“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

— Fred DeVito

Two years ago we found Alex at a local Vasa Fitness. We went in to set up a booth and promote everything Runners Roost has to offer. Little did we know we would change this young mans life in unimaginable ways. Alex used the gym every so often when he was feeling like getting out of the house, he was never a consistant goer. Just like most people he was struggling to find a passion and a purpose. Kathy Kuennan, a previous employee, was the head of the booth. With her out going and fun personality it drew Alex near the table. After a short conversation Alex found inspiration that he had never felt before. Alex attended his first Run Club with Aurora and it only took one before he caught the run bug and never missed a single one. To this day Alex still always ensures to come to our Tuesday night Run Groups while rallying others to join in on the event. Alex started with some 5ks and 10ks with the intent to work up to a half marathon. As Forest Gump would say “I just kept running,” and that Alex did. After a couple months of short races Alex went on to complete his first full marathon. Since then Alex has completed close to 50 marathons and is working towards a marathon in all 50 states. Alex quickly became a member of “Marathon Maniacs” and is always pushing others to show them they can do it too. Alex also takes on marathons as a pacer to help other meet their goals. We are extremley fotunate to be able to share a success story much like his. After completing his 50 states he will go on to compete in some big bad ultra marathons. Cheers to our very own Alex Rivera on all his future endeavors!