Temecula Veteran Races Cross Country In 3K Mile Old Glory Ultra Relay

TEMECULA, CA—To say Temecula resident Joshua Kraus is proud to be an American is an understatement.

A distance runner, veteran, Pechanga Salon Dealer, husband, and father— Kraus has received the honor of a lifetime: He has been selected as one of a dozen military veteran distance runners to participate in the Old Glory Ultra Relay, filming a documentary as they run across the country to raise $1 million for veterans.

The team will head out on May 2, with an expected completion date of May 17. The 12 SoCal veteran runners will race toward history, establishing a world record for carrying a single American flag from San Diego, CA, to Washington, D.C.

"Our mission is to carry the American flag across the country a total of 3,000 miles from the U.S.S. Midway to Washington," he told Patch. "We'll do it in just 15 days."

Kraus can frequently be seen running the streets of Temecula. He has volunteered as an assistant coach for the Time Machine and at Gardner Middle School for a number of years, while his children attended and ran for the cross country teams. As a U.S. Navy Veteran, has also served his country as a search-and-rescuescue swimmer. He will have training days to practice running with the flag, he says.

"I know what it takes to face danger head-on and never back down," he said. "I'm trained to save lives in high, and the mission has always been clear: So others may live."

Kraus will be one of the 12 runners and serves as person manager for the Old Glory Ultra Relay team, bringing along what he calls the "grit and discipline of endurance racing." He is also training for his second Boston Marathon.

"I believe that small, consistent efforts lead to big results," he said, a mindset he's intent on instilling in his team. As it stands, Kraus is an ultra-marathoner who has finished every race he's started. He has earned a Spartan Race Trifecta and an Ultra Obstacle Course Racing competitor. All that lends to his focus for this next world record-seeking mission.

Kraus says they will cover 17 miles daily at a 7:30-mile pace, carrying the United States flag and trading it off until they reach their destination.

Kraus said they are attempting to set a world record for the transcontinental relay of the flag from California to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness for their cause and raise funds for area veterans.

"The relay will challenge the limits of human endurance, traversing diverse terrains and weathering all conditions, day and night. That’s right! The flag never stops moving," he said. "This effort is more than just a test of endurance. It's a powerful statement of commitment to our fellow veterans."

If you're moved to do so, donate!

The team is seeking donations and sponsors to raise $1 million to enhance the lives of American veterans, supporting their well-being, reintegration, and sense of purpose through Team RWB's initiatives.

Stay tuned for stories on the other team members as the race draws closer.