Running With Purpose, Veteran Recreation Ohio’s Columbus Marathon Team Takes on the Challenge for Ohio Veterans

This fall, nine Ohio veterans will stand at the starting line of the Columbus Marathon carrying far more than race bibs and running shoes. Each runner brings a story, a reason for pushing forward, and a desire to help other veterans across Ohio through the mission of Veteran Recreation Ohio.

For some, running became a way to heal. For others, it became a way to stay grounded, challenge themselves, or reconnect with purpose after military service. What connects all of them is the understanding that growth often happens during difficult moments, and that no challenge worth overcoming is ever easy.

Veteran Recreation Ohio helped make this journey possible by covering race participation costs for these veterans in the half and full marathon events. In return, each runner chose to turn their marathon journey into something larger than themselves by helping raise funds for future veteran recreation programs throughout Ohio.

The team itself reflects a wide range of military experiences and personal journeys. Army veterans, Marines, Air Force veterans, National Guard members, recruiters, educators, fathers, husbands, community leaders, and outdoor advocates now find themselves connected through one shared goal: continuing to support the veteran community long after their military service ended.

For Melissa Tilton, running has become a constant in life, something that helps her reset mentally and physically no matter how unpredictable life becomes. Dennis Carter shared that running improved both his mental and physical health, while Army veteran Andrew Evans uses running as a way to reflect and continue testing himself personally.

Jacob Spitznogle, who spent over a decade serving in the Army with deployments overseas, explained that running helps remind both himself and his family that they are capable of doing hard things. Ned Barber, an active duty paramedic and paratrooper, described running as intentionally choosing discomfort in order to build resilience and discipline.

Others on the team discovered running through different chapters of life. Travis Lindner spoke about reconnecting with healing and community through veteran outdoor organizations after his deployment to Afghanistan. Al Amposta shared how returning to running after major back surgery dramatically improved his physical and mental health, making this marathon deeply personal for both him and his family. Marine veteran Robert Winebrenner Jr. said running reminds him to face challenges head on, while Charles Werner simply described it as something that forces him outside of his comfort zone.

While every runner has their own story, this marathon effort represents something much bigger than a race. The funds raised through this campaign will directly support Veteran Recreation Ohio’s mission of improving veteran mental health and well being through recreation, community connection, outdoor experiences, and meaningful shared events across the state.

As training miles continue to add up over the coming months, these veterans are not only preparing for race day. They are helping create future opportunities for other veterans to find healing, purpose, camaraderie, and support through recreation.

Supporters can choose to donate directly to an individual runner or contribute to the overall marathon team campaign. Every donation helps continue programs that impact veterans throughout Ohio.

To meet the runners, read their stories, or support the campaign, visit:https://www.vetrecohio.org/columbusmarathon