Worldwide runner to arrive in Carson today

Next week will mark four years that Robert Garside has been running. Sometimes running from bandits and bullets - but always running toward the world record of becoming the first person to run across all seven continents.

Despite having been shot at, robbed and thrown in jail in various parts of his journey across Australia, Asia, Europe and South America, Garside remains undaunted in his goal.

Today, that goal will bring him to Carson City.

In the first leg of his journey across the United States, Garside ran from San Diego to San Francisco. There, he met up with two skateboarders from Truckee who will join him on his trek to New York.

He has mentally divided up the United States into three areas: the mountains, the plains and the cities.

He plans to take about one month to run each of the thirds. Although running across the length of the country can seem overwhelming, Garside considers it to be one of the easiest parts of his journey.

"Everyone speaks English," he said. "It's safe and its first-world."

Tyler Buschmann, 18, and Justin Hawxhurst, 21, joined up with Garside in hopes of completing the longest documented skateboard journey from California to New York.

Garside has already earned the world record in long distance running, covering more than 20,000 miles. To be classified as running, not walking, Garside must maintain a speed of at least six miles per hour.

"It's not just about the record," Garside said. "It's about seeing the world and living the best life I can."

Garside began Dec. 7, 1996, in his hometown of London, England. He hopes to finish next year in New Delhi, India.

"It's been a crazy journey," he said. "I feel a bit weathered but I'm holding out OK."

He said he hasn't spent enough time in each country to absorb much culture and history, but he's still learned a lot. He's mostly learned about geography.

"I can tell you where the next town will be," he said. "You know where people will settle and where towns will be because of the shape of the hills and where the rivers are."

He's seen his fair share of shoes, too. He's on his 28th pair.