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ALBIA, IOWA -- Southern-Iowa native and recent Kansas State University Master’s degree recipient Stephan Bunch will attempt to run across Iowa’s Highway 2 in seven days to benefit Habitat for Humanity beginning Saturday (May 1).

Bunch, a 2002 graduate of Albia High School and Lovilia native, has been running ultra-marathons since
2005 for various non-profit organizations. He is completing this seven-day challenge to benefit Habitat for
Humanity in Central Asia, where he will soon be volunteering for more than a month. To date, Bunch has
raised more than $5,000 for the cause and is still seeking donations.

“Throughout my studies at K-State I’ve grown to appreciate and acknowledge the impoverished region of
Central Asia,” Bunch said. “I will be running my most daunting challenge yet of 262 miles over seven days
to continue to raise money for Habitat for Humanity to build homes and establish clean water systems for
the people of Central Asia, specifically the country of Tajikistan.”

Averaging nearly 40 miles per day, Bunch will be running eastward across Iowa’s Highway 2, stopping in
various communities along the way. His family and support crew will be following him in an RV providing
the refreshments, rest and emotional support needed along the way.

“My family will be following me and supporting me the entire way, but we definitely welcome volunteers who
would like to help provide support as I complete my run,” Bunch said.

Bunch has completed two 100-mile marathons as well as multiple marathons, 50k and 50-milers since
starting ultra-running five years ago. His previous fund-raising efforts include the Lance Armstrong
Foundation, American Lung Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Bunch’s tentative running schedule is as follows:
 Saturday, May 1st: Sidney, Shenandoah, Norwich
 Sunday, May 2nd: Clarinda, New Market, Bedford, Benton
 Monday, May 3rd: Mount Ayr, Kellerton, Decatur, Leon
 Tuesday, May 4th: Corydon, Promise City, Plano
 Wednesday, May 5th: Centerville, West Grove, Bloomfield
 Thursday, May 6th: Milton, Cantril, Farmington, Donnellson
 Friday, May 7th: Fort Madison

To learn more about Run Across Iowa for Habitat or for more information on how to volunteer or donate,
please contact Steve Bunch at (641)777-0278 or sbunch9@gmail.com or Josie Kness at (641)799-6254 or
josie.kness@gmail.com.