SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – One ultra runner ran more than 3,000 miles all to help raise money and awareness for the country’s veterans.

Nelson Matson of Sarasota was inspired to embark on this journey after his friend’s brother died while deployed in Afghanistan.

Matson laced up his running shoes and ran across America to honor the fallen Navy SEAL.

He said he trained for almost four years for this journey and often practiced at Celery Fields.

3,063 miles and 16 pairs of running shoes later, Matson ran from San Francisco City Hall to New York City Hall.

“I have a friend Cindy Campbell who lost her brother in Afghanistan, he served our country for 15 years and was a Navy Seal. He wanted, if he didn’t make it home, to have people help his brothers and sisters who did make it home by donating to Wounded Warrior Project,” he said.

He completed the run in 46 days, 17 hours and 26 minutes.

“It was one of the top five fastest times, going back to the days of Lewis and Clark, to go across America,” Matson said.

This entire journey was to honor fallen hero Chris Campbell.

“His final wish was really what inspired me to take on this journey to talk about his legacy and honor his wish and his legacy. His name is Chris Campbell,” Matson said.

The runner said it was the hardest thing he has ever done, both mentally and physically. Any time while he was out running and in pain, he said he thought about why he did this, and all that veterans have been through.

“I would think about what our veterans went through in Afghanistan and some of the things they encountered. Like a little ache or pain that was coming up on me, it really, when I put it into perspective, it really wasn’t that much,” he said.

Each day, Matson said he would run for 16, sometimes 18 hours. He would slow his pace down to a walk to eat and then pick right back up.

He finished the run on October 24, but today, his mission is only half complete.

“I wanted to honor Chris and raise over $300,000 to Wounded Warrior Project,” he said.

Matson said he is only a little over 10% of the way there and needs the community’s help. If you would like to donate through Project Campbell’s Call, click here. For more information on Wounded Warrior Project, click here.