Man running 24 marathons in 24 days for Children's Hospital



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Brian Gruender says when you're inspired, it's easy to push through the pain, even as the miles stack up. On July 4th, Gruender and three other runners from across the country will attempt to run a marathon every day for 24 consecutive days.

"I'm gonna have those kids in mind every day when I'm running," Gruender said.

Donations to his cause will benefit Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

“The number 24 is symbolic because it’s the number of cancer beds at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital and the number of hours we have each day to complete our runs," Gruender said.

Long distance runs are nothing new for Gruender, who has run ultra-marathons as long as 135 miles. Still, he sought a new challenge.

"I've always wanted to something where it's back-to-back, back-to-back," Gruender said.

After finishing races around the country, Gruender now has a network of fellow runners -- three that will be joining him in the 24 for 24 challenge.

"There's four runners: Wisconsin, Texas, California and New York," Gruender said.

Together, they hope to raise $24,000 for childhood cancer research.

"When I run for them, I have a picture of them on my back so it gives me extra motivation. When I'm feeling the pain or not feeling well, I think about what they're going through," Gruender said.

Gruender says long-distance running is the perfect fundraiser for this cause. After all, the fight against cancer isn't a sprint, but a marathon.