A Solo Run Unlike Any Other
Background of Paul Staso
St. Charles Borromeo Church
Background of Paul Staso
I'm 58 years of age and have been a runner since age 10. In 1984, I began to explore my endurance limits, and never looked back. Over the past 50 years I've logged over 60,000 miles -- more than two laps of planet earth. I've run solo and self-supported 3,260 miles across the United States; 620 miles across Montana; 500 miles through Alas
I'm 58 years of age and have been a runner since age 10. In 1984, I began to explore my endurance limits, and never looked back. Over the past 50 years I've logged over 60,000 miles -- more than two laps of planet earth. I've run solo and self-supported 3,260 miles across the United States; 620 miles across Montana; 500 miles through Alaska; 500 miles across Germany; and in 2011 I became the first person to run over 500 miles alone across the Mojave Desert (from the Grand Canyon to Badwater Basin, Death Valley). During such running adventures I have averaged 30 miles per day while pushing all of my required gear, food and water in a support stroller nicknamed "B.O.B." (Beast of Burden), which weighs 65 pounds when fully loaded. You can find photos of my running adventures at the bottom of this page. I was a Torchbearer for the 2002 Olympic Games; was inducted as the first European PTA Youth Ambassador; and, am the recipient of the Health Hero Award from the Mayo Clinic for my efforts in promoting youth health and fitness globally. After growing up in Alaska, I spent age 18 through 50 living in western Montana and have been an Indiana Hoosier since 2015. I hold B.A. degrees in Religion and Journalism and am a father of 4 adult children; a step-father to 3 adults and a 15-year-old; a grandfather of 4; and, married to my lovely bride, Kelley. It is my prayer that "The Cross Run" through Indiana will encourage and inspire people while bringing honor to the Lord, who has blessed me with the ability to endure. I have not done a run of this magnitude since 2011, so it's time to dust off this particular ability I've been given by God and to step out -- once again -- in faith.
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The Cross Journey Ahead
St. Charles Borromeo Church
Background of Paul Staso
This will be a 423-mile, 16-day run crossing Indiana -- literally (✝). The journey will require an average of 26 miles per day (a marathon daily). In 2021, I awoke from my nighttime sleep and had an image on my mind of a cross over the state of Indiana. I honestly didn't know what to think about it. I shared this with my family and pastor
This will be a 423-mile, 16-day run crossing Indiana -- literally (✝). The journey will require an average of 26 miles per day (a marathon daily). In 2021, I awoke from my nighttime sleep and had an image on my mind of a cross over the state of Indiana. I honestly didn't know what to think about it. I shared this with my family and pastor, but simply could not understand why I had this 'vision.' For the past two years, it has been in the back of my mind. It didn't make sense to me until May 5, 2023 when my pastor shared with my wife and I that our parish and diocese were experiencing a concerning decline in attendance and participation (as well as a shortage of priests) -- a decline which had caught the attention of our bishop, Timothy Doherty. Immediately after that discussion, the cross over Indiana image was on my mind and heart and I felt God calling me to step out, literally, and prepare to run a cross course over the state of Indiana. I've run thousands of miles completely alone across states and countries (NO support crew or pilot vehicle) using a jogging stroller that carries my gear, food and water. I'll do the same for the Indiana run. You can find photos of my running adventures at the bottom of this page. In 2023, Pope Francis shared a prayer intention that I believe goes to the heart of what I'm aiming to do. He said, "LET US BE DARING... pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome those most in need." Taking on this run at nearly 60 years of age, I would consider it a bit "daring." I want to encourage others to attend and be involved in their local Catholic Church, and I want to encourage Catholics in Miami County, Indiana to attend St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Also, during "The Cross Run" I'll be accepting prayer intentions at pray@thecrossrun.com, which I'll pray as I cross Indiana.
Download a PDF about The Cross Run
St. Charles Borromeo Church
St. Charles Borromeo Church
St. Charles Borromeo Church
Since 2015, I have attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Peru, Indiana. I am currently the Director of Faith Formation for the parish and oversee catechists (teachers) in the religious education program for pre-K through 12 grade; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA); and, lead the high school youth group. I also condu
Since 2015, I have attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Peru, Indiana. I am currently the Director of Faith Formation for the parish and oversee catechists (teachers) in the religious education program for pre-K through 12 grade; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA); and, lead the high school youth group. I also conduct Sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation. However, I am not crossing Indiana in my capacity as a director within the parish. I am doing this run as a parishioner! The 16 days required for this endeavor are coming out of my vacation time, and the cost of the journey is coming out of my own pocket (aside from any financial contributions). The total cost will be around $2,000 -- primarily for 12 hotels, food and some gear needs. Indiana is called "The Crossroads of America" and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church is literally at the crossroads of Indiana. When you place a pedestrian cross (✝) route over the state of Indiana, the intersection of the crossed lines are at my home parish -- the first church erected in Peru, Indiana back in 1835. For nearly 200 years this church has stood to serve the needs of God's people in Miami County, Indiana. The parishioners truly care about one another, about their Catholic faith, and about their fellow man. I'm blessed to be a parishioner and director at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
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Financial Contributors For The $2,000 Run Include:
