List of people who have walked across the United States

Walking or running across the United States has long been a challenge, especially to bring publicity to some social cause.

Tom Fitzsimons - Run4Sobriety

Tom Fitzsimons started his Run4Sobriety on 20 May 2013 from San Francisco with his younger brother Sean as his support driver. He will finish his journey on 27 August 2013 after 100 days in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. Tom is an alcoholic who will be six years sober on the day he finishes his journey, he hopes to raise awareness about recovery from addiction and give hope to the millions affected by this illness. His journey can be followed at www.run4sobriety.co.uk more information

Mike Warren

Mike, a senior citizen, is walking across America for cancer. He started his walk on July 23, 2013 in Vacaville Ca., and will finish his walk in Baltimore Md. Mike is walking to raise awareness for all forms of cancer, cancer research, and cancer patients. To follow his progress Mike is walking under www.usahands.org.

Mark Allison (Run Geordie Run)

In the Summer of 2007, Mark Allison ran 874 miles (1,407 km) from John O'Groats to Lands End in 37 days raising £34,108 for St Benedict's Hospice (Charity No. 1019410) in the UK. This Hospice cared for his mother during her final days battling lung cancer. Continuing to repay the debt of gratitude to the Hospice in May - August 2011 he ran from California to New York in 100 days — a distance of approx. 3100 miles which saw him run an average daily mileage of 31 miles.

Mark Baumer

Mark Baumer was 26 years old when he walked from Tybee Island, GA to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, CA, going through GA, AL, MS, LA, TX, NM, AZ, and CA. He left on May 10, 2010 and finished eighty-one days later on July 29, 2010.

Jon Beeby

On the March 1, 2011, Jon Beeby, 25, set out from Long Beach, NY and walked to Chicago, IL, joined Route 66 and walked to Los Angeles, CA. He walked 3,152 miles in 88 days, averaging a 40–45 miles daily, and kept a daily blog at Steptoofar.com. Film of the journey is currently being edited and photos of the trip will be compiled into a photo book. Beeby's walk raised money for Tag Rugby Trust, a UK rugby charity that helps young kids in developing countries. Jon's crew included: Nigel Usher, Helen Haris, Ali Kerslake, Michael Field, Shaun Stander, and Chris Saunders.

Greg Benner

Greg Benner walked across America the first time between April 26, 2001 beginning in Aberdeen, WA, proceeded east to Charleston, SC, and ended in front of the White House July 4, 2002. He walked 3,883 miles and was featured in newspapers, on radio, and on national TV.

Greg walked across America a second time October 20, 2010 beginning at the Santa Monica pier near Los Angeles, CA and walked to Jacksonville, FL where he ended on Hannah Beach at 7:18 pm September 28, 2011. Greg covered 2,720 miles on this route. He cold-called more than a 1,000 churches of all denominations, sat with nearly 500 pastors from untold denominations, and spoke many times. As a result of his walks Greg wrote a book entitled Author unknown (ISBN 9781619967465) released March 30, 2012 which is on Amazon.com. His book encompasses more than 40 years of His life, and other travels to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Israel, Germany, Dubai, England, and the United States, which led him into the offices of foreign dignitaries.

He intends to walk across America a third time in 2013 to 2014 on a northern route to navigate the remaining states. Meanwhile, Greg will be making an 8500 mile book tour in 2012 for Author unknown that heads him eastward from Washington State through Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, into Washington, DC before turning south toward Jacksonville, FL. Once Greg reaches Jacksonville, he will head westward through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, back into Washington State.

Alan L. Bounville

In May 2011 Alan L. Bounville embarked on a walk from the Pacific Northwest of the United States, walking 6,000 miles to Washington DC. The walk embodies one simple goal – an end to gender and sexual orientation discrimination. The walk will conclude in Washington DC on February 23, 2013 near the National Mall.

Mycle Brandy

Mycle Brandy, 59 years old and a 4 time stroke survivor from San Clemente, CA, walked from Newport Beach, CA to Washington DC leaving on 14 February 2010, going through CA, AZ, NM, TX, OK, MO, IL, KY, IN, OH, WV, MD, VA, DC. He walked to raise awareness of the early warning signs of stroke and warn against a sedentary lifestyle visiting stroke units at local hospitals and talking with stroke survivors. He delivered his message through television, radio, newspapers and personal appearances and has raised more than $10,000 for the American Heart Association. During Mycle Brandy's Walk Across America he was able to deliver his message of hope to more than 50 million people through various media sources. Upon finishing his Walk Across America, Mycle received a Letter of Congratulations from President and First Lady Obama. On July 17, 2011, Mycle Brandy began a second segment of his Walk Across America, walking from San Diego, CA to Seattle WA and finished on November 23, 2011 receiving a Letter of Congratulations from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. Mycle began his 3rd walk at the age of 61 on October 1, 2012 from Madawaska Maine to Miami Florida. He walked through: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. He completed the walk on his 62nd birthday, February 14, 2013 at the Miami City Hall exactly 3 years after beginning his initial Walk Across America. The Miami City Council presented Mycle with a "Proclamation" proclaiming February 14, 2013, M2M & Mycle Brandy Day. In all 3 walks Mycle has visited scores of hospitals and encouraged and uplifted the spirits of hundreds of Brain injury/stroke survivors. In total on this, the 16th of June, 2013, Mycle has walked a total of 6404 miles and is truly a transcontinental walker. Mycle would like to do 1 more walk in 2014 from Portland, Oregon 2 Portland, Maine (P2P) and finish his walking career (perhaps) at 10,000 miles. He proposes to walk through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Stroke ranks 4th in killing Americans and 2nd worldwide and is the worldwide leading cause of disability. Letter of Congratulations from President and First Lady Obama Letter of Congratulations from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn Miami Proclamation from Miami City Council can be seen at www.walkingacrossamerica.org in the "Inspiration" section as well as some of the TV interviews. "Walk to your mailbox today. Walk past your mailbox tomorrow."

Joseph Casamassima

Joe Casamassima, a musician and former teacher, at age 27 walked from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to San Francisco, California, crossing 10 states in three months (June 17, 2007–September 16, 2007), to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Casamassima is currently 29 and a graduate student at Harvard University.

Daniel Brooks Chapin

In January 2010, Daniel Chapin a youth advocate and activist from Orange County, California walked from California to Tennessee and onto Washington D.C. after a brief month of rest in Nashville, Tennessee. The walk was organized to promote community solidarity and to raise awareness for the importance of unified faith based youth programs throughout the nation. Chapin who also served as a youth pastor and marriage counselor in California, was motivated by his interactions with young people in his then current hometown, Garden Grove, Calif saying,"Young people are looking for a sense and longing and community," he said. "They're not finding it, especially in churches. They're finding division and doctrinal differences." Chapin's journey visited the heartland of America and along the route he was hosted at a variety of venues who share similar goals of inter-community solidarity and exchange, such as the Roadrunner Hostel in Tucson, Arizona and All the King's Horses Children's Ranch in Benson, Arizona speaking at churches, city halls and the like. Chapin performed the walk without a cell phone or support vehicles. Instead, he relied on teams of individuals and those encountered along the way to aide in travel arrangements, host homes, etc. Chapin is currently working on a book to be released in the summer of 2011 on the journey. Chapin is currently the founder and lead pastor for the International Coalition For Youth Of Christ and regularly speaks to youth about his encounters and lessons from the journey. In 2011, Chapin walked around the perimeter of Hawaii for youth outreach programs; being the only individual who has both crossed the mainland USA and circled the entire perimeter of Hawaii

Jared Michael Choate

On September 1, 2010, Jared Choate embarked upon the arduous 3,171 mile journey from Surf City, New Jersey to Santa Monica, California to complete his lifelong goal of running across the United States. He had no preconceived route, no team helping him to safety, and rarely a roof over his head. He merely had a cart full of supplies, a few dollars in the bank and the ambition to move from ocean to ocean. Through his travels Choate relied heavily on the goodwill of strangers for directions, a small patch of grass to sleep, and at times a helping hand with his cart's innumerable flat tires and shortcomings. In the beginning half of his journey, Choate was married in Chicago, IL to Kelly S. Anderson taking a short three week sabbatical from the excursion. When the honeymoon was over, Choate reconvened with his cart and began running again. The newlyweds stayed connected through cell phone, email and skype communication and often working out details of the route together day to day. Choate finished his final steps on February 13, 2011 on the Santa Monica Pier. The first chapter of his e-book The Now Testament is due to release on July 11, 2013 and the following chapters will be released episodically. In addition, Choate will promote his e-book while biking across the United States in the "Bike I Mean Book Tour" set to begin August 1, 2013.

Geo. Tyler Coulson and his dog, Mabel

In March 2011, 32-year-old Chicago attorney Geo. Tyler Coulson left his corporate law job at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago to walk across the United States with his dog, Mabel. Coulson and Mabel left Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on March 11, 2011, and finished in San Diego, California, on November 8, 2011. Although Coulson began his hike on the American Discovery Trail, weather and time constraints forced him to adopt a shorter route. Along the way, Coulson and Mabel encountered numerous thunderstorms, tornados, and a record heat wave across Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Coulson had temporary car support in western Nebraska, and again from Koosharem, Utah, to Temecula, California. Coulson's hike is the subject of the book By Men or By the Earth. Coulson writes about cross-country hiking at www.tylercoulson.com.

Justin Cousart and Mike Molloy

In March 2012, Justin Cousart and Mike Molloy trekked from Los Angeles, California to Saint Augustine, Florida. Allegedly on a dare, the two men began the journey on March 4. They made the trip in 104 days, spending a considerable amount of time in Las Vegas, Nevada where they garnered much support from gamblers and showgirls. The purpose of their trip was to raise awareness and recruit members for the American Homebrewers Association. While many news reporters wanted to interview Cousart and Molloy about their journey, the two declined all publicity. They worried that too much publicity would take away from the trip's purpose. Upon finishing the journey, Cousart and Molloy threw a massive afterparty in their college town of Saint Augustine, Florida.

Nate Damm

Nate Damm from Maine began walking from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to San Francisco, California on February 26, 2011, and finished October 15th, 2011.

James DiGiovanni

James DiGiovanni walked from the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island in his hometown of New York City to the Pacific Ocean at Pacific Beach in San Diego. He left on May 12, 2012 and reached the pacific ocean 154 days later on October 12, 2012. Leaving all but a cart of supplies behind, he is relied on the kindness of strangers to make his way across America and experience all it has to offer. Supporters created a website, James Is Walking, with links to a map with GPS tracking and a Facebook page in which he writes about his trip.

