Extreme runner Tomek Sobania says he plans to cover a staggering 42 km a day after setting off from New York on September 15 and finishing in Los Angeles 6,500 km and half a year later.

Writing on his blog, the 26-year-old from Gliwice in southern Poland said: “I will run across the entire United States with the Polish flag on my arm and an eagle on my chest.

“As a Pole, I will appear in the American media, and in the most important moments I will take the white-red flag in my hand and run with it through the streets of American cities.

“My goal is to show the world that ‘Poles can do it.’”

Working alongside the Poland Without Barriers Foundation, which aims at promoting people with disabilities in mainstream society and culture, Sobania is also hoping to raise money for the charity.

He said: “We will organize a relay race for people with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders.

“People who, despite their disorders and disabilities, pursue their passions in life.

“We want to show that regardless of whether you are fully healthy or not, everyone can do more than they think.

“That is why the run will be held under the slogan MORE. Run Across America.”

No stranger to long-distance running, Sobania’s previous feats have included running from Poland to Rome, Barcelona and Greece.

After leaving New York, Sobania will head to Chicago, and from there will embark on a grueling 2,000 km run to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

He said: “In January I'll run to California and at the beginning of February I should be in Los Angeles.

“I was thinking about running to the same place as Forrest Gump, but that's not possible now, so we have to skip that point.”