"Why Not A Million?"
2nd Edition Hardcover - This exciting publication chronicles Knoll's 64-day charity run across the USA and is an inspiration for all to follow their "rainbows". It absorbs the reader through photographs and word painting
It is a must read for Marathon Runners, Triathletes, Military, Extreme Sport Participants, Senior Citizens, Young Adults 12+, Teachers, Coaches and many others.
About the Author, Tom Knoll
Tom Knoll has dedicated his life to help others for whatever cause. This world class runner and former Marine now retired, uses the same determination and perserverance he was taught in the Corps, to accomplish his goals.
Biography - Fall 2004
Original Iron Man and native Wisconsinite, Thomas A. Knoll, embodies the ideals, integrity, drive, compassion and optimism that puts him in that special category of "extraordinary human being".
Knoll, a fifty plus year military veteran and government employee has combined career and athletic ability skillfully and creatively to benefit not only the military community he was attached to but also the civilian communities where he was stationed.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin's U.S. Grant School was the stage for Knoll's first "long distance" run. A 100 yard dash during an assigned gym period.
Knoll started running as part of his intense Marine training. In the 1960's long distance running became an overall part of his life with his first involvement in Marathon running coming in December 1974 with his running of the Honolulu Marathon. In Spring of 1975, Knoll ran his first 50 mile run and finished in third place. His love of running and desire to lift the quality of life for disabled and disenfranchised combined in his first charity run. Running for the Aloha Fund and the Federal Campaign, Knoll completed a 133.6 mile perimeter run on the Island of Oahu in September of 1976.
Ironman was born in the Spring of 1978 while he was still serving in Hawaii. Knoll and several other athletes came up with this grueling Triathlon, which included a 112 mile bike race, and 2.4 mile open swim and a 26 mile, 385 yard marathon during a conversation about the challenging sporting events held on the Island. The first "Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon" consisted of 15 participants. All finisher's received identical Iron Man trophies. Rules of Engagement for Triathlon Competition remain the same today.
Knoll's charity runs began in earnest when he became stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Running the 250 mile perimeter of the Island, Knoll ran for the Okinawa Shrine Club, who sent children from Okinawa for treatment in Hawaii.
In 1983, Knoll committed for an "Across USA Run", sponsored by the Sunshine Foundation. Initially the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was planning to co-sponsor the event. But, when Knoll left the starting mark July of 1983, in Washington, D. C., the Sunshine Foundation was the sole sponsor. Knoll's 63 day run has been recorded in his book "Why Not A Million?". Diary in form, the book shares events, frustrations, hazards, inspirations and the human feelings of a man running for kids who can't, to give them a "rainbow" they may have not been able to experience. The "rainbow" was Knoll's inspiration throughout his run and has become the inspiration for all his humanitarian efforts.
Upon completion of his cross country run, Knoll came out of retirement and worked for both the military and the government in a variety of capacities. In 1992, he served with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Bangkok, Thailand, working with the MIA/POW identification program.
After receiving an Early Retirement Option, Knoll discovered PACE (Program A Float College Education), the Navy's initiative for assisting in the education of its troops. Knoll taught for PACE in a variety of locations on a number of vessels.
After September 11, 2001, Knoll received information that his military training and skills were needed. So, at 69 years old he volunteered and was accepted by the Defense Intelligence Agency. He served six deployments: South Pacific, Afghanistan, Thailand, Hungary and Iraq as a 70 year old volunteer.
Knoll received his Bachelor's Degree from Chaminade College with a Major in Political Science and Minors in Languages and History. He holds a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University. Had his military schedule allowed, Knoll was one course shy of receiving a Ph. D. from the University of Southern California.
Knoll has begun planning his next charity event. He charity of choice will be a recipient of a percentage of sales of Knoll's book "Why Not A Million?".
Tom Knoll believes in America and the basic good and ability of all mankind. He is a humanitarian in action as well as in words.
Reviews
| "When I met Tom I heard of the mega miles he ran per year. When I heard the title of his book I thought it meant why not a million miles of running. Since then I have seen the tireless enthusiasm applied to his fund raising activities." |
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Gordon Haller
1st Place, Original Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, 1978; Silver Medalist, Pentathlon World Championship, Netherlands, 1981; Three Time Hawaii Runner of the Year 1974, '76, '77.
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| "Tom is a true embodiment of the best of the human spirit, whether he undertakes incredible athletic challenges or volunteers to help out at local races. He works tirelessly on behalf of needy children. Tom is gracious, committed and generous with his time and energies." |
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Debbie Hornsby
World Champion Triathlete, 5 time Ironman finisher. 1994 National Triathlete of the Year
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| "Tom Knoll is definitely an overachieving giant among men, and my mentor. His repeated service to his country and self sacraficing lifestyle to society deserves a worldwide humanitarian award. It is my privilege to have worked with him overseas in the military and to call him friend." |
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Gene Butcher
Walked both the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail and the 2,500 mile Pacific Crest Trail.
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| "I was known as the runner who introduced long miles to distance running (25-35 miles per race). But Tom Knoll did over 46 miles per day for nine weeks. Awesome!" |
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Gerry Lindgren
US Olympic Team 1964 - Tokyo
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