WASHINGTON, June 22 /Standard Newswire/ -- Abe Clark was concerned about the world water crisis. He wanted to take action, but at twenty-four he didn't have a lot of experience with world crises. He was a gifted runner, though, so one February day in Oceanside, California Abe Clark decided to grab Ruby and run. One foot in the Pacific Ocean, the two set out on a 2,860 mile run across America to help some of the world's 883 million people who lack access to safe drinking water.
The effort is mostly Abe's. Ruby is the name he has given to his red jogging stroller. The two will be passing through the DC metro area this week, and if they reach their Atlantic City goal, Clark will become only the 15th person ever to accomplish the coast-to-coast run unsupported (with no support vehicle and no crew, just Ruby, loaded with 80 pounds of supplies).
Clark has run nearly a marathon a day on his journey. He stops along the way to speak to youth groups, churches, radio stations, and reporters. "What I'm doing is symbolic of the small steps we all have to take in order to tackle something even more daunting than a 2,860-mile run: the global water crisis."
You can join Abe at 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 24 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for two a mile jog concluding at the Capitol Building, where the press and community are invited to connect with the road-warrior. If you're not a runner, consider coming out to cheer him on, or check out his "buy a mile" race across America online at www.water.cc/running.
Clark's efforts have raised more than $78,000 for clean water projects, putting him well on his way to his $100,000 goal. Proceeds will help Living Water International drill safe drinking-water wells in 26 countries around the world. To learn more about Abe's run or Living Water's work visit www.water.cc, or invite Abe to speak to your church, club, or running group.
Abe Clark's style is remarkably low-key for such a high-performing athlete. His style is mellow and infections, but what you'll really love about this young visionary is his conviction that he and Ruby can change the world. Jog a couple miles with them next Thursday, and you too might be convinced that a stroller and some passion can make the world a better place.