By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - Jensen Beach athlete Mike Melton says he runs to keep his heart healthy.

And this month, the long-distance runner showed the strength of his heart by running more than 200 miles to raise money to buy Christmas toys for children in low-income families.

The 51-year-old athlete is set to be the only runner to participate without any teammates in the Ragnar Relay Florida on Nov. 20 and 21.

He set off alone to complete the more than 201-mile race from Clearwater to Daytona Beach, in the hope of raising funds for children whose families' economic hardships would likely leave them without gifts for the holidays.

"I'm trying to just have fun and raise some money for a local charity," said Mr. Melton, whose sponsors are supporting WPSL Kids Charity.

"Those are the two goals. If I could help a kid have a better Christmas, that's a great thing. And if I could have fun doing it, that's another good thing."

He hopes to finish the race in about 72 to 80 hours, with less than six hours of rest.

This race is not the athlete's first attempt to cross the state.

In 2007, he ran 170 miles from Jensen Beach to Fort Myers in just more than a day and a half.

"I'm not a fantastic athlete. I just have the mental fortitude to tolerate low-grade pain and fatigue for long periods of time," he said. "I can keep putting one foot in front of the other."

He trains constantly, going for early morning jogs or late-night runs that see him cover at least 2 miles each day.

Mr. Melton acknowledges the difficult economic conditions, but hopes his effort can make a difference for at least one child on the Treasure Coast and inspire donations.

"This is really a tough economic time. For me to even ask for money at this time is kind of presumptuous, but whatever anybody can give is appreciated," he said.