Running with Pride Across America
Friday, April 13, 2012



You may not realize it now, but ultra distance runner John Pyle has been running in the Patriot Run Across America holding an American flag for 44 days to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, something he feels is worth the pain of running 40-45 miles a day.

"Doing what I do is going to hurt, and that's the bottom line," commented Pyle during a video interview before his run began. "It's pain and it hurts, but I could either lay in that and live in that pain or I can just acknowledge it and take my mind somewhere else."

So, why is this related to NATCA? In February, Pyle ran the Ft. Lauderdale A1A Marathon carrying the American flag, and it was during that race that he inspired NATCA members who were running the marathon that day. This team of NATCA runners decided to join his most recent effort in supporting the Wounded Warriors Project.

Pyle began the race on March 1, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., hoping to raise one million dollars by his final destination, Key West, Fla., by May 20, 2012. NATCA is showing support for Pyle in his last 100 miles in South Florida. The NATCA relay team NATCA Running, including NATCA President Paul Rinaldi, are participating with Pyle in the Keys 100 race. The race will begin at Key Largo and end at Key West.

NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert will be joining Pyle in Houston on April 20 as she also plans to run by his side for a few miles.

"Few people can run 40 miles a day, but every NATCA member can run a few miles," said NATCA Running team volunteer Ruth Stilwell. "And as the Patriot Run Across America runs through your city, we are asking NATCA members to join the effort by running a few miles, fundraising for the Wounded Warrior Project, or coming out to cheer the runners along."

As NATCA celebrates its 25th anniversary, NATCA has set a goal of raising $25,000 for Wounded Warriors. To meet this goal, NATCA only needs 1000 members to donate $25 for the cause. The Wounded Warrior Project has partnered with NATCA so that all NATCA members can make online donations directly to the charity and NATCA will be credited. To contribute to this great cause, click HERE. NATCA Charitable Foundation (NCF) has donated $1000 to the cause.

In addition to donations, if you are interested in joining the NATCA members by running or walking for this cause, please send your name, email, phone and facility to pmg.gonzo@gmail.com. A Facebook page has been launched for the cause N A T C A running where you can find more information.

The Patriot Run Across America is organized by the Patriot Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 2011 to aid American servicemen and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a nonprofit whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Every year, wounded warriors and caregivers receive support each year through WWP programs and services. Find out more about the Patriot Run Across American at http://www.patriotrunacrossamerica.com/ or the Wounded Warrior Project at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/