For some, running 1 mile is something to dread. But running 1,500 miles? Out of the question. Stuart Repon-Ness, an United Kingdom native, is running from San Diego to Seattle, Wash.—including along Highway 101 between Solvang and Orcutt on April 27—in order to raise money and awareness for a handful of charities.
Repon-Ness is a British Armed Forces veteran who has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism. He found a passion for long-distance running and decided to raise awareness of PTSD by trekking up the West Coast.
“I wanted to raise hope and awareness and try to get rid of the stigma that’s attached to PTSD,” Repon-Ness said. “If I ran around the U.K. or ran marathons there, people wouldn’t pay attention, so I wanted to do something really big. Running the West Coast of America is pretty big.”
He will donate the money he raises to three different charities: two U.K. organizations—Combat Stress and Claire House Children’s Hospice—and a U.S. nonprofit called Homes For Our Troops. Repon-Ness relied on Combat Stress to aid him in his recovery from PTSD, he said.
Repon-Ness uses a three-wheeled stroller to carry necessities such as a tent, sleeping bag, clothes, and food. The “trolley” also has a solar panel on the top of it, which he uses to charge his phone.
“It’s super light, and it’s got everything I need in there. I’ve put stickers all over it so people get curious and ask what I’m doing,” he said. “Then I’ll use that as an excuse to tell them why I’m going on this journey.”
Running approximately a marathon per day, Repon-Ness credits his vegan diet for some of his success. His recovery times have shortened, his strength has improved, and he’s had no problem finding places to eat here on the West Coast, he said.
Repon-Ness has primarily relied on online communities such as CouchSurfing in addition to word-of-mouth recommendations on where to stay, and everyone he’s met has been very receptive to his goals, he said. However, just because he’s in sufficient physical shape doesn’t mean there aren’t any challenges.
“Mentally, my biggest challenge has been missing my wife and kids,” Repon-Ness said. “But physically, the heat has been a major factor. I’ve struggled with the heat, especially near Los Angeles. I’ve blistered really badly from the sun.”
While he doesn’t keep track of the miles remaining for the journey, he actively updates social media on his progress. To check out Repon-Ness’ daily posts, visit his website at stusrunning.com.
This article appears in May 11-18, 2017.