Nick Della Valle

50 year old Christian evangelist, Nick Della Valle, has walked across America (3300 miles) three different times since 2001. Being a "small" man, standing just 4'8" tall, he dressed like the Biblical character Zacchaeus, looking like a shepherd with a staff at his side. He spoke at many churches and schools during his journey of several months. Christ Walk

Helga Estby

Helga Estby, a 36-year-old from Spokane, Washington, and her 18-year-old daughter Clara walked from Spokane to New York City in 1896, setting off on May 5, 1896, passing through 14 states along the way, and arriving at the latter on Christmas Eve. She did so in response to a $10,000 challenge from a sponsor given to any woman who would walk across the United States. She brought with her a compass, red-pepper spray, a revolver, and a curling iron. She wanted the money in order to save her family's 160-acre (0.65 km²) farm. She did not receive it.

Rory Fanning

Rory Fanning, age 34, of Chicago, IL walked from Virginia Beach, VA to San Diego, CA in 2008-2009 in honor of Pat Tillman. Fanning served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion with Tillman. The idea was to raise the $3.6 million Tillman gave up when he left the NFL to join the military. The money was donated to the Pat Tillman Foundation. He spent 8 months, walking across the U.S., speaking to schools, prisons, and corporations. He stopped 42 steps from the Pacific Ocean, symbolic of Tillman's jersey number, technically "not walking across the country for Pat," as he said in his final blog entry. He walked 50 miles (80 km) in 23 hours while in New Mexico.

Louis Michael Figueroa

Louis Michael Figueroa, age 43, of Tucson, AZ is arguably the most prolific transcontinental journeyman. In 1982, at the age of 16, Figueroa became the fastest and youngest person to run across the United States covering the route from New Brunswick, NJ to San Francisco in 60 days to fulfill a promise to a friend who was dying of bone cancer.

In 1996–1997 he walked from Bangor, ME to San Diego, CA for local AIDS networks in memory of his brother Jimmy, who died of the disease. The walk was plagued by delays due to Figueroa's battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

In 2005, he began a walk around the United States for victims of child abuse. Figueroa walked for six months and covered 6,437 kilometres (4,000 mi) of the 12,070 kilometres (7,500 mi).

On June 4, 2010 Figueroa left from where he previously stopped, 6.43 kilometres (4.00 mi) west of Somerset, PA and is currently finishing his trek around the United States. He plans to arrive in Tucson sometime in late December.

Stephan Foust

From January, 1979 to September, 1980, former teacher Stephan Foust, age 30, of South Bend, IN walked 3607 miles from Nags Head, NC to Point Reyes, CA. His journey took him through the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. While on the road, Foust searched for stories and hosted a live remote weekly radio show via telephone on WSBT-AM in South Bend. Following a lengthy career in television news, video production, and mass communication consultation, Foust is now the Director of the Center for Innovation in Media at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

Steve Fugate

Steve Fugate of Florida was inspired to walk across the United States following the 1999 suicide of his son, Stevie. Since then, he has walked over 30,000 miles (48,000 km) through the 48 contiguous United States, passed through more than 2,000 communities and worn out 43 pairs of shoes, crossing the United States 6 times and walking both coasts twice each, while carrying a large sign that states, "LOVE LIFE."

Phil Goddard

Phil Goddard, a 48-year-old freelance translator from London, England, walked 3,091 miles from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA, starting on June 17, 2006 and finishing on May 6, 2007. He did this in memory of his wife Jayne, who died of colon cancer aged 49, and raised $84,000 for the Association for International Cancer Research.

A.J. Goodrich and Mark Metivier

A.J. Goodrich, a 27-year-old documentary filmmaker, walked from Venice Beach, CA to New York City, with a small crew, including Mark Metivier, John Conway, Satinder Kaur, Leonora Anzaldua Burke, Michael Cox, Matthew Chester and Andres Pacheco. They started on February 1, 2011 and ended on August 20, 2011, taking 201 days (including rest days). They covered approximately 3,800 miles (6,100 km), going south through New Orleans and the Bible Belt and up the East Coast. They walked in shifts, living and working out of an RV that would drive ahead while they walked. Goodrich and Metivier were the only ones of the crew to complete the whole journey, from start to finish. The walk was part of a documentary A.J. was making to finish his graduate degree in film production at the University of Southern California. The team's goal was to document people's feelings on same-sex marriage in the United States, and to profile queer issues and identity in America. The film is called "The Road Less Travelled By" and is currently in post-production.

Matt Green

Matt Green, a 30-year-old civil engineer from New York City, NY, walked from Rockaway Beach, NY to Rockaway Beach, OR. He began on March 27, 2010 and ended on August 25, 2010, taking 152 days (including some rest days), using walking directions provided by Google Maps. He documented his journey as he walked by taking pictures with his Motorola Droid and posting them to his blog with comments. He pushed his belongings in a converted Runabout stroller. Each day, if in a place where he didn't know anyone, he would knock on someone's door and ask to pitch his tent on their property. Many people invited Matt into their homes and in doing so, he was able to share his story with many people and also learn about the lives of average Americans all across the country. One of Matt's favorite activities during his journey was documenting strange mailboxes he encountered along his walk.

Matt Gregory

Matt Gregory, a 27 year old, hiked 5,000 miles (8,000 km) from Bellingham, Washington to Key West, Florida. Matt left Bellingham on September, 1st, 2006 and finished November, 8th, 2007. He walked down the west coast past L.A. and turned east to Key West. Matt raised over $11,000 for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the memory of his mother that passed from cancer. Matt kept a journal on his website, MyWalkingAdventure.com.

Forrest Gump

That's right.

Doris Haddock

Doris Haddock, a.k.a. "Granny D", an 89-year-old activist, retired secretary and shoe factory worker, walked from Pasadena, California, setting off on January 1, 1999 to Washington D.C., a distance of 3,055 miles (4,917 km). She walked for six days per week, with a mean speed of 10 miles per day, in an effort to call people's attention to campaign finance reform, taking 400 days to complete her walk.

