Minnesota Man Planning to Run Across America the 'Long Way'

Steve Knowlton isn't your typical marathon runner, although he ran and completed his first marathon at the ripe old age of 13, and has 43 marathons and two ultra-marathons of more than 50 miles under his belt. Knowlton was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in his senior year of high school. The track and cross country runner from Prior Lake High School saw his weight drop from 180 lbs. to 132 lbs. During a 2 week stay in the hospital, his doctors removed eight feet of his intestine. "It was pretty devastating at the time, and I thought maybe I was going to die", Knowlton said. Since that major surgery he has had numerous bouts with the disease, but has managed to overcome them without more surgery.

On Aug.1st, 2010, the 44 year old self employed carpenter with Crohn's disease is about to take on a new challenge. Steve Knowlton plans to run the entire length of the country-the long way: Seattle, Washington to Key Largo, Florida to help raise money and awareness to fight Crohn's disease and Colitis. He plans to run the distance alone, pushing a small cart filled with a tent and provisions. His goal for the approximately 4000 mile run consists of covering about 40 miles a day or more, which is roughly the equivalent of a marathon-and- a-half everyday for 3 months.

Knowlton is seeking sponsors for his "Run or the Cure" across America challenge to raise money and awareness to help fight this devastating disease. He is also raising money for Teen Challenge, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. If you wish to make a contribution for this monumental challenge that many Americans are facing, check out this foundation. You can also go to Kare 11 News.com for more information on Steve Knowlton's 'the long way' across America trip.

Steve Knowlton says he doesn't think too much about his running. "It's just second nature", he says. He says he knows he can accomplish this trip as long as he doesn't get injured. He got his inspiration for running from his dad who also started running marathons at the age of 12. I guess you could say "running" runs in this family.

Keep Steve Knowlton in your prayers as he faces this next challenge in his life and any donations for this cause would be greatly appreciated.

Sources: KARE11.com
msnbc.msn.com''the long way' across America
Teen Challenge, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America