Running Europe

The Mission

On May 8th, 2025, I’ll step outside our new home in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, touch the Atlantic Ocean, and begin a ~3,000-mile run across Europe. The route spans 13 countries and ends in Istanbul—the symbolic gateway to Asia.

Unlike the long, remote stretches of the U.S., Europe’s historic caminos have guided pilgrims for centuries. These routes offer more than just a physical path—they provide community, culture, and infrastructure that support food, lodging, and connection. That’s the spirit I’m chasing: movement, yes—but also meaning.

Christina, my partner in many previous adventures, will be supporting the run in person. Monica, will be supporting virtually and in spirit.

This journey is also for the dogs who have run beside me.

In 2011, I rescued Tux, a black lab mutt, who ran thousands of miles at my side—including days of 50 miles—until his passing in 2023. In 2018, a stray mountain dog in Brazil named Lucky rescued me. He came home to Florida and together we ran across the United States—over 2,000 miles—before his passing in 2021.

Tux was the dog I chose. Lucky was the dog who chose me. And in 2023, Monica, my wife, surprised me by choosing a dog for me: a rescued puppy named Jax.

They say most dogs can safely run 6 or 7 miles. Maybe. But maybe sometimes, the right dog finds the right person—and together, they go farther. This time, we test a random connection. Let’s see how far it goes.