Rick Hammersley

Rick Hammersley, aged 60, of Green Cove Springs, FL walked from California to Coney Island from April 1, 2008 to November 2, 2008, a total elapsed time of 215 days, 6 hours, and 24 minutes. He covered a distance of 3,206.75 miles (5,160.76 km), walking for 176.75 days (1070 hours) with a mean speed of 3 miles per hour (4.8 km/h), raising $9,819.11 for charity.

Elena J. Hanuse

From her book, One step at a time : my 18-month walk across America, at age 52, Hanuse set out to realize a childhood dream: to walk from the Golden Gate bridge to the Statue of Liberty. The family dog, Buck, went the distance with her; husband Alex provided moral and logistical support for the adventure. This is Hanuse's affecting if somewhat truncated re-creation (10 of the 13 chapters are set west of the Mississippi). There were some close calls: back home Alex had a life-threatening bout with an ulcer; the author's knees nearly gave out in Death Valley and she contracted pneumonia in Colorado; Buck was swept downstream by floodwaters in Utah. Hanuse, a teacher, paused during the journey to speak to school and church groups; she seems to have enjoyed a warm rapport with the children she met.

Steven Hawke

Steven Hawke left Malibu, California on May 15, 2009 to introduce the idea and design for a new history museum to Americans and the world. The journey included Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Topeka, St. Louis, Frankfort, Charleston, Richmond and on to Washington, D.C. As planned, Steven arrived in Washington on September 10, 2009. Steven reminded those who spoke with him that walking was the first method of transportation used by our ancestors, to travel from coast to coast. His journey across America covered 3860 miles. Travel companions included D. Anson Brody and Natt Holman.

Arthur Hitchcock

On May 11, 2011, Arthur Hitchcock of Long Beach, CA, began his walk across the United States. He walked to raise awareness/money for Breast Cancer Research and to create a photo documentary of his journey. Carrying about 40-45 lbs of gear (including camera equipment), Arthur averaged 33–35 miles a day. His best friend Anthony Felix was his "Support Vehicle" driver, meeting Arthur at the end of each day. They both frequently camped in the back of a 2004 Ford Ranger (Nicknamed "Shell City") or would rely on the compassion of strangers. Arthur and Anthony also frequently used Couchsurfing.org to help find places to stay across the US. He completed his walk at the state capitol building in Augusta, ME after 5 months 22 days. The walk was in memory of his mother and father. Janet M. Hitchcock passed away October 6, 2010 of Breast Cancer. His father, Mike Hitchcock, in 1994 of heart complications. He posted along the way to his travel blog and website: arthurhitchcock.tumblr.com and hitchcockwalks.com

Stephen Homsey, Steps for MS

On May 10, 2011, 26 year old Stephen Homsey departed his hometown of Winchester, MA. The goal of his solo journey was to raise awareness for and bring attention to Multiple Sclerosis. The walk came about after a tragic accident on May 10, 2009. Early that morning Homsey fell over 40 feet, breaking both legs, his back and his left arm, leaving him immobile for 6 months. Following his accident he founded Steps for MS, a charity focused on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with the goal of raising awareness, supporting those who live with MS and their family and friends, as well as finding a cure for the disease. After leaving Massachusetts, Homsey would make his way down the East Coast, passing through the Nation's Capital and many other major cities. After reaching Chattanooga, TN, Homsey turned West, leaving the densely populated East Coast. While walking through the Southern States he encountered one of the hottest summers recorded. On certain days temperatures reached close to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. After walking through 17 states, Washington D.C., and a sovereign state he would arrive in Coronado, CA. The journey took 6 months and 8 days, and covered 3,473 miles.

Thomas Hooker

Thomas Hooker, age 42, of Seattle, WA started his walk on September 11, 2002, the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Beginning in the corner of the United States in Cape Flattery, WA he walked to Neah Bay, WA then onto Seattle, WA. Hooker then flew to San Diego, CA and walked across America via a southern route, California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas-Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia-Florida finishing the hike / walk in Jacksonville, FL on February 27, 2003.

Aaron Huey

Aaron Huey, age 25, left Encinitas, California on January 22, 2002 and arrived in New York City 3,349 miles and 154 days later. His only travel companion was his dog Cosmo. He did not carry a cell phone and had no support team. He covers the why and how in his 2010 Annenberg Foundation lecture: [6] Huey's walk journals can be read here: [7]

Greg Insco

Greg Insco, at age 26 from Colerain Township in Cincinnati, Ohio left home on April 1, 2009 to walk over 2200 miles across America to live his dream and to honor charities that include The Megan Gore Scholarship Fund and the The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Greg Insco completed his walk to Los Angeles, CA on June 15, 2009.

Peter Jenkins

Peter Jenkins, a photojournalist, walked from Alfred, New York, setting off in October 1973, first south to the Gulf of Mexico, then to Florence, Oregon, which he reached in January 1979. He detailed his account with National Geographic magazine and in his book, A Walk Across America. He then married in Mobile Florida and they walked to Oregon.

