RICHMOND, Va. -- A Central Virginia woman ran 60 miles Saturday to raise money for Kids Run RVA, a groups that encourages kids to get active.
Kristen Eichert told WTVR CBS 6 Photojournalist Ian Ramprashad she came up with the idea on Wednesday.
"I'm a runner, but this is something I've never done before," Eichert laughed. "I just decided to do something a little wild and try to raise some money."
Eichert started at midnight and has been running two and a half miles every hour.
Kids Run RVA, which was created by Sports Backers, promotes physical activity to children in Metro Richmond and aims for kids to maintain those healthy habits into adolescence and adulthood.
"I am trying to motivate my kids," Eichert said. "I've been running since they were born. It's just something I think's really important for kids to see... and just kind of model that behavior."
Eichert said with more parents spending time at home with their kids, this is a great time to motivate and inspire them to get active.
Eichert's husband, Sean, said instilling healthy habits early s paramount.
"It's hugely important, especially for little kids," he said. "They get good habits in place when they're young. If they learn those habits early in life, it stays with them for the rest of their life."
Eichert admitted he was stumped when he first heard about his wife's plan that "quickly snowballed" into running 60 miles in 24 hours.
"Her motivation is to motivate others too," Sean Eichert said. "If it reaches anybody out there to get off the couch, or out of the house and get some fresh air and some exercise, and that's what she's all about."
Eichert raised $2,130 of her $3,000 goal as of Saturday night. [Click here if you would like to contribute.]