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RUNNXUSA has ENDED. I arrived at Colombus Circle on the edge of Central Park, New York City on Sunday morning 10th June 2007, completing the run on the 73rd day after covering approximately 3260 miles. I was met by my wife Rebecca, two oldest children, Steven and Rachel, father-in-law, Peter and aunt, Lynda. We enjoyed a few days sight seeing in the BIg Apple before returning home on Thursday 14th June.

I would like to thank my family for supporting the project, but especially Rebecca who worked incredibly hard looking after the children and home during my absence. My mum, Brenda, Peter and Lynda have all been fantastic and I would like also to extend thanks to my Aunt Myra, in California, Stuart and Steve for helping get the project off the ground, my brother, Paul who helped get me across Nevada and my great friend, Laurence with his surprise visit to Indiana but also for looking out for the family whilst I was away.

My work colleqgues at he VMD deserve special mention for covering during the 11 week vacation. I would also like to thank the many friends, collaegues and supporters for their generosity and donations to Thames hospicecare.

There are almost too many supporters and well wishers in the USA I would like to thank, but special mention to Alan Firth the Race Director of the 2002 and 2004 races who provided the route for much of the run, to Jacques Crazier from Spring City in Utah for devoting several days and many miles to the cause and to the people of Steamboat Springs in Coloradao for their reception and hospitaity. Finally I would like to pay respects to the American motorist who managed to avoid the jogger heading east on the highways of the USA. Not one accident to report (although I saw hundreds!)

IT'S COUNTDOWN TO NEW YORK WEEK!!

Martin is scheduled to finish on Monday 11th June, which is a week from time of writing.

Dear ALL I have finally passed half-way and enjoying the towns and countryside of Kansas (and thoughts are with the towns and people affected by the severe and tragic tornados and storms of the past week and in particular the town of Greensburg which has been completely destroyed).

I must thank all those individuals who have left messages and I have tried to reply to most of them. There are very encouraging and the support from the UK and elsewhere in the EU and from the USA has been absolutely fantastic. Can't give up now (but if there were a a magic button to Windsor?????.........)

UPDATE: 7th May: I would like to thank Bill and Dolly Boyson of Bird city (91 and 88 respectively) who put me up last night when i realised there were no motels.

UPDATE: I would like to say a big thankyou to so many people in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, who welcomed and assisted me in a variety of ways. To mention a few names, thanks to Mike, Gary and Andy who ran with me on Saturday (very best wishes to Andy, his wife and new babies). Sue and Kerry who kindly gave me a very welcome starbucks latte and sandwich, Steve and Bonnie... and others who were so enthusiastic in their supportand generous with supplies.

NOTE: if you have left a message for martin, check the message board for a reply

NOTE: reached the 1000 mile mark around day 23.

Day 25 and i will be in Vernal this evening, close to the border with Colorado. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to Jacques Ceziar of Spring city, Utah for such amazing support over the last few days. He made lots of investigations regarding my route and many deliveries of hot food and drink at critical times. I am truly indebted to him.

My family have been very supportive especially now that they have an opportunity to visit New York in June! And gratitude is also extended to relatives in California who have have helped get the project off the drawing board.

I plan to start running from Huntington Beach, Califrnia on the 31st March as originally planned, heading North towards Nevada. I am very grateful to many individuals who have provided support and advice during the planning phase.

Alan Firth, the Trans-America Race Director of the 2002 & 2004 races, Rune Larsson and Paul Staso (who completed his solo run in 2006 and is planning a crossing by bike in 2007) have been especially helpful. There are many other "journey runners" I would like to thank and the authors of so many fascinatiing books on the subject. These include , Randy Ellis, John Wallace III, and Nick Baldock.

STOP PRESS. Planned course route has been altered due to my unsuccessful application (I am getting good at these!) to the Californian Department of Transport for an encroachment permit onto Interstate 15 or 40, despite this route being used by many runners before. I have now abandoned the route in favour of a more Northerly route following Highway 6.

Donald and Martin Ilott May 2002

"LEJOG," a run from Land's End to John O'Groats, was completed on 31st May 2002. Dad was the support crew, physio and financier for the project and the key to the successful outcome of the run. On May 20th 2003, exactly a year after LeJog, dad died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. The Run Across America is dedicated to his memory. A fun-loving and popular figure where ever he travelled, dad loved the USA, especially his morning runs around Central Park and the NY Marathon. After the experience gained with Lejog, he had promised to support a trans-USA run when the time was right. Regrettably, the time was never right for him, but I will do my very best to reach the Big Apple.