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Man plans to run 24 hours straight for charity

“Some of my friends call me crazy because I do crazy things when it comes to running,” he said.

ST. LOUIS — Chris Heinz started running seven years ago to lose weight. Running has become his thing. 

He told Today in St. Louis' Rene Knott he went for a half marathon run at 4 a.m. and that there was nobody else out there.

He’s taken part in races big and small.  

“My first race was a half marathon. My first triathlon was a half Iron Man. I’ve done close to 200 now between 5Ks, half marathons, full marathons, Iron Mans,” he said. 

Chris does not run fast, but he is blessed with the stamina to keep going. He said, “I love the fact that I’m able to endure, to stress my body a little bit to suffer a little bit.”   

Now, Chris is about to embark on the run of his life.  

“I typically run somewhere between 20 and 25 miles a week,” he said.  

He's training to circle Creve Coeur Lake over and over again. “I go big.” “Somewhere between 85 and 100 miles.” 

Chris is going to run for 24 hours, straight. 

“Some of my friends call me crazy because I do crazy things when it comes to running,” he said. 

The goal isn't to test his limits. He said, “I never thought I could do 24 hours but why not try.” He wants his run to help take care of those who can't take care of themselves. The run is a fundraiser. “I love to give back,” he said. 

Shriner's Hospital for Children, Dementia care, and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation will benefit from the fundraiser. “They’re near and dear to my heart,” he said. He's hoping to raise $1,000 an hour. “My goal is to be able to donate $8,000 to each of these charities.” 

Chris Heinz doesn't necessarily run to win. 

“These people have to deal with this stuff 24 hours a day seven days a week." 

"Can’t run seven days. But I can run for one full day,” he said.

And because he runs charities win.  

Chris will begin his 24 hour run for charity at Creve Coeur Lake on May 16. 

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