A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran completed his goal of running 31 marathons in 31 days in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on Veterans Day.
Rob Jones, who documented his “Month of Marathons” journey on his website, ran these marathons as a way to raise awareness about wounded veterans and money for several charities supporting them.
Jones, who was injured by a landmine explosion while on deployment for the USMC in Afghanistan, is also a double-amputee. Both his legs had been amputated above the knee, according to WTVR.
But Jones did not let his injuries stop him from being able to achieve his dreams. Jones won a bronze medal in rowing at the Paralympics and went on a cycling tour across the U.S. to raise awareness and money for wounded veterans.
Jones said he sought to continue his mission of supporting wounded veterans through his “Month of Marathons” project.
“It’s an honor to be able to run for my fellow veterans,” Jones said Saturday morning before he began his final marathon.
Jones, along with dozens of his supporters, ran the equivalent of a marathon in four parts around the reflecting pool on the National Mall.
“Every time that I come out of the RV and I see a group of people that are waiting for me to start running so they can join me is a meaningful moment for me,” Jones said of his supporters.
Some of his supporters did not know Jones personally but joined his cause after being inspired by his story.
“Anytime someone who’s gone through what he’s gone through and suffered in such ways and done it voluntarily, it’s a remarkable thing and I’m just truly honored to be able to run with him,” Scott Shelton, who came from Annapolis, Maryland, to run with Jones, told WDCW.
The money raised from his journey will go towards the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
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