DO, Medical Director UMHWest Sports Medicine and the UMHWest Grand Rapids Marathon

I met Marathon Don at the River Bank Run Expo prior to the first Grand Rapids Marathon and have been involved ever since. Prior to my involvement with the marathon, I spent a lot of free time playing soccer, but young kids and a busy job made it harder to get to games…so I decided to try running. Fast forward a few years and I have now run 20 marathons, including the original six world majors.  

Why run? Why not?! Putting races on the schedule gives me a target and helps me get out to train. I love that it allows me to listen to music or a podcast or just do some thinking. My family—Amy (my wife), Charlie and Sadie (my kids), and Haley (daughter-in-law) run and do triathlons, which is a lot of fun for all of us. We also like to hike and bike—whatever gets us outside.

As a medical professional, I appreciate the running community for several reasons—it promotes healthy activity and mental strength and helps create stronger social bonds—all important in personal and community health. And you don’t need to be a runner to be part of the community—family and friends, aid station folks, and volunteers all play a role—so thanks for being part of this great event!