn and their three children.)

“Coming back to Central Florida for this run feels like closing a circle,” he said. “This is where my story started, and it’s incredible to return, not as someone defined by that accident, but as someone who’s grown because of it.” Jonathan ended up moving to Georgia in 2019 where his wife is from. “Interesting story on that is Lena Williams actually sold our house. Her daughter Haley Williams is one of the strongest people I know. What that young girl is going through and fighting gives hope to so many people. She’s been such a positive beacon of hope,” says Holiday.

Jonathan continues to compete in long distance races. He has competed in events such as the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco, California, the 50 Croom Fools Ultra Marathon but this will be his first attempt at a 100-mile ultramarathon.

Holiday’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of purpose. His #RunOnPurpose initiative continues to inspire others to find meaning in their struggles and use their journeys to make a difference. “I just want people to know that if you put your trust in Jesus he will do things that you never thought possible. I am a testament to God’s good will.” says Holiday.

We wish Jonathan the best of luck on his run. If you want to support him this weekend, the Lakeland 100 Ultramarathon starts Saturday at 7:00 am. The course is located at Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland. Again, no pressure to do so, but if you find it in your heart to donate to Jonathan’s cause to help students in Africa put a roof over their heads, the link to donate is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-connect-with-a-child-100-mile-ultramarathon