British Ultrarunner Plans 50 Marathons Across 50 States

British ultrarunner William Goodge is attempting to run a marathon in all 50 U.S. states in 24 days, beginning in Honolulu on Oct. 9 and finishing at the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1. The 32-year-old is undertaking the Mission America challenge in memory of his mother, Amanda, who died of cancer, and to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer. If successful, he aims to set a Guinness World Record, surpassing Dean Karnazes’ 50-marathons-in-50-days feat; Goodge plans to run at least two marathons on most days and three on several. Idaho Falls and Bozeman are among his stops, where he has invited local residents to cheer him on or join the opening miles. Goodge says he hopes the effort will show how hardship and emotion can be directed toward a positive goal.