Long-distance runner Tommy Neeson left Bangor on Wednesday to begin a 2,300-mile run from Maine to Florida to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Neeson, who is running in memory of his daughter, Randi, left Bangor at 9 a.m. Wednesday. He is due to arrive in Unity tonight, Augusta on Thursday, Brunswick on Friday and Portland on Saturday. A barbecue dinner in his honor will be at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Portland Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett St.

After Neeson departs Portland on Sunday, he plans to run for 77 days, averaging 30 miles a day. He hopes to arrive at a Ronald McDonald house in Miami on Nov. 9.

He will stop at 25 Ronald McDonald Houses in 14 states along the way.

A decade ago, Neeson's daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor just before her second birthday. Randi spent many of her last days in a hospital room, and her family was able to spend time together at a Ronald McDonald House.

For information or to follow Neeson's journey, visit www.runnerssociety.com.

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