Orem man training for year-long run around United States

OREM, Utah — For nearly 800 days now, an Orem man has been training so he can run the border of the United States. He’s trying to break the Guinness World Record for running the most consecutive ultra-marathons.

Chris Avery has been running — rain, snow or shine — every day. He’s working to build up the stamina to run 30 miles a day around the perimeter of the United States in 2027. 

Running is a family affair

Avery says he was not always a runner. He started his journey a few years ago when his now-wife needed a marathon partner after her friend dropped out. He agreed to do the marathon with her, with no training. 

The experience had him itching to see what else he could accomplish.

Avery says part of his motivation is inspiring his kids.

“I think we all want our kids to be able to look at us and go, ‘Man I’m so inspired and I see Dad live fulfilled because he did these things that were challenging, yet so joyful and fulfilled,’ and they know they can do whatever they want to,” Avery said.

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Avery’s trip around the county will be a family affair. His family will follow him in an RV, seeing the country with him.

“[We are going to] see America like no one has ever seen it, 30 miles at a time,” Avery explained. “My plan not every day, but certain days… I am going to do the 30 miles and still be able to do fun stuff with them. We’ll go for a hike. We’ll go look at some pretty flowers. We’ll go to Disneyland. Whatever it may be, we are going to plan these fun things.”

Run around the United States for mental health awareness

To this day, Avery says he still does not enjoy running, but he loves what running does for him.

“You get such mental peace and connection with yourself,” Avery declared. “You get a peace and connection with the outside. You get peace and connection with God, so it is part of therapy.”

Mental health is another big reason why Avery is embarking on this journey around the country.

Professionally, Avery is a coach, or what he describes as a “human design specialist”. He uses his social media platform to motivate people to push past mental barriers to achieve their goals.

“I’ll be honest, the running isn’t hard,” Avery said. “The challenge is for me to get outside my house and negotiate with myself to get myself out. I know if I get out I will finish the miles.”

Avery says he hopes to use this record-setting run to raise money and awareness for mental health organizations.