Ron Kessler

Ron Kessler, 39, walked 3,600 miles (5,800 km) without a support vehicle from Cape Henlopen, DE to Point Reyes Seashore, CA in 2008 between March 1 and October 11. He loosely followed the American Discovery Trail from Delaware through Missouri, then carved his own route from Kansas westward. He walked to raise money for breast cancer research and encourage regular mammograms, and was inspired by a close friend who succumbed to the disease just months after the walk. Ron wishes to thank the many, many people who helped him along the way. His journal can be found at trail journals

Eric M. Latham

On April 14, 2005, 23-year-old Virginia native Eric M. Latham began his walk from Nags Head, NC and arrived in San Francisco, CA on November 5, 2005. Eric walked across America to increase awareness of cancer and raise money for research. By the time he reached San Francisco, he had walked 3,591 miles through thirteen states over 206 days straight and raised more than $21,000 for the American Cancer Society. After the walk in July 2006, Eric self-published a book about his walk, the people he met and their cancer stories, called Take Steps With A Purpose: A Walk About America for Cancer Research [ISBN 1-4243-0760-0]. From August 2006 to January 2008, he took his book all across the U.S. and even parts of Mexico and Canada sharing his story and raising tens of thousands of dollars for at least 55 cancer centers, hospitals and foundations. During that time he also interviewed thousands of people about what they thought were the most important issues facing America and in May 2008, Eric self-published his second book, Entitled To A Nation [ISBN 978-1-4243-0761-6].[]

Polly Letofsky

Polly Letofsky, 37, walked around the world and as a natural portion of that walked across the United States. She started in Vail, Colorado, and headed west through Arizona, California, then walked around the world entering US shores again in NY. NJ, PA, Upstate NY, Ontario, CA, MI, WI, MN, IA, MO, KS, CO. Her walk around the world was the culmination of a childhood dream, but moreover was an advocacy campaign for breast cancer around the world. In each country the funds raised stayed in that country. Her book, 3mph: The Adventures of One Woman's Walk Around the World has become a best seller.

Steffen Hem Lian

Steffen Hem Lian, 25 years old from Norway, walked alone from San Diego, CA to Savannah, GA. He left on August 10, 2007 and arrived January 1, 2008. He did this to raise money and awareness for kids with cancer. The trip was more than 2,400 miles (3,900 km) long, and went through 8 states.

George Martin

On September 16, 2007, George Martin, an ex-New York Giants Football Player, began walking from New York City's George Washington Bridge to San Diego in order to raise money for medical care for the first responders to the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States.

Matt Mattingly

Matt Mattingly, age 59 of Sonora, California, walked 3,507 miles (5,644 km) in 117 days, from near the Statue of Liberty in New York City to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Mattingly finished his journey on Sept 7, 1990, and wrote about his experiences in his book The Long Walk Home.

Margie McCauley

Margie McCauley, a 67-year-old from Landers, California, walked from Landers to the home of her sister in New Britain, Connecticut in 1996.

Brandon Mitchell and Nick Gaeto

Brandon Mitchell, a 22-year-old from Wayne, Pennsylvania, and Nick Gaeto, a 23-year-old firefighter from Wayne, Pennsylvania, walked from Philadelphia to Los Angeles New Britain, Connecticut in 2013.

Dr. Barbara Moore

Dr. Barbara Moore (1903–1977), a Russian-born health enthusiast, walked 3,387 miles from San Francisco to New York City in 46 days in 1960.

Jack Morris

Jack Morris, a 40-year-old from Seattle, Washington, walked 3,333 miles (5,364 km) from Jacksonville, Florida back to Seattle over 133 days. His trip began on May 1, 2010 and ended on September 10, 2010. The walk began as a quest for individual accomplishment, with Jack soon realizing that the walk was much bigger than one man. Soon thereafter, the walk soon developed into a quest to raise money for Seattle Children's Hospital. Jack documented his walk daily on his blog at My Long Walk Home. When he finished walking, Jack hadn't reached the fundraising goal he had hoped to achieve. To help motivate donations, 2 weeks later Jack hopped on a bicycle and rode 3700 miles back towards Jacksonville over the next 6 weeks.

Jerry Nelson

Jerry Nelson, age 56, of Asheville, NC walked from New Mexico to Washington DC in 2006-2007. Nelson served in the US Navy and the walk drew attention of many veterans and veteran supporters. Nelson, a freelance photojournalist, has contributed many stories and photos to numerous news organizations, newspapers and magazines throughout the country.

Richard H. Noble

From March 12, 2011 till June 9, 2012, this gay rights activist walked the Rainbow Pride Flag across the north/west and the south/east, dividing his walk into two parts, along with road trips and other walks across The Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation of South Dakota and a 63 mile walk from Palm Springs to the 29 Palms Marine Base where he hung a Rainbow flag ushering in the historic repeal of the discriminatory military law of Don't Ask-Don't Tell. The story was featured in The Advocate and was listed as one of the reasons to have PRIDE in 2012. The walk received 11 City Proclamations and 3 resolutions all in support of modernizing civil rights laws with The American Equality Bill. Noble reached Jacksonville on June 9, 2012 without injury as was the great concern carrying the international symbol of gay pride, The Rainbow Flag, setting state, national and international records for LGBT freedom. The 15 month walk went into 10 states and crossed 2700 miles.

Jesper Olsen

Jesper Olsen, Denmark, ran coast to coast in the summer of 2005. Route: Los Angeles-Seattle-Calgary-Chicago-New York. This was a part of an around the world run from UK-Russia-Australia-USA-UK.

