Olympic Marathon Runner Coming to Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — Olympian Ryan Hall is pitching in to help the cross country teams at George Jenkins High School raise a little money Friday. He’s scheduled to travel from his home in California to the Lakeland school to serve as guest speaker during a spaghetti dinner.

Hall, 34, retired from professional running earlier this year. He is the holder of the U.S. record in the half-marathon, and also was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008 and 2012. He’s also earned accolades in the Boston Marathon, Los Angeles Marathon and other long-distance events.

Hall and his wife, Sara, are the founders of the STEPS Foundation. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to fighting global poverty. Described as a “movement” on its website, the foundation’s goal “is to build a community and provide each member an opportunity to take their own steps toward relieving suffering and helping the poor rise out of poverty.” The organization is a “lifestyle philanthropy that encourages our supporters to make a personal commitment to their own health and wellness, using it as a catalyst to ignite change and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Ryan Hall said he’s looking forward to the Lakeland appearance.

“One of my favorite things to do is to get to go and speak to kids,” he said. “I see the tremendous potential in these kids (and) I just so badly want to help them.”

Hall said he knows the value of strong role models and mentors. During his high school years in Big Bear Lake, California, running wasn’t necessarily popular. Even so, as Hall’s abilities began to develop and he started qualifying for national events, the town rallied behind him.

“I’m so grateful I had that in my hometown,” he said.

Lakeland residents who want to hear Hall while rallying behind the kids at George Jenkins will get their chance this Friday, Oct. 28. The spaghetti dinner starts at the 6000 Lakeland Highland Road at 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 a person. To RSVP, visit SurveyMonkey.com.

To find out more about Hall and the Steps Foundation, visit the organization’s website.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Hall