Book Review: Running Water - A Thirst Quenching 2,960 Mile Solo Run Across America
I recently read Abe Clark’s book Running Water, about his 136 day solo run across America in 2010. Motivated by the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, he set out from Oceanside, CA, the next month to raise money for Living Water International, a charity which works to provide clean drinking water to the more than 880 million people around the world who live with out it.
Running across the U.S. is a difficult under any circumstances. Abe was only the 15th person to run across America solo and unsupported. Unlike some other cross country runs, which have been chronicled in books like Marshall Ulrich’s Running on Empty, in films like Running America, or on TV like Dean Karnazes’ Run Across America, Abe chooses to run by himself, without a support crew.
Pushing a Baby Jogger stroller containing his gear, Abe sets off from California and crosses the U.S., armed with little more than a cell phone and a GPS device. He is largely dependent on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. He is able to tap into a network of church groups to support his mission.
Abe’s story is one of discovery, as he experiences America at ground level and meets interesting characters along the way. In the end, he raises more than $90,000 for Living Water International and gets engaged to his girlfriend (now his wife) Kate. Abe followed up his run across America with a 145 day, 9,200 mile bike ride around the Continental U.S., which raised $26,000 for well projects in Ethiopia.
Running Water is Abe Clark’s first book and it contains a few confusing geographical references and some spelling and grammar mistakes, but it’s an enjoyable and inspiring read.
To read more about Abe Clark and his adventures, check out his website at abrahamlouis.com.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Running Water for review.
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