Nadia Ruiz, youngest person to run 100 marathons

Nadia Ruiz began running during her freshman year in high school.  She comes from a first generation immigrant family from Ecuador. Her parents raised their children with the principles to work hard, dedicate yourself to ones education, and always aim for ones highest personal integrity. 

Unfortunately in middle school, she fell victim to bullying possibly for her academic achievements and late development. Her mother enrolled her immediately in the community boxing and Nadia had the opportunity to discover there as an endurance bug within. 

She learned immediately that there was something special that running brought to her life so she decided to register for her first marathon at the age of 14. 

Sixteen years later, she has completed over 120 marathons (3:16 PR), 55 half marathons (1:26 PR), 11 ultras, and 4 Ironman triathlons (12:34 PR) frequently in the top of her age group or Top Overall women. 

Nadia graduated with her BS, M.Ed, and Teacher's Credential from UCLA at the age of 20.  Nadia has been a HS Biology educator, coach, and marketing consultant for 10 years.

Nadia shares her passion of fitness, health, and education with her family and friends in hopes to continue to encourage others to seek their goals, especially young aspiring Latinos who dream of achieving their dreams. 

Nadia shares, "I will live my life as I choose. I hope to continue to follow where my heart guides me exploring and challenging myself in new terrain as long as I can while encouraging others to do so as well."

Nadia states, "In order to reach others, I have created some profiles on social media where I share my struggles, triumphs, and challenges throughout my life to demonstrate to others that they may other overcome their struggles to reach their goals."