Bob
Alessio, a 57-year-old retired Boston computer executive, says he is running
across the United States to unite all the sites of the September 11th
terrorist attack on America. He wants to make this run the longest continuous
and first patriotic run across the country. The distance from Los Angeles
to Boston covers 5,450 miles, and Alessio has completed 20 percent of
his goal to date. Letters from the runner (updates) are frequently added
to the end of this story.
ELY,
Nevada (RNTN) - While on a run across the country that began April 23
in Los Angeles and is set to end next March 14 in Boston on the Freedom
Trail, Bob Alessio e-mails regular, weekly reports to his friends and
family via the Internet. For Alessio, the run represents a personal
challenge that has turned into a unique patriotic endeavor.
But
something else is happening for the 57-year-old Boston resident as well;
Alessio, a retired computer marketing executive, says he is making loads
of new friends just about wherever he goes, and is picking up more information
than he had ever expected about history and regional issues.
"It's
enough to write a book,he said. "My Palm Pilot is full of each
day's experiences, who I've met, what I've seen, and just about everything
that has happened along the way."
This
past night in the historical mining town of Ely, Alessio's newest acquaintances
were entertained in the county park as the runner shared some traditional
fiddle tunes under the stars. "Be sure to include us on your e-mail
list," several listeners requested.
The
week before, on June 16 during Gridley Days in tiny Austin, Nevada,
Alessio said he'd also shared his fiddling with more new friends, this
time playing with the house band at the historical International Hotel.
The next morning, he competed in and won Austin's annual flour sack
race.
Afterwards,
locals told the Boston visitor the original race was run between two
political candidates in the early 1860s on a bet with the loser having
to carry the 50-lb sack of flour on a run through town. The sack of
flour was then auctioned off among mining towns as a fund-raiser for
the newly created Sanitation Corps that eventually became the American
Red Cross, according to historical reports by Mark Twain, then a reporter
and feature writer for the Virginia City newspaper.
In
still other small towns along way, Alessio said he's found sharing fiddle
tunes a relaxing way to end the day and a friendly way to meet new people.
"I could not have envisioned the depth of my connection with American
history when my plans first evolved," Alessio said. "I've
met and talked with Native American Indians, ranchers, townspeople,
local historians, and characters I would not have met any other way.
I'm truly getting a thumbnail sense of Americana, its roots and issues."
It
was on September 6, 2001 that Alessio says he first thought of running
across America as a "personal athletic challenge".
"My
original Transamerica plan was to run the shortest route between San
Francisco and Boston, approximately 3,250 miles. I'd chosen this route
because I've always liked San Franciso and the Bay Area, and Boston
is my home," Alessio said.
But
five days later, after the September 11 terrorist attack on America,
the Boston man's plans took a turn. "September 11 changed my life.
I know I am not alone in the deep feelings of patriotism expanded my
objectives and plans." It was only then Alessio said he decided
to alter his route to unite all the sites involved in domestic terrorist
attacks including the Los Angeles Airport, San Francisco Airport, Oklahoma
City, Shanksville, Dulles Airport, Washington DC, Newark Airport, New
York City and the Boston Logan Airport.
Tuesday,
the morning after stopping for a one-day break in Ely, located about
250 miles east of Reno in eastern Nevada's high desert country, Alessio
said he had just completed 1,063 miles on his unique 5,450 mile journey,
as he took a break to talk about the trip for the first time in detail.
"When
I'm running along carrying my American flag, people are asking me what
I'm doing. They stop me on the small streets and highways, and even
knock on the camper door," Alessio said. His one-person support
team drives ahead in an RV to each planned destination. Rendezous points
and estimated times of arrival keep Alessio in contact with his daughter
Sheryl's friend, Ray Napoli of Fitchburg, Mass.
"There's
lots of interest in this run and I'm enjoying the opportunity to meet
people and explain my mission in my "Run Across American-For Enduring
Freedom" (RAA-FEF)," Alessio said.
