Courtesy of Tish McCutchen, United Way of America
Running America will start 09.13.08. On that day ultra-athlete Charlie Engle will begin a 45-day run from San Francisco to New York City, partnering with United Way to raise awareness of—and dollars for—children’s health and wellness, especially programs that target children’s obesity.
Obesity among children has nearly doubled in the last decade. More than 9 million children in the United States are either obese or overweight because today's children are not getting the necessary exercise and activity for good health. Charlie will be working with United Ways across the country to raise awareness about programs that help young people make positive nutritional and behavioral choices. It’s his way of living united and inspiring others to join the movement.
Charlie plans to run an average of 70 miles a day as he crosses the country, and he’ll pass through many United Way communities on the way. To see if your city is on the route, check out the Running America Google map.
Even if you’re not on the itinerary, you and your community can be part of this exciting venture and raise awareness about children’s health and wellness by tracking Charlie’s progress… raising dollars for mileposts along the route… or staging a companion run in your own community. Stay tuned to United Way Online for more information about Running America, including ideas about how you can join in.
In case you’re wondering if there’s any chance anyone can actually run 3,000 miles in 45 days (the record is 46 days 8 hours and 36 minutes), check out Running The Sahara, Charlie’s 2007 adventure.
