Waltham man runs 100 miles in less than 24 hours to raise money, awareness for NAMI

PROVINCETOWN, Mass. — Brendan Walsh ran and just kept running.

“Stopping is like the enemy on these things,” he said.

The 27-year-old Waltham man ran 100 miles Saturday, continuously, in a fundraiser he called ‘Run The Cape.’

He started on Race Point Beach in Provincetown and finished 22 hours and 46-minutes later in Woods Hole.

Walsh ran to raise money and awareness for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Health.

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He said he has struggled with anxiety his whole life, suffered from depression, and has lost several friends to mental health issues, so this was his way to spread the message one mile at a time.

“A gentleman saw writing on windows came over and said hey I just want to let you know I appreciate what you’re doing I lost my son to suicide recently he gave back and donated money as well.”

The “Run The Cape” was actually the second leg of Walsh’s fundraiser.

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Last year he cycled his way into the Guinness Book of World Records by riding his bike 23-hundred miles from the Canadian border in Maine to Key West, Florida in 11 days and nine-and-a-half hours.

Running the equivalent of nearly 4 marathons in less than 24 hours may not be a record, but it’s something Walsh will always cherish.

“It’s pretty amazing. We got to see the sunset at Race Point the night before, which is pretty unbelievable by the way, then the sunrise, then the sunset again. So we literally watched Cape Cod live and breathe an entire day,” he said.

Walsh has raised close to his goal of $10,000 for NAMI.

You can donate here.

You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, know there is help. There are local and national resources available.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. Press #1 if you are a veteran.
• The Samaritans Statewide Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-877-870-4673.
• The Trevor Helpline is available 24/7 at 866-488-7386, Specifically for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth and young adults.
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention
• Hotlines available across the state of Massachusetts
• Massachusetts resources

Cox Media Group