Named the Youngest Latina to Complete 100 Marathons in the World, Nadia Ruiz is an inspiring athlete with a thirst for adventure. Her passion for competing in marathons began when she was fourteen, during which her father ran alongside and encouraged her to complete the Los Angeles Marathon.
Driven by her victory, Nadia continued to run and train for marathons. Her family was also motivated to exercise along with her as well in hopes of showing their support. Four years after her first, she walked the LA Marathon with her mom, dad, sister and little brother. These marathons, she says, are some of her most memorable.
In addition to being a competitor and coach, Nadia also works as a marketing consultant and biology teacher, where she hopes her accomplishments will have a positive impact on her students.
“I teach at an inner city school and lots of kids think that because they come from an immigrant family or a poor family, they can’t go for such goals,” she says, “I want to show them anything can be done no matter what their background.”
At 32, Ruiz has completed 130 marathons (68 as Boston Qualifiers), 70 half marathons, 11 ultras, and 5 Ironmans. Her next major goals are to trek across some of the major trails in the US: the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and the Swiss Alps.
Meet Nadia Ruiz At IHRSA 2017
Nadia will be running a marathon of her own for the SportsArt Watts for Wishes charity campaign at IHRSA 2017, where every watt generated at the show will equate to a dollar donated to Make-A-Wish Los Angeles. Drop by Booth 1845 to give her a quick break and continue the marathon yourself!
For more about Nadia, visit her blog or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
