Editor’s note: Otis Lyons is a former Onward State staffer who contributed until November 2021. He had no editorial oversight of this post.

Otis Lyons graduated from Penn State in 2023 with a degree in journalism. But instead of jumping into a traditional career path, he took time to travel the world as a college graduate, searching for something more meaningful.

“When I finished college, I watched all of my roommates and everyone around me kind of figuring out their life for the next 40 years. And I’m like, I don’t want to do that,” he said.

That mindset led Lyons to lace up his running shoes and embark on a 1,162.1-mile journey along the California coast, which he started on April 1. His goal is to raise awareness and money for children affected by the crisis in Gaza.

A longtime admirer of ultra-marathon runner Russ Cook, Lyons joined him in April 2024 for the final leg of his record-setting run across Africa, running alongside him 350 days into his journey through Tunisia.

Cook’s charitable effort supported underprivileged children in London and Sahrawi refugees in Western Sahara — and it served as the spark for Lyons’ own mission.

Back home in California, Lyons decided to use his background in journalism and his athletic endurance to take action. His Miles For Humanity run is sponsored by Humanity Auxilium, a WHO-certified nonprofit that provides crisis healthcare and life-saving supplies to displaced communities in Gaza, Bangladesh, and Lebanon.

“I’ve watched this horror unfold for 19 months now,” Lyons said. “It’s not normal to open social media every day and see the inside of children’s skulls. It’s hard to keep looking at that and feel like there’s nothing you can do.”

All of the funds that are generated through Lyon’s run along California’s coastline will support Rantisi Hospital in Gaza City. This will include treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine conditions, ENT issues, and mental health support for children in need of critical care.

“Feeling powerless is a tough thing to deal with,” he continued. “I’m not a physician. I can’t go there and help children directly. I don’t work in the UN. I can’t make policy. Like, what can I do?

“Well, I can run,” he continued. “That’s when I put it all together: This is what I want my run to be about.”

Lyons meticulously planned his route through California and recruited friends to help bring his awareness campaign to life, aiming to raise funds and visibility for the children affected by the Gaza crisis.

Joining him every step of the way is Max “Woogie” Martin, a close friend who handles meals, manages their support van, documents the journey, and oversees Lyons’ social media presence, posting daily updates.

“He’ll do things that I didn’t think were possible when he is motivated to do them. It’s honestly one of his greatest strengths and the key to being able to do this project,” Martin said. “When he sets his mind to something, he will do everything in his power to do it.”

“He’s not a doctor. He’s not a multimillionaire. He’s not someone who’s in politics. He studied journalism and is an athlete. He finds this is the way he can best help,” Martin continued.

Martin never went to film school, he is a custom bike painter who just happens to be great behind a camera. Lyons refers to him as a “jack of all trades” as he supports his every move while he averages 30 miles per day trekking through his home state.

Lyons is now 30 days into his journey, currently running through Sea Ranch, a stretch along the northern California coast.

The rugged California coastline has proven to be a tough challenge — he’s already worn through multiple pairs of running shoes and has been battling recurring aches and pains in his knees. But despite the physical challenges, he pushes forward, driven by the cause that fuels each step.