AwareNow: Issue 18: The Outside Edition

Page 23

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SHAN RIGGS

ON THE RUN

TAKING ON COVID & HUNGER IN STRIDE There are some who like a good challenge, and then there are some who LOVE a good challenge. The latter describes Shan Riggs who fulfilled his lifelong dream of running across the country. Running from California to Connecticut, he logged 3,255 miles (which is the equivalent of 124 marathons), getting in more steps than some take in their lifetime. In addition to the racking up miles, he raked in funds. Shan raised over $45,000 for Foodshare that secures food for the food insecure.

Allié: While some run from others, you run for others. Please share the story of your decision to run across the country and how you used that to support others in need.

Shan: I have been working and volunteering with Foodshare since 2019. When the pandemic hit, food insecurity skyrocketed, and they really need as much awareness and money raised as possible. I had done some other expedition style runs before and knew it could be a way to do my part during the pandemic.

Allié: You started in San Francisco. You ended in Hammonasset Beach, Connecticut. You literally ran from sea to shining sea. What was the most beautiful place that you saw?

Shan: It’s really hard to choose but I loved running through the deserts in Nevada and Utah. It can get extremely remote, there were times where the next gas station was over 160 miles away, let alone a town. Those places are beautiful at night because you can finally see the stars of the Milky Way.

ON THE RUN

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SHAN RIGGS

23 AWARENOW / THE OUTSIDE EDITION

www.IamAwareNow.com


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