California Man to Complete Historic 3rd Run Across the United States

More people have climbed Mount Everest than have crossed the continental United States - on foot. Noah Coughlan is nearly finished with his epic THIRD Run across America.
 
 
Coughlan runs across America meeting U.S. Lawmakers and Military Officials
Coughlan runs across America meeting U.S. Lawmakers and Military Officials
SAN DIEGO - June 30, 2015 - PRLog -- On Saturday July 4th, 2015 at 3PM at the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach, San Diego just past the intersection of Santa Monica Avenue and Abbott Street after 127 days, 13 states, and 3,000 miles, Noah Coughlan will end his epic 3rd transcontinental Run across America.

In 2011, Noah Coughlan became just the 222nd person to cross America on foot after running 2,500 miles from Ocean Beach in San Diego to Jacksonville, FL in 132 days on the 2011 Run for Research.

In 2013, Coughlan ran again, becoming just the 28th person to Run across America TWICE after running 3,100 miles from Half Moon Bay, CA to Boston, MA in 108 days - on the 2013 Run Coast 2 Coast.

In 2015, Coughlan runs one final time, on a 3,000 mile solo trek from New York City to San Diego, CA totaling 127 days- on the 2015 Run for Rare.

The Run across America trilogy will come to a dramatic and poetic conclusion when he takes the final step of his final Run at the exact location he took the first step of the first Run in 2011- Ocean Beach, San Diego.

Noah will become just the 3rd person to ever cross America on foot a total of THREE separate times. He will join the elite group of just two men who have accomplished the feat, Swede -Bjorn Suneson and American -Ed Kelley.

The rarity of Noah’s efforts and accomplishments echo the reasons he runs – to rally support for the 30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease or Disorder. There are over 7,000 known Rare Diseases affecting 1 out of every 10 Americans. His goal- to put a human face on the rarest of diseases. Coughlan's inspiration to run comes from his personal connection to two childhood friends battling a Rare brain disease called Batten Disease.

“I am running for the one in a millions. Every Life Matters.” Coughlan states.

His monumental efforts serve as proof that just one person can truly make a difference. Noah has been interviewed by dozens of media outlets, met with lawmakers, engaged patients and families, and rallied support for the scientists and researchers attempting to find cures.

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. Coughlan runs solo while pushing an 80 pound jogging stroller of supplies.

Above the stroller waves a large American Flag given to him by the United States Air Force. The Flag was 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.

The impact Coughlan has made is profound, unique, and undeniable. His message has reached from the Halls of Congress and to every community he has passed through. The road westward has not been easy. Coughlan has endured violent weather extremes and other daily dangers on his journey.

On February 28th, 2015, on International Rare Disease Day, Noah took his first step at the Statue of Liberty in the frigid temperatures of bitter winter weather.

In March, Coughlan ran through Philadelphia, Baltimore, and reached Washington D.C.
Noah was welcomed to the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building by the Congressional Rare Disease Caucus and House Energy and Commerce Committee. During a joint press conference with Congress, Noah was presented with a Statement of Congressional Record.

“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.

“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 April, the spring temperatures arrived as he ran through Virginia and into Tennessee. On Easter Sunday, Noah and the jogging stroller were struck by a vehicle as he ran through a crosswalk in Knoxville, TN. The destroyed stroller was replaced and Noah walked away with no injuries. Coughlan was escorted over the Mississippi River into Arkansas by Memphis PD. In late April, Noah reached Little Rock and welcomed to the State Capitol for a meeting with Governor Asa Hutchinson.

In May, Noah crossed into Oklahoma and Tornado Alley as the violent tornadic weather began. He soon reached Oklahoma City where 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 James Inhofe wrote Noah a personal letter of support encouraging and thanking him for his efforts to help his fellow Americans. Noah reached the panhandle of Texas just days before floods ravaged the cities of western Oklahoma he just ran through.

In June, Noah reached New Mexico and crossed into the Southwest. After a few encounters with rattlesnakes and large spiders, Coughlan reached Albuquerque. Noah took a day off to meet with Governor Susana Martinez at the State Capitol where she commended his efforts. As he ran through Albuquerque, he was greeted by the Albuquerque Police Department, officials from Kirtland Air Force Base, and the New Mexico State Police.

Coughlan soon crossed into Arizona just in time for the record triple digit heat of the Phoenix area. Staying hydrated and focused, Noah slowly made his way from Phoenix and into the hot Mojave Desert.

Just days ago, Noah reached his home state of California and is charging on to the Pacific Ocean for the final miles of San Diego on Independence Day.

The Run for Rare has partnered with the National Organization of Rare Disorders, EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, Global Genes, Asian American Hotel Owner's Association, and NorthBay Healthcare Foundation and others.

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 Run for Rare please visit https://www.run4rare.org

Contact
Run for Rare
info@run4rare.org
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Page Updated Last on: Jun 30, 2015
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