09/12/2024
โจ Ambassador Spotlight: Helen Knowles-Gardner โจ
Meet Helen, a dedicated race walker and run-walker from Clinton, NY, with over 20 years of experience in race walking. She began run-walking in 2022 to maintain the pace necessary for the Marine Corps Marathon, and her journey since has been nothing short of inspiring.
In 2020, Helen connected with a Marine veteran through a running group and learned about 22 Too Many, a cause that is incredibly close to her heart. Having a husband who served in the Navy and suffers from PTSD, Helen found deep personal meaning in supporting this cause. At the 2021 Gettysburg Half Marathon, Helen carried the memory of Navy veteran Mark McNabb, one of the "22 Too Many," and since then has carried Mark in over 40 half marathons across 35 states. ๐โโ๏ธ๐
One of Helen's most emotional race memories came in 2022, when she met Mark's father, Jay, at the finish line of a race in Washington. Their embrace was filled with tears and connection, marking a profoundly meaningful moment in her journey. Helen has since completed races in locations significant to Mark and Jay, and in 2022, she took on the Marine Corps Marathon, fueled by these experiences.
๐ Training Tip from Helen: "Listen to your body. If you're not ready, don't be afraid to drop down in distance or skip a race. And for Gettysburg, hill training is essential!"
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Favorite Race Memory: At the 2024 Gettysburg race, Helen recalls an aid station where the volunteers saw her coming down the hill and cued up the Star-Spangled Banner as she approached carrying the American flag. "It was an amazing moment that completely lifted my spirits."
๐ฏ Goal for This Yearโs Race: Better preparation and finishing strong without feeling like sheโs on the "struggle bus" this time!
Weโre so honored to have Helen as part of our ambassador team, and her story continues to inspire us all.
Interested in becoming a Gettysburg Festival of Races Ambassador?
Feel free to email Jen at [email protected] or learn more on our website: https://runsignup.com/Race/GettysburgFestivalofRaces/Page/AmbassadorProgram