"SPRINTER" SPONSORS ($1.00 to $100.00)

KidsRunning.com, Brett Rodli, Amanda Freese, Angala Rowe, David Rodli, Janet & Don Rossmiller, Phillip & Anita Edwards, Brad & Carla Luck, Mike & Jana Schofield, Troy R. Shaw, VASA Tegner Lodge 224, Dawn Opstad, Gladys Harlan, Cazanne Fitterer & Family, Ruthmary Lovitt, Porter & Mindy Hammitt, Jessi Beebe & Her Mother, Karel & Janet Stroethoff, James Burdette, Jorge Carreon, Keith Nelson, Mark Roberts, Bruce Wilkison, Annette Wilkerson, Lisa Lee, Sue Cummings, Rev. and Mrs. Cowell, Dave Tapp, Steven & Jan Stoddard, Clint Morey, Greg Carter, Peter & Lorna Wall, Fort Wayne Track Club, Bev & Roy Buckmier.

"MIDDLE DISTANCE" SPONSORS ($100.00 to $500.00)

Russell Elementary PTA, John Wallace III, Montana Expressions West, John & Wendy Johnson, Allied Waste North America, Northwestern Corporation, Kathy Noble, Mountain Water Company, Claudia & Bob Dignan, Peggy Menzel, Tony Mangan, James & Linda Burfeind, Glidewell Insurance Agency, Rick Poppleton, Grace & Magnus Meier, Zang & Bluma Freed, Katherine & Scott Miller.

"MARATHONER" SPONSORS ($500.00 and Above)

Axiom IT Solutions of Missoula; Paul & Vicki Staso

SOME VERY SPECIAL SUPPORTERS

It's not possible to do such a large endeavor without the help of some very special people who truly support the aim and purpose of the project. P.A.C.E. Run 2006 is the result of several individuals who have donated their time and talents to move the trek across the United States.

 First, I would like to thank my wife and four children for their encouragement and prayers. They have been very patient with the demands of this trek's planning and preparation and I could have never approached the starting line without them cheering me on. Something like this truly impacts the entire family, and I am touched by the love and support that they have shown to me. Beginning and ending the run with them at my side was something I'll always cherish.

 Stacey Rossmiller has been instrumental in the fundraising for this project, including the creation of the P.A.C.E. Run shirts, and did an abundant amount to encourage the students in their virtual trek across America (seeusrun.com) - which is what launched the P.A.C.E. Run endeavor. She truly possesses the spirit of a marathon runner! Her support and encouragement have meant a lot to me.

 Diana Sontag can work a telephone like nobody else I know and is the one who has worked so hard to find me lodging during my evenings on the road across America. From homes to motels, and a lot in between - Diana has put in a lot of time and effort toward finding me nightly accommodations. I am grateful for her support, concern, encouragement and positive attitude.

 Brett Rodli took a large load off of my mind by taking care of client matters during my absence from my web site development position with OnTrack Designs. Taking 3+ months away from the office is not easy to arrange, and I thank Brett for being willing to take care of things while I was gone.

 Robert Remler has been a good friend of mine since 1980 and was one person I had contact with daily on this trek across America. Rob posted the journal updates and weekly pictures from his home office in Portland, Oregon so that people could follow my progress through this site. He was also of great assistance in planning the initial stages of the journey and offered some wonderful suggestions on gear. He's truly a reliable friend.

 Ryan and Debbie Weisser have greatly supported this endeavor and I appreciate their willingness to help get this trek in front of the Missoula community. Ryan's business, Axiom IT Solutions, made a significant financial donation to the project and Debbie arranged opportunities for information about the P.A.C.E. Run journey to be presented to many people. It's people like Ryan and Debbie that make such endeavors successful.

 My parents encouraged me at times when I truly needed it... and they may not even be aware of that. They were with me during my 1986 world-record attempt at the run across America, and although they could not be with me for this adventure, they followed my progress through this site and were with me in my heart.

 My brother, Jeff, provided me with wonderful suggestions on equipment and consistently encouraged me. His support was very special to me and I appreciate his input and ideas.

 My sister, Wendy, purchased more P.A.C.E. Run 2006 shirts than anyone else... except for me. Her family was very supportive financially and through encouragement and I truly appreciate them.

 Rob Chaney, of the Missoulian newspaper, reported on the students' progress during the school year and helped get word out to Montanans about this project.

 Monte Turner, of Montana Today, helped to spread word of P.A.C.E. Run 2006 through his morning television show. His enthusiasm was truly wonderful and helped to spark interest throughout the community.

 KPAX Channel 8 in Missoula provided coverage of the kids' virtual trek across America and provided me with an opportunity to share my P.A.C.E. Run trek with its viewers. They also covered my arrival in Missoula on June 19, 2006. Thank you KPAX.

 KTMF Channel 23 provided coverage of my arrival in Missoula during this cross country run. Thanks KTMF!

 Terri Elander, host of "Wake Up, Montana!", invited Vicki and I in to be interviewed on her television program to share details about the students' running/walking curriculum and details about my cross country trek. Terri was very friendly to us and very enthusiastic about our efforts.

 The 4th & 5th Grade Teachers at Russell Elementary School in Missoula, Montana were supportive of the Run/Walk Across America curriculum that we did during the 2005-2006 school year at their school.

 The Russell Elementary 4th and 5th graders are truly the ones who have made this trek possible. They successfully ran the entire distance across the United States this year, virtually speaking. Because of their perseverance during the 2005-2006 school year, I ran to keep my promise to them. They are certainly an inspiration and I'm glad that I could reach the Atlantic Ocean, just as they did... virtually speaking!

Additional Thanks:

Dr. Randy Thomas (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN)	Tim Bamforth (Lewes, Delaware)
Bobbi Patton (Elliston, Montana)	Mr. & Mrs. Watson (Littleton, West Virginia)
Sergeant Sean Paul  (Missoula City Police, MT)	Rick Poppleton (Washington, D.C.)
Marlene Lacher  (Lowden, WA)	Aaron Lohr (Washington D.C.)
Peter Tracey  (Washington D.C.)	Shields Elementary School (Lewes, Delaware)
Danny MacElrevey  (Lewes, Delaware)

 This list by no means includes all of the people who have supported this trek in so many different ways. I appreciate each and every person who donated funding, products and/or time... and those who have taken a moment to send well wishes. Although this trek was actually run by one person, it has been made possible by the efforts of many. I am sincerely grateful to all who extended a hand and heart of assistance.