Portage county runners briefly join cross-country ‘Forrest Gump’

Followed by an unidentified companion, cross-country runner Paul Johnson flashes a peace sign as he traversed Stark County on April 12 during his LA-to-New York run. Wendy DiAlesandro/The Portager

Portage county runners briefly join cross-country ‘Forrest Gump’

- Wendy DiAlesandro

Two Atwater women participated in a real-life Forrest Gump run Friday, April 12, when they joined U.S. Navy lieutenant Paul Johnson on his cross-country run.

Battling the stress of military service, Johnson turned to running in 2022. He found the miles therapeutic and was running 100-mile races by April 2023. He also engaged with Team Red, White and Blue, a community of active and former military personnel, their families and supporters dedicated to helping veterans lead healthier lives through fitness events, training and programs.

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