By W. Kesler
Gardnerville, Nevada – A run across the contintental United States kicked off in San Francisco last Saturday as the Relief Alliance and the Tibetan Association of Northern California marched together from the Golden Gate Bridge to Pier 39 in commencement of the more than 3,000-mile road the runners will face on their way to Washington, D.C.
As of Saturday, 3 May, the two runners had gone almost 40 miles past Jackson, California, in the Sierra Nevadas, and are expected to cross the California-Nevada border on Monday. Total mileage covered to date is estimated at 183 miles, all on foot. The two runners alternate running and try to cover at least 30 miles a day.
Already the runners have been featured in two California newspapers. The runners hope that not only media, but also support groups nationwide will assist in their pan-America endeavors.
The runners, Tyler DeWaal and Billy Jackson — both college students from Provo, Utah — organized the Trans-America Run for Dignity and Human Rights to raise awareness of human rights issues worldwide, particularly in Tibet. They also aim to raise one million dollars that they will use primarily to benefit Tibetan refugee education in India. The awareness campaign focuses on the Tenzin Delek Rinpoche situation as well as the Panchen Lama issue.
Despite aches, pains, blisters, and soreness, the runners are intent on reaching Salt Lake City, Utah, by 24 May, where they will be met by members of the Utah Tibet Association as well as others in a march up State Street, the main street in the city. Other major cities the runners will pass through include Denver, Topeka, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington, D.C.
A large rally is planned for 9 August at the Lincoln Memorial, when the runners are scheduled to arrive in the city. Tibet support groups in Washington D.C, most notably the International Campaign for Tibet, have pledged their participation in the rally.
More information can be obtained from the Relief Alliance website (http://www.ReliefAlliance.org) where daily updates, the run schedule, and donation options are available.
To contact the runners, email them at: run@ReliefAlliance.org.
