Man Running Across America In Support Of Veterans

A Minnesota man running across America made it to Oklahoma City on Sunday. His goal: To raise awareness for Veteran's issues.

Steve Knowlton is no stranger to long distances. He's completed 47 marathons and mastered one at 13 years old, in the famous Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN, where he was the youngest runner to finish the race.

Step by step, Knowlton braces the dangers of running along the turnpike, survives the sweltering heat, and keeps on pushing.

"It's a long day on the road for 40 miles,” Knowlton said while running on the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

It's mileage for a mission to make it 3,414 miles from California to our Nation's Capital. Knowlton started his journey with two friends in Oceanside, Calif. on July 5.

"I made it through the hardest part, the desert," he said.

But after one friend suffered an injury and another had a seizure, Steve had to make it alone through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and now, Oklahoma. He is running while pushing a stroller filled with water and a cell phone charger.

"Pretty self-sufficient, but it does help to get phone calls and support along the way."

An old pro, Knowlton has run across the country twice to bring awareness to different illnesses. His last run was for Asperger Syndrome, and his first was for Crohn's Disease, which he currently suffers from, but doesn't let that stop him.

"I keep a few snacks on me, but it'd be nice to have a sandwich," Knowlton said.

At the chance to do a run in support of veterans' causes, Steve jumped on board for yet another cross-country trip.

"What better cause than to run for our vets, it's kind of like they go overseas serve our country, risk their lives, then come back here, and they're forgotten about, they're just kind of dusted under the rug, so it's time we do something to help them," Knowlton said.

Sunday was Knowlton's 49th birthday. He stays in various motels along the way and will continue running to the East Coast.

Knowlton plans to reach the Nation's Capital by Sept. 28, making his trip 88 days. He hopes to meet with President Barack Obama to talk about veterans battling physical and mental health issues.

You can follow his journey here.