For some, running can be a drag. But for three men, running has become not only a way of life, but also an outlet to raise money for charities and to conquer the unthinkable.
Early Tuesday afternoon, brothers Scott Jenkins, 29, Rhys Jenkins, 22, of Great Britain and friend Rusty Tolliver, 24, of Austin passed through College Station as part of a 2,000 mile run from Boston, Mass. to Austin, Texas in an attempt to break a distance running world record and raise money for numerous charities.
“The runners are hoping that their chosen charities will benefit from their ultimate endurance run that will really see the men push their bodies to the sheer limit of human endurance,” said Abby Fleming, public relations representative for the run.
The charities the young men hope to donate to include Salute America’s Heroes, Young Texans against Cancer, British Heart Foundation and Help for Heroes.
“Salute America’s Heroes is a charity close to our hearts, so we cannot wait to begin our 2,000 mile run,” Scott said. “To run 2,000 miles from
Boston to Austin is an incredible challenge for us, but it’s nothing compared to the challenges our servicemen and women are facingn every day.”
The idea for the run was sparked by their increasing admiration for the bravery of their friends who are currently serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan.
The run these men are facing is the equivalent of more than 75 marathons, running more than 40 miles per day. The men started the run on Sept. 15 from the US Army Department in Boston and hope to arrive at the U.S. Army Reserve in Austin, Texas on Nov. 26.
The men have faced several challenges along the way such as running through numerous climate changes, as well as across mountain and desert terrains, running during a tornado warning, being chased by dogs and even having locals throw water at them.
To reach Texas, the friends have passed through nine different states and over 100 towns. In order to maintain peak physical condition and keep energy levels high during the run, the friends consume between 7,000 and 10,000 calories a day.
“I’m so pleased that we have been able to come together to support such a fantastic cause,” Tolliver said. “Scott and Rhys have flown over here from the UK to undertake this challenging run and I’m delighted to show them the best that the USA has to offer.”
Scott Jenkins is a sports and endurance enthusiast and works as an exercise referral professional. He ran the Llanelli half marathon in one hour and 39 minutes and is also an avid road cycler.
Rhys Jenkins is a student at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff majoring in business studies, and is also an endurance enthusiast. He has completed in the Three Peaks challenge in 2009 and has also participated in the Las Vegas Marathon.
Tolliver is a Texas native who attends Austin Community College with a major in journalism.
Sponsors of the 2,000 mile run include PUMA, who supplies all running equipment, SPI Belt, suppliers of SPI running belt and accessories for the run, Bulldog Natural Grooming, suppliers of grooming products for the team and Sweat GUTR, who supplies all the sweatband needs.