Dale James Outhouse

In 1984, peace activist Dale James Outhouse walked some 4,500 miles (7,200 km) from Point Conception, CA, to New York City through the Deep South. He was one of the founders of Walk of the People - A Pilgrimage for Life, a walk that raised awareness for improving U.S.-Soviet Union relations, and the only participant to cover the entire distance in the United States. His story is in a book called "Walking through the Wall" by Kevin J. Shay. Dale's blog on some reflections on his walk can be read here: [8]

Peace Pilgrim

Peace Pilgrim (born Mildred Lisette Norman) was an American pacifist, vegetarian, and peace activist. Starting on January 1, 1953, she walked across the United States for 28 years until her death in 1981. She had no organizational backing, carried no money, and would not even ask for food or shelter. When she began her pilgrimage she had taken a vow to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." At the time of her death, she was crossing the United States for the seventh time.

Marcia and Ken Powers

Marcia and Ken Powers, a husband and wife from Pleasanton, CA, walked along the American Discovery Trail in 2005, a distance of 4,900 miles (7,900 km) that crossed 13 states, setting off from Cape Henlopen on 2005-02-27 and finishing in Point Reyes, CA in October of the same year. At their fastest, they covered 21.5 miles per day. Their mean speed was 34.4 kilometers a day.

Chris Praetzel

Chris Praetzel ran from Los Angeles, California to Atlantic City, NJ in honor and support of organ donation. He started his "Brotherly Love Run" on May 23, 2012 and finished September 24, 2012. He covered 3,300 miles.

Jeffrey Grabosky

Jeffrey Grabosky, at age 27 from Alexandria, Virginia ran solo and unsupported for 3,702 miles from Oceanside, California to Smith Point, New York. The purpose of his run was to encourage people to pray. Jeff took an estimated 3,500 prayer intentions from people all over the world and prayed a decade of the rosary for each intention as he ran. He started on January 20, 2011 and finished May 20, 2011. He averaged over 30 miles per day and often ran between 50 to 60 miles a day during his run. In June 2012, his book, Running With God Across America., was published detailing the account of his journey.

John M. Pyle

John Pyle is an Ultra Runner who completed his Run Across America to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. The Patriot Run Across America (http://www.patriotrunacrossamerica.com) began on March 1, 2012 in San Francisco and ended with the Keys 100 UltraMarathon (http://Keys100.com) on May 20, 2012.

Leo Schreven

Leo Schreven as a teenager made 100 goals to finish by the time he became 50. Walking across America was the last of those 100 goals he had left to accomplish. On the 9th of February on Jacksonville Beach in Florida Leo Schreven began his walk that would last 100 day and would end on his 50th birthday. Each day he made a video with a short talk and then it would show some interesting things he would see during the day making it probably the most documented walk across America. He finished in San Diego California on his birthday, 100 days after he began. You can see more about Leo Schreven's Walk Across America at [9]. You can see his route and his daily videos.

Kait and John Seyal with dogs Grace, Max, and Jenny #9

Kait and John started walking on March 1, 2012 in Lewes, Delaware with dogs Max and Grace. They were joined by Jon Slater and Old Brown Dog with a support car at the Mississippi River in July, and then picked up forth dog, Jenny #9, in Iowa. They finished their 3,088 mile walk on November 17, 2012 in Long Beach, California. They walked to promote pet therapy and animal rescue and did volunteer work with their certified therapy dogs at facilities all across America. They chronicled their journey at www.DogBlogUSA.com

Al Slusser

"Ironman Grandpa" Al Slusser may be the oldest and only documented person to walk the width and length of America as well as the width and length of Arizona. At age 70, he stepped out of the Pacific Ocean at San Diego,California to begin "The Coast 2 Coast Walk" dedicated to Senior Citizens and Americans with Disabilities. Without an entourage or escort vehicle, Al walked by himself and pulled a 100 pound cart containing food, clothes, and camping equipment. He completed the journey at age 71after 223 days and 2,646 miles, when he stepped into the coastal water of the Atlantic Ocean. During that walk, he also crossed the width of Arizona from the California border to the New Mexico border. At age 72, Al completed the "East Coast Walk" dedicated to U.S. Troops and Veterans. Beginning at the southernmost Point of the United States in Key West, FL., he walked for 120 days and 1,782 miles until he reached the U.S./Canada border in northern Vermont. Finally, at age 73, Al walked south from the Utah/Arizona border to the Arizona/Mexico border in Nogales, AZ. to complete "The Arizona Walk." Covering 466 miles in 43 days, this walk was dedicated to heiughten awareness of poverty in Arizona and encourage support of Arizona food banks. The three walks combined took 386 days and covered 4,894 miles with an average of 13 miles per day. The book "Shoe Leather Faith" chronicles Al's walks. The album's filled with signatures of city Mayors or other officials during each of the walks validate his visits to cities on the routes.

Jonathon Stalls

Jonathon Stalls, a 28-year-old resident of Denver, CO started walking on March 1, 2010 from Lewes, Delaware and finished w/family and supporters on November 13, 2010 in San Francisco, CA. Jonathon walked 3,030 miles (4,880 km) across 14 states while destroying 7 pairs of shoes in 8 months. He was joined by his dog, Kanoa for the first 5 months. As he moved West, Stalls raised awareness for leading global micro-finance organization Kiva Micro-funds. Through collective efforts of Stalls and supporters 'Kiva Walk' generated (and continues to generate) over $500,000 in loans to entrepreneurs across the globe. Jonathon Stalls is now Owner and Lead Itinerant of Walk2Connect / http://www.walk2connect.com

Björn Suneson

Björn Suneson, a 59-year-old Swedish marathon runner and economics journalist, began his run across the United States on June 11, 2007 in Florence, Oregon and finished in Virginia Beach, Virginia September 14, 2007. Amazingly enough, heading in opposite directions, with no prior knowledge of the existence of the other (according to his website) he and Joseph Casamassima crossed paths in Gibbon, Nebraska—about the half way point for both men.