Alessio
said he is dedicating the run to the victims and families of the terrorist
attack, the emergency response organizations including firefighters,
police and EMTs, disaster relief organizations such as the American
Red Cross and Salvation Army, and to express support of the US Armed
Services.
Keeping
focus on the importance of freedom, homeland security, pride in the
American Flag and the liberties it represents is Alessio's primary goal,
"so that we forever remember the sacrifices others have made to
preserve liberty and freedom, and never again take the fundamental values
of America for granted."
Once
a high school and then collegiate athlete, Alessio, who has run the
Boston Marathon twice and several other major running events, appeared
confident while talking about the run.
"I
plan to run to all of the service academies: the USAFA in Colorado Springs,
USNA in Annapolis, Marine Officer Training Center in Quantico, Merchant
Marine Academy in Kings Point, USMA in West Point, and the Coast Guard
Academy in New London," Alessio said.
So
far, Alessio has run to and through a variety of "Americana"
geographic and historic landmarks for example, Big Sur, portions of
the historic Lincoln Highway and Highway 40;(the first transcontinental
highways in America), the California "Gold Country", Donner
Park and Memorial at Donner Pass, U.S. Highway 50 in Nevada; The Loneliest
Highway in America; including Fallon where the U.S. Navy and Air Force
train their "Top Gun" pilots.
Also
the historic mining towns of Austin, Eureka and Ely, "where you
can still see portions of the Overland Stage and Pony Express trails
along the right of way of the first Transcontinuental Railway, and where
today the fiber optic cable is being laid.
The
runner said he is on schedule, even ahead of his plans, giving him time
to send out his weekly e-mail report:
"Hi
friends and family. I'm now in Ely, Nevada, a beautiful historic mining
town surrounded (all 360 degrees) by mountains. Every day is a new and
exciting adventure including the beautiful geography, meeting wonderful
people, and getting enthusiastic support from motorists, highway patrol,
firemen and townspeople.
"I'm
averaging 20+ miles per day (with a high of 25.1 miles from Davis to
West Sacramento, Ca). I've covered 1,064 miles to-date (20% of the planned
5450 miles), and am feeling great...no reoccurrences of the early achilles
tendonitis, and the toe blister healed!!
"I
depart tomorrow morning for Delta, UT (154 miles = 7 days@22 miles/day).
I'll continue through the same "range and basin" terrain that
I've experienced all across Nevada (mountain ranges followed by basins
(valleys that absorb and dry up all the water from the ranges). I'll
go through Connor's Pass (6900') as I pass through the highest mountains
in Nevada including Wheeler Peak at 13,063'. I've been at or above 6,000'
(including the valleys) for the last three weeks. This should continue
through Utah, and then get into 10,000' terrain when I reach the Rockies
in Colorado...great training for my planned Pikes Peak Marathon (14,400')
on August 18.
Still
coming up for Alessio: the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado
Springs, Santa Fe Trail, Bill Monroe's boyhood home in Rosine, KY, the
assassination sites of three freedom heroes, RFK, JFK and MLK, Jr. in
L.A., Dallas and Memphis, the Stephen Foster Memorial in Pittsburgh,
Gettysburg, Valley Forge, Concord Old North Bridge, Lexington Green,
Old North Church, and numerous National monuments and memorials.
"My
RAA-FEF Plan now covers 5,450 miles in 288 running days over a 324-day
period. I plan to visit military bases, firehouses and police stations
along the way to express my support and appreciation for the many Americans
involved in protecting our homeland and freedom. I am offering to give
presentations to high schools, athletic clubs, Boy and Girl Scout Troops,
community organizations, colleges and universities, along the way.
"Since
my RAA-FEF is an expression of patriotism, I am carrying an American
Flag and wearing shirts, jackets and caps with symbols of patriotism
including 'Old Glory,' armed services, service academies and the New
England Patriots logos.
Here
are Alessio's RAA-FEF Timeline and Upcoming Sites:
Monday
April 22, fly to L.A., start the Run on Tuesday April 23 from Playa
Del Ray (on the beach south of Marina Del Ray).
