In Running America, Jamie McDonald tells the story of his 5,500 mile fundraising dash through no less than 22 US states in an attempt to smash one of the world’s toughest records. Running solo, unsupported, and at times barefoot, Jamie also happens to be dressed as a superhero and pushing a trolley called Caesar. Oh, and then there’s the blistering 50 degree deserts, mountain lions and snakes.. It all sounds a bit much for someone whose mother was once told her son could end up in a wheelchair, because aged seven Jamie was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition called syringomyelia. He also suffered epilepsy and weak immune deficiency. It’s difficult to envision that poorly little boy growing into ‘Adventureman’ and powering his way across America, but there is something both innocent and brave about Jamie’s storytelling that lets you know the kid is still in there and he will never give up. Running America is an incredible journey that will melt hearts.
In 2018, Jamie McDonald embarked on his greatest adventure yet: running 5,500 miles (the equivalent of 210 marathons), solo and unsupported, coast to coast across America. An impressive feat for anyone, let alone someone who was told as a poorly child that they might never walk again.Running through 22 states, Jamie battled 50-degree heat in desolate deserts, dodged rattlesnakes and mountain lions, had several near-death encounters and suffered an injury that left him no choice but to run 300 miles barefoot. Oh, and he did it all dressed in his superhero suit as his alter ego, Adventureman, to raise funds for sick children.Though his journey was mentally and physically exhausting, America gave him the surprise of a lifetime, and the heart-warming kindness and generosity he encountered along the way gave him that glimmer of hope he needed to persevere against all odds. And as if that wasn't enough, Jamie then took on one of his most demanding challenges to date - one which would require him to dig deep to find the secret of resilience, as he attempted to smash one of the toughest records on the planet.