Björn Suneson, this time aged 62, ran across the US again, starting April 10, 2010 at Westport, Washington and finishing July 17 at Tybee Island, Georgia.

Suneson has run across the USA a third time. At age 64, he claims to be the first to have run across the United States three times without a support vehicle. This time he ran from Seaside, Oregon (on 20 March 2012) to Ocean Grove, New Jersey (on 25 June 2012).

Rosie Swale-Pope

Rosie Swale-Pope, UK, has walked and run from Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska to Newfoundland, Canada over Edmonton-Chicago-New York City. This was a part of an around the world run UK-Russia-USA-UK.

Tamar and Jakob Teitelbaum

Tamar and Jakob Teitelbaum, a married couple from Montreal, QC, hiked from Cape Henlopen, DE to Point Reyes, CA in 2006, covering 4,400 miles (7,100 km) in 205 days. They walked from April 25 to November 17, taking off one day in Grand Junction, CO to bury water in the desert. They followed the American Discovery Trail, pioneering the Teitelbaum Cutoff from Cripple Creek, CO to Buena Vista, CO. Their journal, documenting an abundance of raccoons, brambles, wrong turns, and incredible generosity and kindness, can be found here: [10]

Michael Tittinger

From June 18 through Dec. 18, 2011, Michael Tittinger walked across the United States (under the name Mikey Walks) to raise money for the Onny and Oboe Scholarship Fund, which he founded with wife Brooke Tittinger, helping heart transplant patients and their families get a second chance to pursue their dreams. Tittinger left Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and followed Route 50 (symbolic because one organ donor can change 50 lives) to Cincinnati, OH, before making his way northeast to his native Philadelphia, and then finishing in Ocean City, NJ. Tittinger chronicles his adventures—profiling the Americans he meets along the way—as well as his fundraising on his website mikeywalks.com.

Michael's blog can be read here: [11]

Steve Vaught

Steve Vaught, a 40-year-old from Valley Center, CA, walked from Oceanside, California to New York City, a distance of 2,800 miles (4,500 km), setting off on 2005-04-10 and arriving on 2006-05-09. He lost 110 pounds in weight in the process.

Katie Visco

From March 29 through December 29, 2009, Pave Your Lane’s Founder, Katie Visco, ran solo across America, from Boston to San Diego to spread this campaign. At this time, Visco became the 2nd youngest and 13th woman overall to run the 3,132 miles coast to coast. The full detail of Katie's run can be found here: [12]

Kelly Wells and her dog, Anna

In May 2011, Kelly Wells, from Monmouth, Maine, began her walk across the US with her dog, Anna. Wells met up with fellow traveler Coulson, and shared car support with him between Colorado and Nevada. She ended her journey on November 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Dog Beach in San Diego. She chronicled her journey on her Twitter feed, @_Ameranth, as well as her blog, here: [13]

Bob Wieland

Bob Wieland is a Vietnam War veteran who lost his legs to a mortar mine in 1969. He "ran" across America on his hands, taking three years, eight months, and six days to travel from coast to coast and raise money for Vietnam war veterans.

John Wingate, with Lory Wingate

John walked unsupported from Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California, loosely following the American Discovery Trail for approximately 3,500 miles, from March 31, through November 26, 2008. Blogs, photos and videos available at http://newworldexplorations.com/Home_Page.html. "Two Views: Walking Across America", John and Lory Wingate, ISBN 978-1-4507-5660-0, 2011. It is a compilation of both of journals and photographs (converted to color pencil drawings). DE, MD, DC, WV, OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO, UT, NV, CA.

Lory Mitchell Wingate, with John Wingate

Lory walked unsupported from Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California, loosely following the American Discovery Trail for approximately 3,500 miles, from March 31, through November 26, 2008. Blogs, photos and videos available at http://newworldexplorations.com/Home_Page.html."Two Views: Walking Across America", John and Lory Wingate, ISBN 978-1-4507-5660-0, 2011. It is a compilation of both of journals and photographs (converted to color pencil drawings). "BETWEEN the Cities: Essays from a Walk through America", Lory Wingate, ISBN 978-0-615-57424-0, 2011. DE, MD, DC, WV, OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO, UT, NV, CA.

Blake Wink, Dan Petracca, Sara Klem

The group of three (all from Rochester, USA) walked together from the Atlantic to the Pacific while shooting a documentary called Walk the Dream.. Their journey began on Long Island on April 21, 2010 and ended in Santa Monica on October 21, 2010. The trio's route brought them through NY, NJ, PA, OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO, UT, NV, and CA. A support vehicle accompanied the three over the course of the 6 months.

Dean Karnazes

Ultra marathon runner, Dean Karnazes, ran from Disneyland to New York in 2011 over the course of 75 days. His journey was to raise awareness about child obesity and to motivate kids to be active. He covered over 3,000 miles and ran between 40 and 50 miles each day. The run was widely publicized on ABC's Live! with Regis and Kelly, the studio in which he ended his run. He staged multiple 5k races with kids along the way to encourage people to come out and run with him. [14]

Harrison Milanian

Harrison Milanian, Chef by trade, walked 3,000 miles across America during the summer of 2013. He walked from Florida to California in 3 months. Harrison walked to encourage others to get outside and to get some sunshine. His project was to inspire connection.

[15]

Andrew Forsthoefel

Andrew Forsthoefel set out from his home in Pennsylvania at the age of 23 with a sign that said, "Walking to Listen." He taped the stories and advice of dozens of people he met along the way and culled the 85 hours of audio into an hour-long radio show called, "Walking Across America: Advice for a Young Man." He hopes to write a book about his walk.