The
Run will go through 25 states and finish in Boston in March 2003. "To
my knowledge and research, this RAA-FEF will be the longest continuous
and the first patriotic run across America."
Run
20 to 25 miles each day with a day off every 2-3 weeks. "If I am
feeling strong after the first four months, I will run the Pikes Peak
Marathon on August 18, 2002 while running through the Colorado Springs
area."
"Cities
and towns that I either have run through or are coming up include Los
Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco,
Napa, Davis, Sacramento, Donner Pass, around Lake Tahoe to Carson City,NV,
through Utah, Aspen, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Raton Pass, Cimmaron,NM,
Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Shreveport, Memphis, Nashville, Bowling
Green, Rosine,KY, Louisville, Fort Knox, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus.
Also
Wheeling, Washington,PA, Pittsburgh, Shanksville, Gettysburg, Washington
DC, Quantico, Annapolis, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Valley
Forge, Newark, New York, Kings Point, West Point, Yorktown, Bridgeport,
New Haven, New London, Hopkinton, Stow, Concord and Lexington (along
Battle Road), Cambridge, Boston (along the Boston Freedom Trail) and
finish at the Paul Revere memorial and Columbus Park in Boston's North
End.
While
the big towns are actually listed in Alessio's plans, it is the small
towns like Napa and Auburn, California, Austin, Eureka and Ely, Nevada
"that have given me some new perspective on history and rural America.
I could actually see the old trails and highways while running Nevada's
Range and Basin terrain. These are new experiences that allow me to
see America up close and personal."
During
my RAA-FEF, Alessio says he will participate in the following "Distance
Running Big Three" (his terminology):
1.
"The Boston Marathon" April 15, 2002 -- The largest media-covered
single day sporting event in the world;
2. The San Francisco "Bay-to-Breakers Race" (7.6 miles) May
19, 2002 -- The largest participation sporting event in the world ~85,000
runners;
3. The Pikes Peak Marathon¡ August 18, 2002 -- "America's
Ultimate Challenge".
"At
the conclusion of the Run (planned for mid-March, 2003), Massachusetts
State Senator Richard Moore has offered to host a reception at the State
House in Boston. "I plan to run the Boston Marathon again on April
21, 2003."
Here
is Alessio's personal background:
57
years old, born and raised in New Kensington, PA. Graduate of Washington
and Jefferson College (AB Physics). Reside in Stow, MA a western suburb
of Boston near Concord and Lexington, MA. Married and proud father of
a son (deceased), three daughters, and grandfather of four grandchildren.
Retired
from Compaq Computer Corp. April 2001 after 29 years as a sales and
marketing executive with Digital Equipment Corp. and Compaq. Previously
employed by Gulf Research and Development Corp. in Pittsburgh, PA (5
years) where I was a Senior Research Engineer and earned a U.S. Patent.
Volunteer
Fireman for three years (1967-1969 evenings and weekends) at Engine
Company No.2 in Arnold, PA. Fought a fire in which two young children
lost their lives. Worked with and developed a deep appreciation for
emergency response personnel who daily support the public. Giving recognition
to their commitment and dedication is one of the goals of this Run.
Lifelong
athlete, including high school track, high school and college football,
industrial and city league basketball and softball, recreational tennis,
snow and water skiing, long distance cycling including a 100-mile ¡°century
ride¡±. Coached in the Assabet Valley Little League Baseball
Program (Stow and Maynard, MA) for three years.
Always
enjoyed the outdoors including hiking, camping and mountain climbing
(including Mount Washington several times and Mount Fuji). Eagle Scout,
member of the Order-of-the-Arrow and Counselor at a Boy Scout Camp in
Pennsylvania during my high school summer vacations (13 weeks per summer
for three summers). Scoutmaster in New Kensington, PA for three years
and Stow, MA for three years.
