UAE professor set to begin epic run across the US – Culture & Society

A professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is set to begin an epic 5,400km run across the United States.

Dr Nicholas Ashill, Professor of Marketing, is tackling the three-month journey to inspire people to dream big and to help families suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, state news agency WAM reported.

The New Zealander, who is the Chalhoub Chair of Luxury Brand Management at the School of Business Administration at AUS, will set off at 6am on May 14 from Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles and conclude his run 110 days later in New York.

The first 3,000km of his journey will see him run along the iconic Route 66. Once he reaches St Louis, Missouri, he will continue along other roads all the way to New York, WAM added.

The seasoned runner planned the challenge after mother’s death two years ago from pulmonary fibrosis.

“A key objective of my run across America is to raise money to support families who are affected by the disease. So many people need practical, emotional and financial support and I desperately want to help with this,” he was quoted as saying.

“My family received so much love and emotional support during the last two years of my mum’s life and I want to give back,” he said.

Ashill plans to raise funds for scientific research as well as to provide oxygen bottles and support to individuals directly affected by the disease and their families.

His plan is to run 50km per day, seven days a week. His support team, which includes his eldest daughter and his father-in-law, will be following him in a vehicle.