SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- A veteran runner sets off on an amazing challenge while raising funds for a good cause. Burbank resident Roy Wiegand ran from Anaheim to Santa Clarita Friday in memory of a young boy who lost his battle with cancer.
Despite a grueling 86 miles to cover in the brutal heat, Wiegand, 50, strides with a passion and purpose. His journey began at 2:30 a.m. Friday from Angel Stadium of Anaheim and ended about 7:30 p.m. in Santa Clarita.
"It's something I love to do," said Wiegand. "I don't do this every day, but Christopher's story does not come up every day either, so that inspired me."
Wiegand is running in memory of 12-year-old Christopher Wilke, who lost a battle with a rare form of bile duct cancer in March.
"It's a great way to raise awareness about Christopher's legacy and about all these other kids, and they are fighting cancer," said Wiegand.
Christopher was a Boy Scout in Burbank and belonged to the same troop Wiegand's son was once in. Wiegand found out about Christopher's courageous cancer fight and wanted to show his admiration, so he took off running.
Christopher Wilke's family is touched. Since Christopher sported the number 48 on his baseball jersey, Wiegand is hoping to raise $48,000 for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer in Santa Clarita.
Roy Wiegand has been running for charitable causes for years now. Two years ago he ran 124 miles in 24 hours raising money for Lifewater International, a nonprofit organization that builds water systems in areas around the world that have poor access to clean water.
"He's been with me the whole time," said Wiegand.
To donate: Roy's Run For Christopher