By Tricia Pursell

The Daily Item

OTTAWA — Beginning at 9:30 a.m. today, Eric Solomon, 19, of Ottawa, will set out to complete a benefit run of 50 miles in 24 hours.

It is a tough physical accomplishment, local experts say, but for a very good cause.

As of yesterday, Solomon, a second-year cadet at West Point, has raised approximately $1,900 for the Wounded Warrior Project, which he said helps injured soldiers make the transition from the military back to civilian life. He is running as part of the 24-Hour Brigade, a group of cadets from all over the country who will run today to raise money for the project.

Yesterday, at 5 p.m., Solomon left his home in Ottawa, ran to Turbotville, and then back to Ottawa. Today, he plans to run from the Hughesville post office to the Veterans’ Park in Milton, where he hopes to arrive around 1 p.m. He will follow Route 405 through Muncy, Montgomery, and Watsontown.

Solomon has a head start in preparing for the run due to his military training. Others who might consider following in his footsteps should plan on spending a good deal of time preparing their bodies, fitness experts said.

Running 50 miles in two days is very difficult, but hardly impossible, said Toni Mudge, physical program director of the Sunbury and Milton YMCAs.