Run for America journey nears Man walking 5,500 miles cross-country to honor Americans on 250th birthday

Noah Coughlan, a 39-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, is on a monumental journey across the United States, aiming to traverse all 50 states on foot.

 

His mission, titled "Run for America," is a heartfelt tribute to the American people, coinciding with the nation's 250th birthday.

 

Starting in October 2025, Coughlan has covered thousands of miles, pushing a 90-pound stroller and carrying an American flag.

 

As of Friday, he is approaching south-central Montana, with plans to reach Billings by Sunday evening.

 

"This is called Run for America, a tribute to the American people," Coughlan stated on Thursday.

 

"I think it's less about me," he added.

 

"I think it's more about the American flag."

 

The flag he carries holds significant meaning.

 

It was flown by the United States Air Force in October 2025 during an aeromedical evacuation mission on a KC-46 Pegasus by the 70th Air Refueling Squadron out of Travis Air Force Base, California.

 

"They trusted me with the flag to get it from ocean to ocean without it touching the ground," Coughlan explained.

 

"They flew it out to me in October, and this will be folded by the Marine Corps in Hawaii at the very conclusion of the run."

 

After five months on the road, Coughlan is on his eighth pair of shoes.

 

"About to switch into number nine when I get to Billings," he mentioned.

 

His cross-country trip is a tribute to the people of the United States.

 

"There's something about the American flag when we see it in motion; it awakens something inside of us," Coughlan said.

 

"This is who we are as Americans.

 

It's the American way.

 

It's the American dream."

 

With America's 250th anniversary approaching, Coughlan saw this as an opportunity to make history.

 

"I just wanted to also use it for the ultimate impact," he said.

 

"And the best way I could do that was to go town to town and honor the everyday American."

 

This isn't Coughlan's first time crossing the country.

 

In 2023, he ran and walked from Seattle to Miami, and he aims to be the third person to cross all 50 states on foot.

 

"After five runs across 15 years, I would have completed all 50 states," Coughlan said.

 

"It's just been absolutely a venture of a lifetime."

 

Along the way, people like Custer County Assistant Fire Chief Dan Decker have supported Coughlan's message.

 

"Him out there supporting all the first responders and veterans is just that's what it's all about," Decker said.

 

"And that's, 28 years as a veteran, that's why we are there, is for people to have the freedom to do things like that."

 

Coughlan has felt welcomed by hundreds of people in various towns.

 

"It's been amazing to watch literally hundreds of towns now come together and welcome me in and embrace me as a stranger coming into the community for the day," he said.

 

Awna Irish and Whitney Bird, who own a motel in Miles City, are among those who welcomed Coughlan.

 

"I did some research and peeked and emailed him and just said, 'If life leads you here at a good time of day and you need a safe and cozy place to land, we're more than willing to give you a stay at Motel Miles,'" Irish said.

 

"It's amazing," Bird added.

 

"I just...

 

I'm in awe of people who live their lives like that, who just shoot for something big like that and make it happen.

 

It's just very inspiring."

 

Coughlan continues to carry his message on the open road.

 

"God bless the people of Montana, and God bless the United States of America," he said.

 

He estimates he will arrive in Billings Sunday evening.