New Zealand ultramarathoner set to run across the U.S.

Perry Newburn will attempt a new world record for running across the US, from New York to Los Angeles, in the shortest time.

Newburn plans to begin his approximately 3,100-mile run at the New York City Hall on September 1, 2014. He will celebrate his 60th birthday during the record attempt. The current World Record is held by Frank Giannino, Jr., who crossed the US in 1980 in 46 days, eight hours and 36 minutes. Newburn expects to average over 60 miles a day, propelling him across the country in just 46 days.

No stranger to grueling runs, he circumnavigated New Zealand, a distance of nearly 3,100 miles, in 70 days, last year.

"After running around New Zealand, there wasn't anything left of that magnitude here," said Newburn. "But I followed Dean Karnazes when he ran across the US and read Marshall Ulrich's book of his record-breaking run, so this has been a dream of mine for a few years."

The record attempt will raise funds for Koru Care, a charity for children in New Zealand, and for the Little Heroes Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the mental and physical well being of children throughout the world, as part of an on-going partnership with the Moon Joggers.

Scattered around the world in more than 40 countries, Moon Joggers in the U.S. will join Newburn on legs of his journey to cheer him on and offer running support.

"I have 3,400 running buddies," said Newburn. "I'm guessing not many people can say that, but it's one of the perks of being a Moon Jogger. There's always someone who's there to root for you. I'm thrilled to be able to meet some of them in person and honored that they will be taking this journey 
with me."

Members of the public, running groups and sponsors are also encouraged to join Newburn on his run for as many miles as they feel comfortable pursuing. A map of Newburn's route and estimated dates of arrival for route landmarks will be posted on the Moon Joggers' website.