SWFL.io - Local NewsIn his time running marathons, Brady McDonald has earned just about every accolade you can imagine, but what's even more impressive are his hard-won stories of grit.
"I ran a 240-mile ultramarathon, nonstop, through the mountains in Moab, Utah," said McDonald. "They had torrential downpour. The most rain they've ever had on record. It took me 101 hours."
It may seem like McDonald loves what this sport gives him. Why else would someone willingly go through so much suffering?
But what McDonald really loves is what this sport gives to others.
"I raised $96,000 for children's charity. Then I did a couple of other 100 milers in the mountains," said McDonald.
This month, Brady will start his mission to run a 50k race in all 50 U.S. states. He's raising money to grant 100 kids wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"It was put on my heart to use my legs and use my ability to endure to help other people," said McDonald.
McDonald proves that the real finish line isn't in the awards or the praise, but in the lives we change along the way.
"A lot of us are seeking purpose, or we hope to find it in all this stuff, but I know to be true that when you give, it is so much better than receiving."
To learn more about McDonald's running and charity initiative, "Zero to 100," go to his website here.
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