Chris Gottwald Races for ActiveWater to End World Thirst

In June, Chris Gottwald of Kalamazoo, MI will embark on an extraordinary journey that will test the utmost limits of his physical endurance, mental resilience and commitment.

As a competitor in the 2011 Race Across America (RAAM), Gottwald will hop on a bicycle and pedal across the length of the American continent, 3,000 miles from Pacific to Atlantic, stopping to sleep only when necessary.

Gottwald has been cycling for 34 years. His career as an aviation inspection pilot with the Federal Aviation Administration provides a flexible schedule, allowing free time for training and spending time with his wife and two daughters. He competed in his first RAAM in 2008 as part of a two-man relay, placing second. In 2009 he was one of two dozen cyclists who attempted the grueling race solo. Gottwald was the top American finisher, coming in fourth overall, and earning the title “Rookie of the Year.”

The toughest endurance event in the world, RAAM offers long-distance cyclists the opportunity to challenge themselves to the height of their abilities. Over 1750 cyclists have completed RAAM since its first edition in 1982. Solo winners complete the course in approximately 9 days. Gottwald will brave the desert, plains and mountain weather, lead a crew in a mini-organization of support, and raise thousands of dollars to end world thirst through ActiveWater, a non-profit organization committed to defeating the spread of infectious disease through dirty water. ActiveWater encourages people to use their athletic abilities to make a difference in the world.

“I love to race, but I don’t compete for myself,” said Gottwald. “I’m confident that I can win any race I’m in, but my drive to win is to help ActiveWater end the world water crisis and change lives.”

To follow Gottwald’s progress in this year’s Race Across America, visit

http://www.raceacrossamerica.org