MANSFIELD — Pastor Mark Lehman has a unique idea to celebrate his 55th birthday and raise funds for a camp scholarship at the same time.

On Sunday, Oct. 3, Lehman will leave M1 Church (at U.S. 30 and Trimble) at 4:15 a.m. setting out to run a 55K loop around Mansfield in an attempt to raise $10,000 to launch a Camp Scholarship Fund.

For the math curious, 55K equals 34.17 miles.

  • Mark Lehman plans to run a 55K to raise $10,000 for a church camp scholarship.

  • Pastor Mark Lehman is a veteran marathon runner.

  • Mark Lehman at the San Francisco marathon.

  • Pastor Mark Lehman at the Joplin marathon.

  • Pastor Mark Lehman busts the tape after a recent long-distance run.

“I did a similar event when I turned 50 years old,” Lehman said, “running 50K and raising $6,000 at that time.”

The running route will loop around nearly the entire city of Mansfield and is expected to take eight hours. The run will finish at the church at 12:15 p.m., as the second service ends.

Lehman wasn’t raised in church, and never attended a Church Camp as a child or teenager, but has seen the impact a week away can have in someone’s life.

“My wife had her life dramatically impacted at a church camp as a child,” Lehman said. “She was only able to attend through the generosity of others, so I want to help lower the financial barrier for the next generation.”

Those wishing to support can give at bit.ly/55k55CampFund. All funds are being handled through the church.

For more info, and live reporting on the day of the run, connect to the Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/55K-at-55-Pastor-Mark-Camp-Fundraiser-108780308181835.