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Dustin Jenkins, owner of Elite Feet Running Store in downtown Lapeer, tested his endurance and mental toughness when he begin his 24-hour Treadmill Challenge at 3 p.m. on Friday to benefit Loving Hands Clinic in Lapeer.

Loving Hands Clinic sees uninsured patients who are between the ages of 19 and 64, are residents of the Lapeer area, and whose income is 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. It is open one day per week by appointment only.

Since opening in 2004, the clinic has served more than 1,000 patients. They provide free services for non-emergency situations. They provide medical services to people suffering from routine illness such as coughs and sore throats as well as those suffering from chronic disease such as diabetes and asthma, said the executive director Cathy Johnson. Also, the clinic provides dental services to their pre-existing patients only.

"We here at the clinic are very grateful to Dustin and his family for all the support and work they are doing to keep the free clinic open," Johnson said.

Vice versa, Jenkins is grateful for all the work Loving Hands Clinic does.

"I did a 5K race for Loving Hands through the store on July 12 and that went well," Jenkins said. "I love what they do and it is well needed."

After seeing first hand how successful the 5K race was and needing something to do outside his store during Lapeer Days, Jenkins came up with the idea of using his passion of running as a way to raise money for a good cause. He has had pledge sheets located at various business around Lapeer for the public to pledge money to keep him running for Loving Hands Clinic.

His goal is to raise at least $5,000 for Loving Hands Clinic.

Jenkins began running as a way to train for the Marines. He was a part of the Marines for nearly five years. Besides for being a former Marine, he is also a certified personal trainer. Jenkins now runs anywhere from 120-200 miles per week and he admits that practice helped him complete this challenge more than his background in physically demanding occupations did.

"Basically once you get over anything past 26 miles it becomes mental," Jenkins said. "It takes practice to get use to. Your legs are rubber so it comes down to how far you can push yourself mentally and how much pain you can tolerate.

"People try to complicate it (running), but it really is simple," Jenkins said. "The only thing you have to worry about it putting your one foot in front of the other and I guess that is why I enjoy it."

Also, Jenkins said his wife's Uncle Chris was an inspiration to him as well. Chris was an avid runner competing in ultra-marathons, which are any sporting event involving running more than 26 miles. Chris, however, was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease which prevents him from walking long distances let alone running them. Jenkins said, "Talking to him about racing inspired me, since he cannot race I might as well."

Jenkins had his club, Elite Feet Striders, on hand to help him with whatever was needed.

New Balance supplied him with running shoes and clothing for the treadmill challenge. There was a table on hand filled with high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods as well as plenty of water bottles.

For restroom breaks, Jenkins was able to use either a substitute runner or turn the treadmill off to let it cool down. To learn more about Loving Hands Clinic, call Cathy Johnson at (810) 667-8933 or go to its Web site at lovinghandsclinic.org.