APRIL 1, 2010 ISSUE
Matt Jenkins to Run Across North Carolina Barefoot to Benefit WYN
After running 108.4 miles to benefit the Western Youth Network (WYN) last August, Matt Jenkins, known to many as the “barefoot runner,” is preparing to run barefoot across the state of North Carolina—close to 740 miles—to help raise awareness about WYN and other programs that have recently lost funding due to statewide budget cuts. Photo by Matt Jenkins
Photo by WYN parent
After running 108.4 miles to benefit the Western Youth Network (WYN) last August, Matt Jenkins, known to many as the “barefoot runner,” knew he needed to run even farther to gain more attention for WYN.
“I made a joke that next year I’ll have to run across the entire state,” Jenkins recalled.
Jenkins’ joke has turned into a reality as he prepares to run barefoot across the state of North Carolina—close to 740 miles—to help raise awareness about WYN and other programs that have recently lost funding due to statewide budget cuts. His run will kick off on Thursday, July 15.
Jenkins hopes that his Barefoot Run Across N.C. will specifically raise the awareness of others so they will take WYN and similar programs in consideration when voting.
“We want people to look at the legislation that has caused a gap in funding,” Jenkins said. His goal is for locals to take notice in the politicians they vote for and realize “if these people have the best interests of the children of Watauga County,” Jenkins explained.
As well as raising local awareness, Jenkins also hopes to gain statewide attention. His run last August made great strides in helping programs in the High Country; now he wants to raise the bar. “A lot of organizations are closing their doors. I’d like to get out there and make this a statewide effort.”
Jenkins, a former Marine and current WYN employee, will start running on Thursday, July 15, in Manteo. He plans to run approximately 26 to 30 miles each day, stopping in various counties along the way. Jenkins estimates it will take about a month to make it across the state to Murphy—his final destination.
He heard about another runner who ran across the state with a crew vehicle following him. When planning his run this summer, Jenkins wanted to be unique.
“I decided to be different and go barefoot without a support crew,” he said.
Jenkins started running barefoot when he saw another runner without shoes at a marathon. “I thought it was really cool,” Jenkins said. Jenkins took off his own wet shoes from the rain and realized how much faster he could run without them. Ever since, he has been known as the “barefoot runner.”
When asked about the Barefoot Run Across N.C., WYN Executive Director Jennifer Grubb replied, “We think it’s amazing. All of us have collectively shared this issue and he took the idea upon himself.”
Grubb hopes that Jenkins’ run will leave people with the understanding and importance of after-school programs everywhere.
“After-school programs are essential to keep our kids safe. They offer so much more than just babysitting,” Grubb said.
While running barefoot across the entire state is considered an enormous feat to most, Jenkins remains humble.
“One big thing I think about is that there are a lot of great runners out there who are elite athletes. It’s important to me that others know that I’m not trying to be like that,” Jenkins said. “It’s all about the organization and the kids.”
For more information about WYN or to donate, call 828-264-5174 or click to www.westernyouthnetwork.org.
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