What would inspire you to run 26.2 miles, and fundraise for the Positive Coaching Alliance?

Sixteen year old Alexandra Herman and seventeen year old Ben Morris found their inspiration. After years of watching the Boston Marathon, they knew this was what they wanted to do. Their inspiration came from their parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends, from playing sports, being part of a team, and being supported positively in their athletic community. Understanding the significance of their support, positive environment, and encouraging coaching, Ben and Alex decided they wanted to help bring the same to other youth athletes.

All this, and more, led them to run 26.2 miles in the Newport Rhode Races Marathon and raise over $3,000 in support of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).

Alex and Ben trained for and ran the Newport Marathon together. Having grown up loving to play sports, they both began running on teams in middle school and their love for the sport has only grown since. They competed in cross-country, track, and trained with the Beaver Country Day School running club. When asked what she loved about running, Alex shared that she loves how it “helps build mental strength and…alleviates stress.” She shared that she loves “to run and think.” Ben shared that he likes how running makes you “focus on you, on improving yourself, and achieving your own goals."

On race day, Newport was beautiful with ocean views and daffodils everywhere. The course was a long 26.2 miles but with the support of family, friends, and hundreds of other runners, Alex and Ben ran the distance. They ran for themselves, and they ran to support PCA so that other young athletes in New England could experience the power and joy of sports done right. After months of training, years of dreaming, and immense amounts of hard work, Alex and Ben achieved their goal. The Newport Marathon was their first, but it won’t be their last.

Thank you, Alex and Ben