Veteran walks barefoot across Pennsylvania in record-breaking trek
- Anton Nootenboom, a Dutch Army veteran, is trekking across the U.S. barefoot to raise mental health awareness.
- He previously set a Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike in Australia.
- The journey serves as both a personal challenge and a platform for encouraging open discussions about mental health.
In February 2023, Anton Nootenboom, a 37-year-old Dutch Army veteran, began a barefoot trek across the United States, starting from Santa Monica Beach and aiming to reach New York City's Times Square. This journey follows his previous achievement of setting a Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike of 1,800 miles in Australia. Nootenboom, who has faced mental health challenges after serving three missions in Afghanistan, uses this trek to advocate for mental health awareness and to share his personal story of recovery. His girlfriend and their dog accompany him in a van, providing support and helping to spread his message. The journey is not only a physical challenge but also a mental and emotional one, as he engages with people he meets along the way, creating a safe space for discussions about mental health. Nootenboom emphasizes the importance of leading by example and encourages others, particularly men, to express their emotions and seek help when needed. He adheres strictly to the Guinness World Record rules, which prohibit any footwear or protective coverings on his feet, making him acutely aware of his surroundings as he walks. As he progresses through various communities, he receives encouragement and shares stories with those who join him briefly on his path.