Started
long distance running in 1975 during the Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers
running boom; ran 4 marathons in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York in
1978-80, the Boston Marathon in 1993, the Bay State Marathon October,
2001, the Sheraton Hyannis Marathon February 24, 2002 and the Boston
Marathon again April 15, 2002.
In
addition to athletics, I have been an amateur musician since high school.
I Play fiddle, guitar and mandolin in bands including "Roaring
Jelly" Contra Dance Band, and "The Heritage String Band"
which focuses on Americana music from the mid-1800s including Civil
War era and Stephen Foster songs. Previously played in Folk, Country
and Bluegrass Bands.
Support:
"In
addition to the support of my extended family and friends, I am fortunate
to have the day-to-day support of a friend of our middle daughter, Sheryl.
Ray Napoli of Fitchburg, MA drove my RV across the USA during the week
of April 15, and met me in LA when I arrived on April 22. Ray is helping
with daily route planning, driving the RV ahead to our next rendezvous
point, and running the last 3-4 miles with me. Ray is also an amateur
musician and songwriter, and we are able to spend a few hours a week
'pickin' and grinnin'.
Sponsors:
"Coca-Cola
is providing the fluids I need to assure proper hydration, quick energy
recovery and electrolyte balance. I will be using Coca-Cola's "Powerade
Liquid Hydration and Energy Drink" and "Dassani Bottled Water"
products. In addition to being formulated for excellent energy recovery,
Powerade has exceptional taste that makes it easy and refreshing to
drink the high quantity of sports drink I will need to maintain adequate
hydration.
"Slim-Fast
is complementing my meals with their "Meal On-The-Go" Bars
and the "Slim-Fast Liquid and Powder" products. Per my personal
analysis and discussions with sports nutritionists, Slim-Fast products
have the ideal ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fat, plus vitamins
and nutrients needed for long distance and endurance runners."
Charitable
Contributions:
Marge
and I decided to have contributions generated by the Run go to "The
Brain Center" in New Seabury (Cape Cod), MA. The Brain Center was
founded by Dick and Eleanor Grace in 1976 to bring science about the
brain and its diseases to the public; be an information center for distressed
families about diseases and head trauma that have struck their loved
ones; provide research and education in neurological and psychiatric
diseases.
Contributions
can be sent to:
The Brain Center
Promontory Point
New Seabury, MA 02649
For
additional information about the Brain Center,
please call 508-477-5300, Fax 508-477-1616, or send mail to mfgdir@tiac.net.
Public
Relations:
On 4/13/02 Bianca de la Garza of Fox News Network (Channel 25 in Boston)
produced a four- minute story about my RAA-FEF including Run objectives,
route, preparation, etc. Fox aired this story in Boston and many cities
in the U.S. and is planning to cover the Run via local Fox affiliate
film crews across the USA. Fox is also considering placing periodic
Run updates on their website www.fox.com. Approval and announcement
re: website updates is expected in 7-10 days.
On
5/19/02 I met with Willie Brown, Mayor of San Francisco, prior to the
start of the Bay-to-Breakers Race. Also, on that day I was interviewed
by Jennifer Jolly, reporter for Oakland, CA-based Fox Network News and
by NBC News-San Francisco. Both interviews aired on San Francisco TV
on their Sunday evening news programs.
On
6/5/02 I met with representatives of the Governor of Nevada, Kenny Guinn,
at the State Capitol in Carson City.
Various
local newspapers including The Napa Valley Register,The Nevada Appeal,
and the Fallon Naval Air Station Newspaper, have covered portions of
the Run. Also the Nevada Rural Tourism News Bureau.
Bob
Alessio Contact Information:
Home: 31 Robert Road Stow, MA 01775
Cell Phone (primary phone): 978-808-5494
Home Phone: 978-897-1992
e-mail: AlessioBob@aol.com (only weekly access to e-mail after April
20, 2002)
For
Additional Information, Please Contact:
Susan
Klopfer
Nevada Outback
http://nevadaoutback.com
775-289-6036
sklopfer@nevadaoutback.com
