View Comments Renowned ultra long-distance runner Stan Cottrell stopped in Phoenix Wednesday for his first event on his third cross-country run in 40 years, days after turning 78 years old. Called The Amazing Friendship Run, Cottrell started in Los Angeles on Friday and plans to arrive in Washington, D.C. after running about 3,000 miles in 100 days to raise funds for charity and encourage friendship, unity and movement. "If this 78-year old can get out here and run 30 miles a day, surely you can get up," he told The Arizona Republic. "We're not designed to sit in place and sit still." Cottrell made his first stop at Encanto Park at about 4 p.m. after running close to 30 miles on Wednesday and was met by city officials, the Cesar Chavez Drumline, first responders and cheerleaders waving pom-poms.