Sarah Gooding

Rion Huffman once thought triathlons were out of reach—until a health wake-up call in 2017 led him to take control of his lifestyle. With the support of his wife Kristen, he started running, adopted a vegetarian diet, and shed 60 pounds. That transformation gave him the confidence to try his first super-sprint triathlon in 2019. Since then, Rion’s passion for the sport has grown, along with the encouragement of his family and the triathlon community. Today, he’s training for longer races with the goal of completing a half-Ironman by age 40—and inspiring his entire family to live an active, healthy life.

Jodi Garner found running to be therapeutic and a way to stay grounded, turning her casual hobby into a passion after training for a triathlon event. Even through pregnancy and motherhood, she balances family, work, and training while embracing flexibility and self-compassion. Her upcoming goals include a half-Ironman and setting a personal record at the Joplin Memorial Half-Marathon.

Leigh Kelley found a passion for running after starting with a half-marathon in 2010 and joining a supportive running group called the “Yayas.” After severe nerve issues left her with foot drop, she faced a difficult recovery but persevered with rehab and a specialized brace. Today, Kelley continues to run, inspire others with similar challenges, and steadily improves her race times despite the obstacles.

Russ and Kathy Ritchhart have been running together for a decade, using their shared passion for fitness to strengthen their marriage and build lasting friendships. Now in their 60s and 70s, they participate in about 60 races each year, including local 5Ks and the Senior Olympics. Despite facing injuries along the way, their dedication to supporting each other keeps them moving forward—together.

After promising to run a marathon if her brother learned to walk again, Missy Curtis transformed her life through fitness and became a personal trainer. Her passion for running was derailed by the tragic loss of her parents, but she’s now reclaiming that joy. Curtis is training for the Kansas City Half Marathon in their honor, choosing healing and hope over grief.

Glenn Coltharp, president of Crowder College, transformed his health through running after facing severe medical challenges and the threat of amputation in 2016. Committing to monthly 5Ks and a bariatric procedure, he reversed critical health issues, regained energy, and now leads an active life with renewed hope for the future. Running, for him, is not about enjoyment but about living well and thriving.

What began as a way to cope with the loss of her father transformed Crystal Zaerr into a dedicated distance runner. From local 5Ks to a full marathon, running has become both a source of therapy and a tribute to her dad. Now with seven half-marathons under her belt, Zaerr continues to find peace, purpose, and community with every stride.

The 2011 Joplin tornado inspired many residents to find healing through running, culminating in the annual Joplin Memorial Run to honor those lost. Torrie Epperson and Kendall Chenault share how running helped them overcome fear, grief, and loss while building hope and resilience. Their stories show how the community uses running as a symbol of strength and remembrance.

Mark and Julie Londagin have been running for decades—through college, parenting, and now into their empty-nester years. What started as a way to stay fit has become a lifelong routine grounded in faith, health, and connection. Their goal: to keep running strong into their “fourth quarter” of life.