75 Year-old Retired Marine Running Across America

Tom Knoll
Photo by Jay Thompson

(posted June 1)

"You are never too old to serve your country" explains why 75-year-old retired Marine Tom Knoll is running across 3,300 miles of America to raise money for charity.

Knoll and his son Warren started in San Diego March 1 and plan to end their adventure July 4 in Washington D.C at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Knoll's goal to raise $1 million for three charities. Part of the journey included Speedway. The Knolls were escorted in on their 12 mile run to the American Legion Post 500 from Avon by legion riders on May 30.
One of his old military friends who served with Knoll in counter-intelligence, Dave White, came from Valparaiso to run two miles with Knoll into Speedway.

The Knoll men have been running 25 miles to 30 miles a day with Tom averaging a 12 minute per mile pace while his son is pushing ahead at seven minute per mile. Knoll said he has started on his second pair of running shoes. Their daily progress can be tracked at USFreedomRun.com

Knoll admitted he is doubtful of hitting the million dollar goal. He blamed the economy and high gas prices as contributing factors to hindering their efforts. He also indicated that short-term planning has failed to get media attention resulting in reduced contributions. The event coverage in the national magazines will not be published until after the run, lessening the chances to raise money for Wounded Warriors, the Sunshine Foundation, and The Challenged Athletes Foundation.

The adventure across America is more than just running and raising money. "It is about touching people lives," he said. The running itinerary includes stopping for speaking engagements for the President's Council on Physical Fitness. Knoll's speeches are to encourage children to exercise 30 minutes a day to curtail childhood obesity.

Knoll's second edition book, "Why Not a Million", talks about his charity runs. His first run across the country was in 1983.

Knoll may have a new chapter to add to his book because on the first day of the run, Knoll fell and hit his head, requiring 25 stitches to close, and caused a cataract to form over his eye. Knoll is now blind in that eye, making hurdling curbs a little more complicated. Knoll said he will wait until after the run to have his eye surgery because he does not want to be diverted from completing his goal. It is his responsibility to the charity that keeps him motivated to run everyday. However, he made it clear that this is final run across America.

Fitness has always been part of Knoll's lifestyle. He is one of the 12 original Iron Men to complete the first ever Iron Man triathlon in Hawaii in 1978. Out of the 15 race entrants, only 12 finished. He reflected how people initially reacted to the sport as a crazy thing to do, but the mindset has changed over time. It has now grown into a multi-million dollar business and is an Olympic sport.

He is stopping to visit veterans at VA hospitals along the way. He also discussed his experience with the youth running along his side in Amarillo, Texas and Show Low, Arizona.

He wanted to stress that the youth are focused and he has met "the cream of the crop." The Young Marines came out to run with him in Texas. He told how an eleven year-old ran 11 miles with Knoll and told him that he was going to the Naval Academy. "These are very young kids that have their heads on straight and know where they are going."

Knoll began serving his country in 1950 when he was called to serve in Korea at the age of 17. He service continued during the Cuban Blockade and Vietnam until 1983. However, Knoll's service did not end then. He returned later to work for the government in intelligence until 1996. When 9/11struck, Knoll answered the President's call looking for people who had human intelligence experience. At the age of 71, he found himself heading to Afghanistan and Iraq to defend our country.