(WUSA) -- Earlier this month we told you about Hopecam founder Len Forkas competing in Race Across America, also known as the world's toughest bike race. We were notified on Thursday morning that he was leading within his age group heading into the eighth day of the race.

The 53-year-old father of two from Vienna is the only solo competitor from the D.C. region in the race, which is 3000 miles across county in only ten days. It's 1/3 longer than the Tour de France and takes half the amount of time. 

KEEP UP WITH LEN FORKAS: Len's Race Across America for Hopecam

Forkas is not a professional athlete. He's the founder and CEO of Milestone Communications, which builds stealth cell phone towers.
 He's riding in the race to raise money for the non-profit organization he founded called Hopecam, which benefits children with cancer and allows them to continue to connect with their friends during treatment. He started Hopecam after his son Matt was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 10. Matt is now a healthy 22-year-old college student.

Forkas hopes to cross the finish line in Annapolis, Md. on June 23th. Only 30% of first-time racers normally finish the competition.