Many of us think of a marathon as a long way to run. And it’s true, 26.2 miles is a long way. But Abe Clark is planning on running 2862 miles – all the way across the USA – alone and unsupported. It is a monumental goal and one that has only ever been achieved by 11 other people so far.

To Abe, though, the running isn’t the biggest goal. The real goal is to raise $100,000 for Living Water International, a nonprofit that aims to provide clean water solutions to impoverished communities worldwide. In his words, “Running across America is a mind-boggling task, but not nearly as mind numbing as the water crises. I want to prove to people that by taking one step of faith at a time, we can accomplish both!”

Here at FirstGiving, we can’t even begin to contemplate running across the entire country. We asked Abe a few questions to find out more about his motivation, his struggles, and the amazing ways in which people – sometimes even total strangers – have supported him in his effort.

FirstGiving: Why a run across the country? How did this come about?

Abe: When the idea of running across America made its way into my mind four years ago, it was just the thought of adventure, the possibilities of never turning around, never looking back. The two things that pushed me over the edge may sound a bit strange because they don’t have anything to do with running:

A few summers ago, I fixed up an old sailboat and then lived and sailed around Lake Michigan all season. I had no prior knowledge of sailing. This gave me a lot of confidence in myself and my dreams–a person can accomplish a great deal when he or she follows a dream 100%. The other major thing that inspired me to attempt the run was a message I heard on the subject of God working through your passions. I am so excited to use this strength that I have been empowered by. I plan to keep taking one step of faith at a time until clean water is accessible to everyone.

FirstGiving: How did you become interested in the clean water cause?

Abe: Being a runner, I have always loved a tall glass of ice water. After doing a bit of research on the water crises I came across Living Water International and loved that their mission was to provide a cup of water in Jesus’ name. Living Water International is a very organized and efficient non-profit; they do so much for people in need of clean water. The more I work with them, the more I fall in love with the organization and the people they are serving.

FirstGiving: In addition to donating to your page, how have people supported you in your efforts?

Abe: Whether it is a plane ticket to California or a pair of much needed running shoes, I’ve been supported both by people I know and people I don’t know. I have a lot of people praying for me. My family have been wonderful supporters of this dream and the overall goal. My fiancée, Kate Kopp, was my first believer in the run, and it continues to snowball every day.

FirstGiving: What has been the most difficult thing so far? And how do you keep going?

Abe: Honestly the hardest part is not the two to five hour training runs or the organization of everything. It’s the simple fact of being away for five months and not being able to see my fiancée and family.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Abe, we wish you all the best in both your fundraising and your run! To support Abe or see how close he is to his goal, please visit his FirstGiving page.