Cape Coral ultrarunner 15 days into 50-state Make-A-Wish challenge

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Cape Coral ultramarathon runner Brady McDonald is 15 days into a 50-state running challenge to raise money for Make-A-Wish.

McDonald is attempting to run 50 kilometers in all 50 states over 50 consecutive days. The challenge, called Zero to 100 Wishes, started July 25 in Orlando and is scheduled to end Sept. 12 in Hawaii.

When WINK News first spoke with McDonald before the challenge began, he was still training in Cape Coral. Now, he said he’s run 465 miles and counting.

“Obviously, the durability must be there because the body’s putting up with it,” McDonald said. “I’d love to be able to tell you right now that I’m absolutely dying, but fortunately, but unfortunately, I’m not.”

McDonald’s goal is to raise $1 million to help grant 100 wishes through Make-A-Wish. He said the fundraiser has already brought in more than $425,000.

“With the $425,000, that’s for 42 wishes,” McDonald said. “These children are going to get 42 lives that are going to be changed and their families.”

Along the way, McDonald has run through landmarks such as Churchill Downs and Charlotte Motor Speedway while documenting the journey on YouTube. He said he has also been joined by other runners, supporters and families who know what Make-A-Wish can mean.

“We've met a lot of different people on the trail and on the road, and they've been telling me the stories of why or how Make-A-Wish has helped them and changed and impacted their children,” McDonald said. “It's been pretty wild.”

McDonald said those stories have helped keep him and his crew focused on the mission.

“God has definitely helped place these people and these stories, almost like every day, just to keep the high hopes high and just continue to fuel us,” McDonald said.

To donate to McDonald’s mission, click here.