Meet Reza Baluchi- an Iranian-born ultra marathon runner currently residing in Los Angeles. Imprisoned and tortured in his homeland, he escaped on a bike and spent the next seven years riding that bike through 55 countries, spreading a message of peace and liberty. Completing his journey in America shortly after 9-11, his Muslim faith and strong sense of responsibility drove him to run across the country and donate his “freedom bike” to a firehouse in New York city. Reza most recently set a world record for the fastest run across America- 77 miles/day for 43 days.
Highlight Film from Reza’s World Record Run Across the Country
Reza is currently planning a five year run across the world, through 195 countries. Consistent with his life’s work, this trip will also be focused on promoting the goodness in mankind while stopping to help build schools in Africa, assisting in the installation of solar powered water filtration systems in Indian tribes, helping the poor, hungry and uneducated, promoting huge benefit concerts, etc. With him every step of the way will be a flag made up of the flags of every country through which he passes. Every leader of every country will sign Reza’s “World Liberty Flag” to include his first stop at the Whitehouse. An Iranian running to promote liberty is a powerful message, indeed. The inspirational power of this run at this time in our planet’s life cannot be overestimated. It is not a stretch to imagine a world uniting around news of Reza’s latest milestone. No one has run through all 195 countries, but that is not enough for Reza. He wants to cross the ocean under his own power as well! We have designed (but not yet manufactured) a boat that will allow Reza to cross the ocean 100 percent man powered. Of course Reza will supported by a larger boat to assure his safety. The goal is to have the boat solar powered so that Reza will have access to internet, satellite phone, etc. He is planning on crossing the ocean from Rio de Janeiro to South Africa which he has scheduled to take 67 days.
Short Film Bio on Reza
As Reza’s sports agency, we are a promotional and planning group responsible for supporting Reza’s effort. Reza’s journey around the world will gain national recognition in the form of television, film and other entertainment outlets. There will also be a viral internet campaign that will feature Reza live 24 hours a day. People will log onto the internet and be able to follow Reza on Google maps, ask him questions, see him running, interacting with different cultures….you can use your imagination here. In addition, Reza will be attempting to break many different world records along the way, including being the fastest person to run across the Sahara, and breaking the world record run in Antarctica. As you can imagine, there will be many incredible stories and dramatic events surrounding the journey.
NBC Los Angeles Piece
To support Reza in making his mark on the world, while becoming one of the greatest humanitarian-athletes of our time, we are setting in place our main sponsorships targeted at specific industries. Reza is likely the only person in the world that has the capability of completing such a journey. He is truly one of the most incredible human beings, with the largest “heart”, one will ever meet. Reza lives to help others and spread a message of liberty and peace. For more information on Reza and his journey, and for information on how to donate to the cause, please go to:
Follow Reza on www.facebook.com: Search Run With Reza