California Man Reaches the Southwest after 80 Days on his 3rd Run across America

More people have climbed Mount Everest than have crossed the United States on foot. Noah Coughlan attempts to become just the third person to accomplish the feat a total of 3 separate times.
 
 
OK Governor Mary Fallin presents Noah Coughlan with Governor's Commendation
OK Governor Mary Fallin presents Noah Coughlan with Governor's Commendation
AMARILLO, Texas - May 18, 2015 - PRLog -- After crossing on foot over 1,700 miles and through 9 States in just 80 days, Noah Coughlan reaches Texas this week. Coughlan has just 47 days and 1,250 miles remaining on his THIRD run across the continental United States- the 2015 Run for Rare. He will end the 3,000 mile coast-to-coast journey on July 4th, 2015, at Ocean Beach at 3PM in San Diego, CA.

In his recent stop in Oklahoma City, Governor Mary Fallin personally presented Coughlan with a Governor’s Commendation and recognized his efforts at the State Capitol, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett issued an Official Citation, and even United States Senator Jim Inhofe wrote Noah a personal letter of support encouraging and thanking him for his efforts to help his fellow Americans.

Every day, Coughlan dedicates his daily miles to a different child or adult battling a different Rare Disease. He runs an average of 25 miles per day battling adverse weather conditions, encounters with dogs, physical exhaustion, and traffic dangers. Coughlan was even struck by a vehicle in Knoxville, TN, but luckily walked away with no injuries.

In April, Coughlan was welcomed to the Arkansas State Capitol to meet with Governor Asa Hutchinson, ran with world class rock band Papa Roach’s frontman Jacoby Shaddix through Nashville, and even Kira Kazantsev, the current 2015 Miss America, sent Noah well wishes and encouragement as he ventures West for the final third of the Run for Rare.

His monumental effort to rally support for the 30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease has reached many and is making a difference. “I am running for the one in a millions. Every life matters.” Coughlan states. Noah has been interviewed by dozens of media outlets, met with lawmakers, engaged patients and families affected by a Rare Disease, and rallied support for the scientists and researchers attempting to find cures and treatments.

Coughlan runs solo while pushing an 80 pound jogging stroller of supplies. He is not alone however. Flying high above the stroller waves a large American Flag given to Coughlan by the United States Air Force and recently flown over Iraq from a base in the United States Central Command’s Area of Responsibility during a combat mission in October 2014.

He carries the Flag as symbol of unity, a symbol of hope, and a statement that we are stronger together. To Coughlan, the Flag provides protection and what her stars symbolized—the heavens and the goals to which humankind aspires. His respect for his country, his unwavering patriotism, his genuine desire to serve others, and positive activism is remarkable and refreshing. Coughlan now runs toward Texas and New Mexico with the Flag while lifting the spirits of every town, city, community, and state he enters.

He has passed through America’s most iconic places and landmarks from the Statue of Liberty, to Independence Hall, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial, through the Civil War battlefields of Virginia and Tennessee, across the Mississippi River via Memphis Police Department escort, through Arkansas, and safely through the violent tornado outbreaks of western Oklahoma. He now enters Texas, a familiar sight. Noah is running back to where the story started in San Diego in 2011. He will again cross Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California for the second time before ending this 3rd and final Run across America at the Pacific Ocean on July 4th.

The impact he is making is unique, profound, and undeniable.

After receiving a Statement of Congressional Record at the U.S. Capitol in March, Coughlan stated, “30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease or Disorder. 1 in 10 Americans. This is not a small issue. These are not just statistics or numbers. These are real people with real challenges. It is imperative that We, as A Nation, and as a People, address their plight. I have met them on the Road and in their homes. A common thread has emerged- there are no cures, no treatments, and little hope. Now in 2015, I run for the entire Rare Disease community."

“Families across America are suffering from rare diseases. We can and must find cures through accelerated research and development. Noah’s remarkable feat reminds us that Americans can accomplish great things. I am proud to call Noah my constituent and to lend my voice to this effort to find 21st Century Cures,” said Congressman Garamendi.

“By marking Noah’s incredible accomplishment we highlight yet another advocate who has given their time, energy, talent and voice to our effort.  We need everyone to join us in our ongoing fight for better, faster cures and to bring attention to the struggle of millions battling rare disease,” said Congressman Lance, co-chair of the bipartisan Rare Disease Caucus.

“Noah’s advocacy on behalf of rare diseases patients is truly remarkable. Thirty million Americans suffer from a rare disease, and if we come together, we can get them better cures, faster,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

In 2011, Coughlan became the 222nd person to cross America on foot after running 2,500 miles from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL for 132 days on the 2011 Run for Research for Batten Disease.

In 2013, Coughlan became just the 28th person to Run across America- TWICE- after running 3,100 miles from Half Moon Bay, CA to Boston, MA for 108 days on the 2013 Run Coast 2 Coast also for Batten Disease.

In 2015, on July 4th, Noah Coughlan will become just the 3rd person to ever cross America on foot a total of 3 times. He will join the elite group of just two men- Swede Bjorn Suneson and American Ed Kelley- who have each run across America 4x.

Coughlan has partnered with Luminous Pictures and award winning Director/Producer Ezio Lucido for a full feature length documentary titled Run for Rare for an anticipated premiere of early 2016.

To learn more about the film, please visit http://luminouspictures.net

To learn more about the Run for Rare please visit https://www.run4rare.org

Media Contact
Run for Rare
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Page Updated Last on: May 18, 2015
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