08/17/2026
Every runner has a story—and ours are coming from all across America.
As runners from coast to coast prepare to meet in Brunswick, MD this November, we want to introduce you to the people who will bring the Rivers & Rails Marathon to life. Through our new Runner Spotlight series, we’ll share the journeys, goals, and experiences that connect us as one nationwide running community.
Our first story belongs to Nicholas Kumar from Washington, D.C.
Name: Nicholas Kumar
From: Washington, DC
Race Distance: Marathon
"Less than a year ago, on a random Wednesday, I decided I wanted to start running. As someone who had never truly run before and absolutely sucked at gym class growing up, it was a random bout of motivation that ended up changing my life.
After years of struggles with mental health, I felt like I needed to change my life— to find reasons to show up for myself, get outside, and spend more time with the people I love.
Running quickly became more than a way to kill time or exercise. It became a way to take care of myself on the days that felt especially hard. Learning how to set goals, show up even when I didn’t feel like it, and keep moving forward taught me something I hadn’t always believed: I could do hard things.
And through it all, there has been one constant source of motivation: my dog, Navy. While we can’t run together since we now live in different cities, in many ways, every mile is for her. She’s the reason I keep going, the one waiting for me to come home, and the biggest reminder that love and purpose can carry you through even the hardest days.
I’m not running because I was born to be a runner. I woke up one day and decided to become one, and since then every step represents something bigger than myself. It’s about mental health, perseverance, community, and proving that you change your life one small decision at a time.
The person I’ve become along the way is better than any finisher medal (although those are pretty nice too). Now, I’m looking forward to completing my first marathon at the Rivers & Rails Run this November!"
