Claremore Daily Progress

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May 8, 2008

Freedom runner does it for others

By TOM FINK

The skies over Claremore were dark on Wednesday, but not quiet.

Frequently, storm clouds rumbled, and more frequently, they released their payload of precipitation on the streets and fields below.

For retired Marine Thomas Knoll, it was a perfect day for a run, or at least, one that would have to do.

As a man running 3,300 miles, he takes each day as it comes.

“Overall, it’s been a good run, so far,” said the 75-year-old Knoll. “I think we’re making good time.”

Knoll and his son, Warren, were in Claremore yesterday, marking another stop on their “U.S. Freedom Run Across America,” choosing to run Historic Route 66 because of its scenery and wide shoulders.

“Route 66 is a fairly safe route for us,” Knoll said. “We’ve run on some roads with barely four inches off the shoulder, and that doesn’t leave us much room to spare when there’s a car coming.”

Knoll’s run began in San Diego, Calif. and will take him to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C., as he collects pledges for charities, every step of the way.

“We’re raising money for three charities — the Wounded Warriors, the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Make a Wish Foundation — as we go,” Knoll said. “It’s always exciting to get out and do something positive for someone else.”

Knoll’s military career began in 1950, when he entered the Marines, during the Korean war, continuing to serve through Vietnam and beyond, retiring in 1983.

Shortly thereafter, he went to work in government intelligence, visiting Afghanistan and Iraq after 9-11.

“I’ll probably wind up going back there soon,” Knoll said, matter-of-factly, “but not before I finish this run, that is.”

Knoll is a veteran not only of the military, but of numerous other runs, including the Jerry Lewis MDA 300-mile run, and he was one of the original 12 “Ironmen” in the 1978 Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon.

Although he injured himself on his first day of the current Freedom Run — tripping and requiring 25 stitches near his left eye — he said it’s been a good run, averaging 30 miles a day.

“I’m 75 years old, healthier than a horse, and living a great life,” he said. “I wasn’t going to let something like that slow me down.”

To follow Knoll’s progress or make a donation, visit www.claremoreprogress.com and click on the link to the usfreedomrun Web site.



By TOM FINK

Staff Writer

maned@swbell.net

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