Traveling runner visits City With a Heart

Call him Iowa's version of Forrest Gump.

Tyler Sullivan never stops running, and earlier this month his travels brought him to O'Brien County. During his visit, he stopped by Hartley to tour the historic Patch-Eeten House with longtime curator Connie Olhausen.

Sullivan has visited Hartley and O'Brien County before, but his stop at the local museum was a first. He was impressed by the exhibits as well as Olhausen's vast knowledge of local history.

"What a true special gem she is," he said. "Hartley is very blessed to have her, and I feel special to have been able to spend the time with her as we toured through house."

Sullivan's long journey across the Hawkeye State began nearly nine years ago. Since then he's toured 95 of Iowa's 99 counties and visited more than 1,220 cities, both incorporated and unincorporated.

"Each city is very special and I love exploring Iowa," he said. "Talking to the locals, visiting historical museums, eating at the local cafes, hiking through the state parks...Iowa is a beautiful place, and it is waiting to be explored."

For the last five years, Sullivan has run at least one mile around the cities he's visited – the bigger the city, the more he runs.

"I try to run the perimeter of the town, that way I get a better clear view of what each town has to offer," he explained.

Sullivan, who's from the Iowa City area, plans to write a poem about each county and compile it into a series of books.

"Every town I run through has some kind of special impact on me, and hope others can appreciate Iowa, too," he said. "I am hoping to get my first book out this year of northwest Iowa, with 12 counties with 12 poems and lots of pictures from all the cities, along with a backstory what I did when I visited the counties."

Those interested in following Sullivan's journey may do so by checking out the "Iowa Scenic Views By Foot" Facebook page. There, Sullivan posts pictures and information from his travels, and an album from each county he's toured can be found in the photo section.

Sullivan has no plans on stopping soon – the sights, people and places of the Hawkeye State have him hooked.

"Iowa is truly beautiful," he said.