6 States, 18 Days, 670 Miles Left on Coast-to-Coast Run, Noah Coughlan Focuses on the Reason He Runs

Despite Snow Storms and Chilly Temps, Coughlan is Headed Towards the East Coast with Plans to Complete his Second 3100-mile Run Across America to Raise Awareness for Batten Disease on November 10th in Pleasure Bay, Boston.
By: hitchcock & co.
 
CAMBRIDGE, Ohio - Oct. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Noah Coughlan has reached the 90th day out of a projected 107 running solo across the United States. He has 670 miles remaining in his 3100-mile coast-to-coast route, and must travel through six more states including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut before reaching his designated finish line, the Atlantic Ocean in Boston, on November 10. Upon finishing, Coughlan will become one of only 27 people to cross America on foot twice. His first run took place in 2011 but his cause remains the same for both runs: To help raise awareness for Batten disease, a rare and terminal neurological disease that currently has no cure. Coughlan is relentlessly dedicated to creating awareness for the disease after seeing its devastating affects on two of his childhood friends, Catie and Annie Allio. Based on the response he has received thus far from the press and the American people, it would appear he has not only reached his goal but surpassed it.

Along with more than 60 families affected by Batten disease, Coughlan has connected with many--thousands of others over the past three months while running. Choosing to run without a support crew on this run, he incidentally opened the door for the entire nation to step in and become his support team. To prepare for the trip, he strategically packed only the absolute necessities in order to travel alone and do so quickly and safely. There was only one item that Coughlan insisted on bringing without compromise: The US flag. A graduate of the Napa Police Academy, Coughlan shows remarkable respect and love of one’s country—particularly in comparison to most 29-year-olds. Those who have met Coughlan on this run, see Old Glory long before being able to recognize there is a person carrying it. Although he never intentionally planned to finish his run around Veteran's Day, it seems only fitting that he will reach the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, November 10, the day before Veteran’s Day and just days after passing through some of the nation’s most sacred and historical cities.

After three months of running and facing unexpected challenges, Coughlan is humbled by the generosity and kindness of the American people. He now knows that he is carrying the flag as a symbol of his gratitude. He acknowledges that he could not have made the journey without the support he has received from people along the way—from families and friends of a child fighting Batten disease, to total strangers who had never even heard of the disorder. Coughlan explained this outpouring of support with the words of former US President Ronald Reagan, “Putting people first has always been America’s secret weapon. It’s the way we’ve kept the spirit of our revolutions alive. A spirit that drives us to dream and dare, and take great risks for a greater good."

The timing of Coughlan’s run came at a perfect time for the country. Recent public opinion polls show that most Americans are feeling less than patriotic. Coughlan’s dedication to children with a fatal disease and his patriotism, reminds people that the country isn't defined by its governing body or political affairs. A country is defined by its people and their willingness to come together and lift each other up. Coughlan started this year's run as just one man, and now his courage and commitment has inspired thousands. The respect he shows to his country is refreshing and desperately needed. The flag serves as an icon of hope that Coughlan carries through different communities. Over the last 90 days, he has spoken at several schools, ranging from junior high to colleges. As he shares his story about Batten Disease and his reasons to run along with the challenges he faces, he lifts the spirits of the American people, both young and old.

Coughlan is diligently using social media, particularly Facebook, to capture day-to-day events, share news of Batten families, and update friends of his location. He posts videos, pictures, stories, and local news programs he has appeared on. He does this every day to share his message in addition to running. Social media channels have been essential in creating awareness and gaining support from many. This week, in fact, he received an unexpected and extra special message of support from the world-class rock band, Papa Roach. The band gave Coughlan a shout out from the band's official Facebook page and called on their 5 million Facebook fans to visit Coughlan's website and purchase a t-shirt. When an incredibly well-respected and hard working band like Papa Roach shows support of an individual making a difference like Coughlan, people listen.

Coughlan will maintain a daily average of 37 miles to meet his target finish date and location on November 10th. Snow, chilly temperatures, and early sunsets have recently provided an additional incentive to get on the road as early as possible. The physical demands of the run have also started to take a toll on Coughlan's body. Yet his attitude and resiliency is unwavering, as he states without hesitation, “No matter what the road has ahead of me, I will make it to the beach and run into the Atlantic Ocean, shoes and all, at Pleasure Bay in South Boston, at 4pm Eastern on Sunday November 10th, 2013.”

And there is no doubt that we will soon be releasing the details of Coughlan doing just that. Following completion of his run, Coughlan plans to write books about his two trips across the country.

Noah Coughlan is a 29-year-old Napa Police Academy graduate from Vacaville, CA. After his 2011 Run for Research, Noah became the 222nd individual to run across the US, running from the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, CA to the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville, FL. His cause was to help raise awareness for Batten Disease, a rare and terminal brain disease affecting two of his childhood friends, Catie and Annie Allio.

About Batten Disease
Learn about Batten disease at the Batten Diseases Support and Research Association (BDSRA) website (www.bdsra.org) or the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation website (www.beyondbatten.org).

Contact
T
rack Noah's progress and location, and view photos, videos, and news broadcasts from his journey on his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/noahontherun).

View complete details about Noah and his causes, including donation information, purchase a 2013 Coast-to-Coast t-shirt, read Noah's blog, pre-order his books, and view his sponsors on his official website (www.runcoast2coast.com).

Media Requests, to book an interview, sponsorship inquiries, or other PR info, please contact hitchcock & co. via email (info@hitchcockandco.com) or telephone at 801.369.9364. (www.hitchcockandco.com)
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Source:hitchcock & co.
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