Blinded by Car Accident, Resident Runs in Marathons

Six years after Joe Bellantoni nearly died in a car crash he tearing up the asphalt, running in as many marathons as he can.

Bellantioni, a Kinnelon resident, was involved in a car accident on Route 23 in West Milford. He stopped breathing twice. Now blind, he suffered broken bones, a punctured lung, his arm had to be reattached, and undergo reconstructive surgery on his face.

Since 2009, Bellantoni and his wife Denise have run in 14 marathons and the New York City Ironman. He wants to compete in a marathon a month. They recently competed in the Newport Liberty 122 Marathon.

The husband and wife have founded a non-profit called The Blind Ambition Coalition. It helps disabled people “build confidence and reach their full potential.”

Bellantoni and his wife could not be reached for comment and did not respond to e-mails seeking comment.