A key leader said to Stan, "We need more people with a vision which allows people to connect in a non-threatening way." From those words, this ultra-distance runner has set his eyes upon the finish-line of this great event – no matter how lengthy or how many years it requires – knowing tens of millions of people from every corner of the earth will be cheering him on, he will complete this compelling mission.

With major advances in communication technologies and growing globalization themes, an unprecedented opportunity to further bridge greater understanding between cultures is on the horizon. A total of 17,028 miles to be run in all 257 countries of the world starting in the country of Samoa will be a unique dimension of people-to-people initiative in Sports Diplomacy and the many steps of a long journey to establish lasting friendships which span the globe.

Starting  early 2011, thousands will join Stan Cottrell, noted ultra-distance runner, from Tucker, Georgia, as he begins his one man odyssey in an innovative event which has been hailed as being "of historic proportions." Friendship Sports and a sea of international partners are coordinating the event and daily activities.

The 257 week event is called "The Great Global Friendship Run" and is being hailed as an adventure will be remembered for centuries to come. This idea of running the entire world was first conceived in 1984 when Stan Cottrell ran from The Great Wall to Guangzhou. This was followed by a run across the United States along with three Chinese distance runners. The event was highly acclaimed and publicized. A feature length movie, China Run, chronicled the event and was shown in markets around the world.

Stan has already run across 38 countries promoting friendship including twice across the USA, a 12 country run across Europe, Korea (twice), Dominican Republic (twice), Jamaica (twice), Bulgaria (3 times), Crimea, Cambodia, Vietnam (twice), Berlin to Warsaw, and The Peoples Republic of China.

The Samoa portion will start early 2011 and culminate 6 days later with a variety of interactive activities such as friendship lectures, fitness testing, and concerts in cities, towns, and villages along the way of the run. During this time Cottrell will run 33 miles two days back to back. This pattern will be repeated weekly for the six years needed to complete the adventure.

So why an ultra-distance event?

Stan Cottrell – teacher – author – athlete - goodwill ambassador believes sports, and running brings people together. "At some point in most people’s lives, they run; whether as children or while participating in a game or a sport. Regardless of geography or culture, people relate to running."

During a Friendship Run those who can may join Cottrell for as long as they choose. When his team comes through small towns and remote villages, people are curious and stop to see what is going on. When they do, Cottrell shakes hands, hugs children, and spends time sharing encouraging thoughts and ultimately, people come together in thought, heart and spirit.

Instead of interfering with his schedule or wearing him out, Cottrell says this interaction with people along the route actually serves to energize him.

Cottrell, 67, has been running since childhood, winning his first race at a county fair in his home state of Kentucky.

Since then he has logged more than 200,000 miles of running in 56 years.

This is more than 8 times around the earth.

During the late 70’s and early 80’s, he set records for completing the most miles in a 24 - hour period and setting a Guinness record for running across the United States in 48 days.

"Running is a great forum for breaking down walls of division between people of different cultures," Cottrell explained when asked how his running coordinates with his belief every person on the earth can make a lasting difference. "It has been said the enemies and strangers of our world are often similar. We fear what we don’t understand. I see people when I run. When we talk it immediately becomes clear how alike we are versus how different we are."

"Living a successful life means discovering what you do well and do more of it. I run and people come out and run with me. We laugh, play, and for a moment in time, we are as school children playing together. Somehow, we are all changed positively. In those moments we see each other as people…and the world is a better place. We are all messengers of trust, friendship, and understanding. Running together is a wonderful way to promote these values."

One of the exceptional aspects of Stan’s Great Global Friendship Run is an internet communication campaign encouraging USA school children to write letters of friendship to schoolchildren along the run route in each participating country.

"Giving our children the opportunity to begin talking and developing communications is a powerful way to make our wonderful nations even greater", Cottrell said.

Cottrell has received many endorsements which encourage him to keep going "the extra mile". So far, he has received endorsements of commendation from The White House Fellows Association, The US Presidents Council for Sports & Fitness, a House of Representatives Resolution, Senate Resolution, Congressmen, Senators, and the letters from former Executive levels of government.

This vision has propelled Stan Cottrell to continue to plant seeds of friendship which began a quarter of a century ago. The Great Global Friendship Run is a perfect fit to help break down walls and bring greater understanding between all the global citizens of our great planet.

"I have learned that I need people; I can’t make it in life alone. I need the support, encouragement and friendship of others. It is crucial to the unborn generations we make these efforts among the peoples of the world for lasting friendship. With the technological innovations we now have, this is one of a number of distinctive forums which can add to the overall impact of such a milestone."

And this is a vision of hope people the world over are learning to understand

 as they take the "first step of a thousand miles".