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RUNNERS REACH HALF-WAY POINT IN RUN ACROSS NATION

GOTHENBURG, NE (May 14, 2003) – Long-distance runners and forever thankful freeloaders Scott Sehon and Dave Bronfenbrenner today passed the half-way mark on their east-to-west epic run across America.

The two young harriers, who have logged more than 1,600 miles in 81 days since dipping their feet in the chilly Atlantic near Sea Bright, NJ, in late February, expect to complete their ambitious 3,200-mile journey in early August when they reach the hopefully warmer Pacific waters near Florence, OR.

“So far, so good – so very, very good,” said Scott, 25, formerly of Wayne, PA, when interviewed earlier today. “The trip has far exceeded our expectations. We remain fit, energetic and are continually amazed by, and grateful for, the kindness and generosity of the American people.”

The idea for the unique journey was born in 1997 at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, while friends Scott and Dave were undergraduate teammates on the varsity cross-country and track teams. After having completed a 17-day, 8,400-mile road trip in an SUV to the Grand Canyon and other points west, they began to discuss the feasibility of an unaided, coast-to-coast run across the country.

Upon graduating from college in 2000, both went to work, Scott as an underwriter with General Cologne Reinsurance and Dave as a production manager for Dial soap. Last November, with student loans paid and other obligations met, they decided to undertake the journey “for the adventure and freedom.” After a month of 100-mile training weeks and successfully competing in the Las Vegas, NV, marathon (which Dave won and Scott finished fifth in a field of approximately 4,500), they quit their day jobs in mid-February.

While others have completed a nationwide run with coordinated assistance (places to sleep, staffed aid vehicle), Scott and Dave’s trip is challenging in that they consciously decided to travel totally without planned support. Each night they count on caring strangers, supportive members of the distance-racing fraternity and acquaintances of friends and relatives to provide them with free lodging and showers.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” Dave, 24, formerly of Allentown, PA, said. “We have learned a lot about the innate goodness of human nature – and the physical limitations of our bodies. We have made life-long friends with people with whom we’ve only spent a matter of hours.

“Our biggest hurdles? The all-too-often unpredictable weather, roads without paved shoulders and overly inquisitive cops,” he replied.

To date the runners, averaging about 20 miles a day, have traversed the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, a bit of Iowa, and Missouri. Currently in central Nebraska, their route will eventually take them through Wyoming and Idaho, before concluding on the Oregon coast.

Upon completion of their “dream of a lifetime” run, Dave will enroll in graduate school at The University of California at Berkley. Scott’s plans are less certain. “Being homeless, I plan to crash for a few weeks at my parents’ house in Winston-Salem, NC, and weigh my options. Can’t say what really lies ahead,” Scott replied.

The running friends plan to reunite in the spring of 2004 when they hope to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials in the comparatively short 26.5-mile marathon.

“A piece of cake,” Dave remarked with a smile.

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(Those wishing to contact Scott or Dave or seeking more information about their “homeless” route should visit the website www.runtheusa.com.)