3,063 Miles for a Mission: Nels Matson’s Cross-Country Run Honors Veterans, Inspires a Nation

In the closing hours of a beautiful fall evening, Nels Matson stood triumphantly on the steps of New York City Hall, completing a 46-day, 17-hour, and 26-minute journey that began on the other side of the country.

Nels had just put the finishing steps on the third-fastest known cross-country run in history, a stunning accomplishment that was – even more impressively -- meant for a worthy cause. His goal was to honor fallen Navy SEAL Chris Campbell and support Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), raising money for the organization across the 3,063 miles he ran.

Nels’ quest, known as Project Campbell’s Call, was an emotional tribute to Campbell, who was among those lost in a tragic 2011 helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Before his death, Campbell left a legacy request, asking that 100,000 people donate to Wounded Warrior Project.

To honor Campbell’s call to action, Nels took on the daunting endeavor, knowing each step he took carried Campbell’s story across America and honored the spirit of service.

“Running across the U.S. was the hardest physical thing I’ve ever experienced,” Nels said. “Every time I felt pain or struggled, I thought about our veterans and their sacrifices. My struggles were small in comparison to what they’ve gone through.”

The feat wasn’t Nels’ first foray into endurance events with a cause. He previously cycled across the country for Children’s Heart Foundation, ran 1,200 miles from Florida to Washington, DC to fund surgeries for children in Cambodia, and – following years of training – earned his spot as a leader in ultra-endurance events.

For this run, Nels started planning years in advance. When he first heard Campbell’s story in 2020, he began plotting his run and was undeterred by an injury in 2022 that postponed his goal.

It wasn’t just the journey, this time, that was inspiring; it was the people and the power of community around him. Nels’ support crew managed everything from nutrition planning – over 10,000 calories per day to keep him fueled – to mapping the complicated route, providing him with the unflagging encouragement he needed to persevere.

“This was not an individual sport,” Nels said. “I had the best, most caring crew that anyone could ask for. They kept me moving forward, mile after mile, through the hardest days.”

Nels’ journey is a prime example of how ordinary people can make an impact in the lives of veterans. Through WWP’s community fundraising opportunities, individuals can honor and empower veterans and their families right from their communities – through golf tournaments, dinners, or their own special events, like Nels’.

Community members of all ages can start fundraisers of any kind, with the knowledge that every dollar raised supports WWP’s vast programming in mental health, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care for veterans, and much more.

“Fundraisers of all shapes and sizes make a powerful difference, creating opportunities for healing, growth, and long-term support that veterans rely on through our programming,” said Angela Hemmen, WWP’s peer-to-peer fundraising events director. “Nels exemplifies the extraordinary spirit of our supporters, reminding us that anyone, no matter their background, can drive change and honor those who have served.”

For Nels, these 46 days on the pavement will go down in history, and he continues to ask supporters to donate to WWP.

“The greatest casualty is being forgotten,” Nels said, echoing a core aspect of WWP’s mission. “Every donation, every shared story, it all counts in making sure veterans like Chris Campbell are remembered.”

Those inspired by Nels’ example can learn more about WWP’s community fundraising program here.

Contact: Julian Routh, Public Relations, jrouth@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.544.0195

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.