Michael Wardian Just Finished His Three Thousand Mile Run Across The Country In Only 61 Days To Raise Money For Clean Drinking Water
Earlier this year, Michael Wardian– a forty-eight-year-old man from Arlington, Virginia– pledged to run the entire length of the United States. And just last week, Michael’s dream finally turned into a reality.
Beginning on May 1, 2022, Michael began his trek from San Francisco, California. He planned to travel along US Route 50 for seventy-five days and, after over three thousand miles, end in his hometown of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
You may be wondering what would ever push someone to run across the country. For Michael, it was the mission of providing children and families across the globe with clean and safe drinking water.
So, he partnered with the international humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization World Vision to make it happen.
According to World Vision, “More than eight hundred children under age five die every day from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and unsafe hygiene.”
In turn, Michael’s goal was to raise one hundred thousand dollars for the organization’s clean water initiatives.
This magic number would provide two thousand people with long-lasting clean drinking water since the average cost is about fifty dollars per person.
But, Michael’s commitment to the cause truly wowed the community, and he surpassed that goal– earning the organization nearly one hundred and fifteen thousand dollars in donations.
Instagram; pictured above is Michael
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Plus, people from across the country were able to follow along with Michael’s journey on his Instagram account. He posted nearly every day– sharing his mileage, time, and reflections.
And on Friday, July 1, Michael finally finished his journey and again exceeded expectations. He had initially budgeted seventy-five days to complete the entire run.
But, on day sixty-one, he ran one hundred miles straight and reached his final destination of Rehoboth Beach.
Family, friends, and the greater community were all there eagerly awaiting his arrival. They even set up a blow-up finish line on the boardwalk and coordinated a celebratory “fun run” to Dewey Beer Co. to close out Michael’s milestone.
His social media followers also got to experience the pure joy of watching Michael cross the finish line via an Instagram Reel. Hundreds of commenters congratulated him on the unbelievable achievement.
“Wow, congratulations! I have been following along the whole way– what an amazing journey! And a wonderful way to finish,” wrote one user.
“Mike… you are amazing! I cannot even imagine how joyous you must feel right now. You run with love and gratitude and set an example for us all. Congratulations!” commented another follower.
To learn more about Michael’s journey and follow along with his next adventures, you can visit his Instagram account linked here.
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