Teenager Runs 48 Miles In 24 Hours For Charity

Some people run for recreation, good health, or just not at all. For an Overton County teenager, running proved a useful tool to raise money.

16-year-old Livingston Academy student Abby Hix ran 48 miles in 24 consecutive hours Tuesday for charity. She said her inspiration came from an internet video of a teenage soccer player running one mile every hour for 24 hours.

“I’m a cross country runner so I’m used to a lot of miles,” Hix said. “I wanted to prove that I could do better so I was like ‘double it.'”

Hix said she raised $800 for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. She chose this charity because the organization helped her family when her younger brother was born prematurely.

The schedule for every hour: begin at the top of the hour, run two miles, rest. This was on repeat for 24 hours. Hix said she ran in Livingston and on a treadmill at a local cross fit gym. She said she ran consistently for the first 13 hours before incorporating walking.

“[It was] very physically draining,” Hix said. “I could not sleep, I only got 10 or 15 minute naps in between some of the runs, and being in the heat really drained me.”

A few crossfit friends kept Hix company and encouraged. She said although this was difficult, it was well worth it. She finished her run Tuesday at midnight.

Hix plans to attend the Air Force Academy after she graduates high school.