Duluth Man Runs Across the US for Addiction

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man is running across the US to raise awareness for addiction and recovery.  

Mefree Lee began drinking at the age of 16, by 30, he was an alcoholic, struggling with his addiction until he got to the Adult and Teen Challenge Center in Duluth, here everything changed.

“I started running again. I had running in my life, but I lost it during my addiction. And so, when I got up to Teen Challenge Duluth, I started running again, falling in love with running as my relationship with God developed.” said Mefree Lee.

As he ran, he felt a calling, to use his new life to help others by running across the country to raise awareness and bring hope to those in recovery.

He spent two years with Teen Challenge, both in Duluth and at the Leadership Institute in Minneapolis and in his time there he felt that calling grow.

“It has shown me that everything happens for a reason. And the last two years, that was when I really learned a lot about the spiritual side of me, you know, got armor up to carry this mission.” said Lee.

He began his run in Maryland, and has run about 1,500 miles to Topeka, Kansas,
with roughly 1,500 more to go until he reaches his goal: San Fransico.
Lee has been meeting people along the way, talking to them about his mission.

“And you know, I just want to say, if it’s in your heart, out there, anybody that’s walking the walk right now, or I’ve been walking the walk. Just go out encourage somebody today,” said Lee.

You can follow along with his journey on his Facebook page.

He also has a GoFundMe set up for those who wish to help support his mission.

Adult and Teen Challenge provides faith-based recovery to those struggling with substance abuse.

For more information on their mission, please visit mntc.org.