Allen, Texas – Race production and running outreach company The Active Joe has entered year 2 of a three year commitment to support the Western States Endurance Run as a sponsor and is excited to announce Robert Lopez as their 2015 sponsored athlete.
The Western States Endurance Run is the oldest and most well-known 100 mile race in the United States, running along the Western States Trail from Squaw Valley, California, to end in Auburn, California. The Active Joe owner Libby Jones attended the Western States Endurance Run in 2012 and 2013 and fell in love with the race. A race producer herself, Jones was also impressed with the mission of the non-profit Western States Endurance Run Foundation. In addition to helping set standards in the organization of 100-mile endurance events, they promote trail stewardship and emphasize their role through maintenance and support of the Western States trail. The WSER Foundation also supports quite a lot of medical research into ultrarunning that helps the sport and the community.
As part of the sponsorship, The Active Joe may choose a sponsored athlete from any of the qualified runners who apply to the lottery and that individual receives an automatic entry. For the June 2014 race, Dallas runner Jennifer Kimble was chosen. And now, for 2015, Robert Lopez of Seattle, Washington will be representing The Active Joe.
Robert is a midpack runner who likes to challenge himself and give back to the running community. When not running or pacing at races, Robert is an active volunteer at local events, and occasionally races across the United States. He also donates time to assist the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics organizations. Robert has completed over 370 marathons and ultramarathons, including one 100 miler and one 150 mile race. He has qualified for Western States 4 times but has never had his name drawn in the lottery. Running has been Robert’s refuge through recent years as he battled through leukemia, then a stroke, then surviving a MRSA infection. And through all that, he enjoys challenging himself and continuing to grow with this sport!
“I’m happy that we can continue to support this historic ultrarunning event and therefore support the sport as well,” Jones said. “I’m excited to see Robert tackle the event on June 27, 2015!”
Info on Past/Future Sponsored Athletes:
June 2019 event: Kelli Coleman of Dallas, TX
June 2018 event: Pam Smith of Salem, OR
June 2017 event: Jess Mullen of Seattle, WA
June 2016 event: Michael Wagner of Albuquerque, NM
June 2015 event: Robert Lopez of Seattle, WA
June 2014 event: Jennifer Kimble of Dallas, TX
The Active Joe was founded in 2008 with the mission of providing running outreach to the local community. The organization produces the Big Cedar Endurance Run 100 Mile, 50 Mile, and 50K (November), the New Years Double (December/January), the Fairview Half Marathon and 5K (April), and The Showdown Half Marathon and 5K (October). All events are located in Dallas, Texas or the suburbs north of Dallas. Owner Libby Jones has been an active member of the leadership of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community for many years and is an avid ultrarunner herself. For more information go to www.TheActiveJoe.com.
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