When I heard about the flag run across America, I realized, without a doubt, that being a life long runner, it was almost as if, I had an obligation to participate in this great life event. It was almost at that exact moment when the possibility of my real purpose of running over 30 years came to light. I'm sure, me, like many other long term runners (over 40) often wonder... "why do I keep doing this?" I now know why.

My leg of the journey was the 16 miles from Florence Junction, AZ to Apache Junction, AZ. Running from approx. 9:45 P.M. to 12:15 A.M. as I stood on the side of the highway, no words can describe my feelings seeing the flag approaching for the first time from a distance in the Arizona desert darkness. Within a moment I was in the pack running, a minute later a runner handed me the flag!! What an incredible feeling. As time and the miles passed, conversations quieted, and my mind was filled with numerous thoughts about all of the innocent people who had lost their lives on that tragic day, about all of the hundreds of fire, police and EMS personnel, either injured or dead, who had made the ultimate sacrifice for us. I thought about the crews and passengers of the 2 hijacked planes. I thought about how lucky I was to be an American, and how lucky I was to live free in this great country. I thought about my life, family and friends. I thought about how lucky I was to be a small part of the flag run.

I can tell you one thing, my legs felt like finely tuned pistons, and my breathing was controlled and rhythmic, I felt that I could've carried that flag to the California border all by myself! Unfortunately for me, the flag run was over just as quickly as it had arrived. We got to Apache Junction on schedule, at approx. 12:15 A.M., to the cheers of a small crowd of about 200 people.

After a brief celebration, I watched as a new group of runners continued west toward Phoenix with the flag, continuing her journey. It's kinda funny but somehow I felt a sadness watching the flag slowly disappear into the night darkness, it was as if I was watching a dear friend, or one of my own children leave home that I knew was never going to return.

Thank you to the organizers for having this dream and allowing us to help you make this dream come true. The human spirit is alive and well. A special thank you to the over 4,300 runners nationwide, I feel as though we are one. This was by far the greatest event I've ever had the honor to be a part of in my life.

Thank you.

Manny Nunes

Click on the Links Below to Visit Our Sponsors Registered Event Promoters