COTTLEVILLE, Mo—What seemed like an ordinary group of runners out for their planned miles Wednesday morning in Cottleville, Mo turned out to be something more impressive.

 Paul Johnson, ultra-runner, led the pack as he ticked off miles on his route across America.

What You Need To Know

  • Ultra-runner, Paul Johnson attempts to break the record running from Los Angeles to New York

  • Runners in local areas joined him along the route

  • Money is being raised for Team Red, White and Blue to promote veteran's mental health

The Naval Officer has a goal of breaking the transcontinental record of 42 days, six hours and 30 minutes. The ambitious feat began on March 1 in Los Angeles where Johnson planned to run 75 miles a day, putting him at 40 days to complete the 3100-mile journey, telling Run, an online running website, “75 miles per day just sounds better.”

Johnson aims to raise $1 million for Team Red, White and Blue, an organization supporting veteran's mental health during this run.

His route had him running through St. Louis County later in the day, as well as St. Louis City. He encourages people to join him to run. His pace has been anywhere from a 9-minute mile to a 12-minute mile.

Six people joined him to run along Route N in Cottleville in windy and rainy conditions. The wind created a nice tailwind, helping Johnson collect speed. Some motorists honked their horns and yelled words of encouragement.

Follow his journey here.