Dallas

Runner on Mission to Complete 51 Marathons Comes to Dallas

30,000 people pushed themselves to the limits of human endurance Sunday as they ran the BMW Dallas Marathon.

And for Nasir Qadree, it was another check mark on his ambitious quest to help students live their American Dream.

"It's all about finishing," said Qadree. "It's all about this incredible cause."

Six years ago, he embarked on a mission that some might consider crazy. He's attempting to run 51 marathons, one in each state and Washington DC.

His goal on this journey is to raise awareness and $1 million for a non-profit called America Needs You, an organization that provides support to first-generation college students so they can complete their four-year degrees.

It's a lofty goal, and he knows he has a long way to go to reach it. But he says it's worth trying for.

"People think the American Dream is dead," said Qadree. "I don't. And [those students] are the epitome of the American Dream. I'm a first generation college student. I'm the first in my family to graduate."

The Dallas Marathon was the 17th full marathon he's completed.

"At the rate I'm going, I'm think I'm going to finish before I'm 40," said Qadree.

But like each race he runs, he says it's not about how fast he reaches the end. It's about digging deep and willing yourself to finish.

If you'd like to support Qadree's mission, he's set up a special fundraising page where you can make online donations.

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