He is the French “Forrest Gump”, he is from Ariégeois and runs on Route 66 for a good cause

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3 900 km alone on the legendary Route 66 in the United States. Not by car, or even by bike. On foot. And in courant. In “only” 100 days. This is the challenge that a Ariégeois.

Josyan Sieurac began its crazy journey across the United States at the beginning of September 2024. And could arrive as early as the end of November. Because what’s more, he’s ahead of his estimates!

A first

“It has never been successful,” assures Occitanie News Pierre Sieurac, his son, well known in Saverdun (Ariège) to be the leader of the rugby club (UAS). “Last year, two people from Castres tried, but they didn’t finish. And there is a German who went all the way. But he had assistance,” specifies Pierre Sieurac.

In an abandoned church or on a baseball field

Car Josyan, 64 years old, former rugby playeris in total autonomy to sometimes complete more than one marathon during the day. When he can’t find motels, he adapts. “Sometimes he sleeps outside. He has already slept on a baseball field, in a ditch, an abandoned church or the caravan of a woman who followed him,” lists Pierre.

In Arizona for Election Day

Having left Chicago, the enthusiast must reach Los Angeles. While the country will know the name of its future President (or its future President), November 5thhe should be in Arizona. “I left him shoes and foot cream in a backpack in Williams,” says his son, who is also currently in the United States.

Having left in complete discretion, the Ariégeois is starting to make a name for himself in the USA, where the local media are now following the journey of this French “Forrest Gump”.

For sick children

But actually, why is he running? Already, it’s a fade of racing, especially extreme. And he was lulled by the myth of Route 66. But that is not enough to explain this challenge.

He had already crossed the Pyrenees for Liam

“He has already run for associations supporting sick children,” explains his son. Thus, last year, he crossed the Pyrenees (940 km) in 17 days for the association Liam to infinity +1,000. Contact was made with Fabien Pelousthe former captain of the XV of France who is also from Saverdun. The champion sponsors the Toulouse association A jersey for life for a long time. It is therefore under these “colors” that Josyan left for the United States. This makes it possible to support many sick children, some of whom are in Ariège, like Liam again, but also, for example, Daryl.

Wednesday October 30, at 59^e day of his trip, Josyan was in New Mexico for a big stopover. He still has less than 1,400 km to go in about a month…

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