Running across America for Haiti relief

GREEN BAY - Abe Clark is trying to run from one side of the country to the other, a total of 2,860 miles.

“It's definitely quite an adventure to be on,” said Abe Clark, who is a former cross country runner at UW-Green Bay.

Clark’s journey across America started in Oceanside, Calif., on Feb.15 and if all goes according to plan he'll be in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 30.

“There is a lot of things that can obviously happen in that time,” said Clark.

Running with a baby stroller that holds his essentials, including a tent, Clark's 136-day itinerary takes him through 15 states at an average of 21 miles a day.

According to seeJohnRun.com , 228 people have run across the country before. Eleven of them have finished the run unsupported, which means without a support vehicle. Clark is trying to become the 12th.

“I'm either running or sleeping or eating, so it's kind of difficult to keep up with anything else,” said Clark.

Clark rests on Sundays and plans to visit churches to raise awareness about the reason he's on the run. Clark's goal is to raise $100,000 for Living Water International a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities get clean water. The money would go towards repairing 500 hand pumps damaged in Haiti by the earthquake.

“Water is basically the root of survival, so it's not just something you can just be without,” said Clark.

“He's just grateful to have the talent and the god given gifts to be able to run and he's using this in a great way,” said Mike Kline, who coached Clark at UW-Green Bay.

Kline says it's incredible what the athlete is trying to accomplish.

“If you figure out the mileage that Abe is going to cover it's like running a little over 109 marathons,” said Kline. “I've coached a lot of great runners, and I feel others would definitely attempt to do it, but I feel very confident that Abe is going to get it done. I have no doubts whatsoever.”

“I have a lot of confidence I'll make it,” said Clark. “Right now all I can say is I'm half way across California and I plan on running again tomorrow.