Boston Runner laps Through Rural Nevada: Follows History's Footsteps in Creating 'Freedom Trail' Honoring 9/11 Heroes
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 02649For 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)