Man running from San Francisco to New York treks through Valley

One Florida man is attempting to break the world record for the fastest run across the country.

On Friday, Nels Matson traveled throughout the Mahoning Valley into Mercer County, marking more than 2,600 miles into his journey.

The ultra-endurance athlete also puts one foot in front of the other to raise thousands for a worthy cause, the Wounded Warrior Project.

Matson's journey started in San Francisco on September 8th. Every day since then, he begins his run at 4 a.m. and doesn't stop until dark. Matson is attempting to run over 3,000 miles within 42 days.

"I began in December of 2020 to get ready for this," Matson told 21 News while running through Brookfield. "It's been a process. Making this trip across America is truly a team event. I have my team every two miles making sure I have enough food. All I'm doing is running and everyone else is helping me along the way."

Matson's run honors fallen U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Campbell, supporting the Wounded Warrior Project. Campbell was one of 30 American service members killed in a helicopter that was shot down by Taliban forces on August 6, 2011.

Campbell had a handwritten note in his will, wishing for 100,000 people to donate to help wounded warriors. 

"Lately, I've had some aches and pains," Matson explained. "And I have been thinking about warriors that have had a lot worse of aches and pains than me. What I'm doing is nothing compared to some of the recoveries that these people have gone through."

Matson started Friday's run in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and ended in Mercer County. His route took him through Warren, Vienna, and Brookfield. His team keeps him fed and hydrated throughout the day, following him in several cars stocked with food and first aid supplies.

"I was thinking of the parallel with mental health with our veterans for example," Matson said. "Maybe Day #1, I was a really strong person. But Day #6, I was not such a strong person and I needed some help."

While attempting to break the record for a cross-country run, he holds raising funds for The Wounded Warrior Project at higher importance. Matson never personally met Chris Campbell, but is running to keep his memory alive.

"All veterans can use services for Wounded Warrior Project free of charge," Matson said. "Veterans have already paid their dues, so that is very important to know as well."

According to the Wounded Warrior Project's website, more than 140,000 people have donated in Campbell's name. 

Visit this link to learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project's mission.