1000K to Appalachia

10 years ago I completed my 2nd “real” (100 miles or longer)  ultramarathon; 120.5 miles from Alabama to Kentucky through the great  state of Tennessee. This solo effort was the beginning of our nonprofit  Run4Water. Shortly after my run, I envisioned running across (the long way) the Volunteer State from Arkansas  to Virginia, from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian mountains.  From where I live in middle Tennessee, I am closer to Canada than the  western most point of Tennessee is from the eastern most point of the  state. As the years went by this dream evolved into a real  possibility. 

Beginning Friday, May 1st, I will attempt to run 624 miles (1000K) from the most western point of Tennessee to the most eastern point of the state on the Virginia state line. 

My  philosophy of living, and therefore running, is to run/live for a  purpose greater than myself. Since this journey will take me to the  mountains of Appalachia, my purpose will be to feature the incredible  people, culture, and environment of this region.  Run4Water has been working in the region to ensure that clean water is available to the beautiful people of Appalachia,  specifically Hancock County TN.  Hancock County is the poorest in the  state of Tennessee and one of the poorest in the nation. 

Many  documentaries feature the poverty and great need of this  region. Yes, there is great need: there are many lacking clean water, there are children with food insecurity, there is poverty and lack of job opportunities. 

Unfortunately, many of the  stories coming out of the hills and hollers feature this lack.  But this region has always been rich in human and environmental resources--it's one of the reasons early settlers chose to homestead there.  These settlers valued the beautiful vistas, bringing with them rich cultural traditions and distinct folk practices.  To focus mostly on Appalachian poverty is missing the forest for the trees.  

People outside the region have been trying to speak for Appalachians for over 200 years.  It’s time to hear Appalachians speak for themselves.  

Follow along on my journey as Anna Kate Armstrong reports on my journey, featuring personal interviews with Appalachians and highlighting the history/geography of one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world.