[16]

Jerry Oliver with Mark Lanham

Jerry C. Oliver, 65 (2nd oldest man to walk across America) of Temple, OK and Mark T. Lanham, 46 of Fort Walton Beach Beach, FL both veterans, walked from San Diego, California to Brunswick, Georgia. They started in May and ended September 14, 2013 in "Support of the U.S. Constitution" ( www.WalkDaddyWalk.com). They hand carried the American flag with each step they took across U.S. Highways 60, 70 & 82. Afterwards, they plan to walk from Brunswick, Georgia to Washington, D.C. and arrive on November 11, 2013 (Veterans Day). Their mission is to seek a brief meeting with President Obama to discuss the preservation of the U.S. Constitution which defends the freedoms that all Americans are guaranteed.

Currently Walking Across America

Myles Winiski

Beginning Sept 1, 2013, Myles Winiski began walking across America. Born in 1992, Myles has lived in Portland Connecticut for most of his life. After high school, Myles left for the army. On returning, Myles planned his walk, with just a general idea of destinations. As his Facebook page says, he hope "something will happen along the way that will make it worth doing." Without much else in mind, he hopes this walk makes him a wiser person. Portland was his original departure point, and as of October 3rd, he is traveling in North Carolina.

On October 12th after solo-walking for approximately 800 miles, Winiski made it to his winter way-station. Here, he plans to rest for the winter, reevaluate his gear, and plan for the next large portion of his walk.

Myles is keeping the world up to date with a Facebook page, MylesWalksAmerca, where more information can be found.

Currently Training to Walk Across America

Frank Ryan

Beginning on March 15, 2014, Frank Ryan will walk across America to benefit the students at Good Shepherd Services in Halethorpe, MD. He will begin his walk in San Diego,CA and finish just 100 days later in Ocean City, MD. Once this journey is completed, Mr. Ryan will become the third oldest man (at the age of 63 years)to complete a walk across the United States.

Frank Ryan is the Founder and President of F.X. Ryan & Associates, are retired Marine, a family man, and the Board Chairman of Good Shepherd Services. He has been the corporate officer of several publically traded corporations and served on the Board of Directors of eight different companies. He founded the F.X. Ryan & Associates management consulting firm which specializes in crisis management, strategic planning, and business process redesign. In other words, F.X. Ryan & Associates assists companies in avoiding bankruptcy. He has served for a combined total of 33 years in the Marines traveling the world, assisting in some of the most well-known and successful military operations including Operation Enduring Freedom. Due to his exemplary service, he was awarded a Bronze Star during his time in Iraq, 3 Legions of Merit, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal for Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Catholic Medal of Honor during his time in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Mr. Ryan is fully committed to helping others on both a financial and personal level. He is a devoted husband and father who holds family values to their highest level. Due to his passion and love for the mission of Good Shepherd Services, Ryan has served as a Board Member since 1988. It is these values that have motivated Mr. Ryan to Walk Across America to raise awareness and funding in the amount of $3 million to fund Good Shepherd Services’ many educational and clinical programs and current capital needs.

Good Shepherd Services offers comprehensive clinical and educational services to boys and girls 13-21 with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, co-occurring substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, and transitional aged youth. Good Shepherd Services offers these services in 24 hour treatment settings, school environments, and even in-home transitional services to children and families. Good Shepherd is the largest treatment center for adolescents in Maryland with approximately 60% of the students coming from the Baltimore Metropolitan area.Throughout Mr.Ryan’s year long training he has devoted portions of his walks to personal prayer requests which he constantly receives and performs during his training. If you are interested in requesting a prayer request please email Mr. Ryan at walkacrossamerica@gssmaryland.org. He will continue to take prayer requests during the actual walk in 2014. Over the years, the challenges of treating the students at Good Shepherd Services has increased significantly; a sad reflection of our societal needs. If you would like to learn more about Good Shepherd Services or how you can donate to the Walk Across America please visit our website at http://www.gssmaryland.org/index.php/donate/Walk.

In popular culture

The film Forrest Gump features the title character running across America for three years, for "No particular reason."

See also

• Transcontinental walk
• List of people who have walked across Australia

References

"Walking: Searching for America and Its 'Real' People." The Chapel Hill Newspaper. Feb. 27, 1979 "Transcontinental Hike Opens Man's Senses to World." The Paragould Daily Press. June 21, 1979 "Teacher Learns A Lot on Walk Across US." The Sacramento Bee. Aug. 28, 1980 "Trans-continental Walker Arrives Here." The Point Reyes Light. Sept. 11, 1980 Colon Terrell, 64-year old Heart Attack Survivor walks across the USA. www.HeartTrekUSA.com, 9/8/12.

Further reading

• Doris Haddock and Dennis Burke (2001). Granny D: Walking Across America in My Ninetieth Year. Villard Books. ISBN 978-0-375-50539-3.
• Linda Hunt (2003). Bold Spirit: Helga Estby's Forgotten Walk Across Victorian America. University of Idaho Press. ISBN 978-0-89301-262-5.
• Eric M. Latham (2006). Take Steps With A Purpose: A Walk Across America for Cancer Research. Walk About America. ISBN 1-4243-0760-0.
• Lyn Hanush (2007). Putting a Face on AMERICA. Winepress Publishing. ISBN 978-1-57921-882-9.
• Kevin J. Shay (2008). Walking through the Wall. Booklocker. ISBN 978-1-881365-80-8.