In this episode of the Art and Science of Running podcast, we visit with world record holder, runner, pastor, community builder and recent 100K and 50K Treadmill World Record setter, Mario Mendoza @mendozarunner Mario was recently a part of the Chaski Challenge during which eight world records were broken on treadmills around the world. Mario was joined by former podcast guest and fellow Bend resident, Max King @maxkingor

World Records for a Cause

Earlier in 2020, Mario set a new 50K Treadmill World Record in front of a gym full of students and community members in Madras, Oregon. Madras High School is made up of a diverse population including 1/3 Native American, 1/3 Hispanic, and 1/3 Anglo. Madras is a community that Mario and his wife have invested in.

Mario didn’t choose to run in the most ideal setting to break the previously held world 50K record. He knew that it would require more work and effort and fitness to achieve the goal at altitude and in a crowded gym without air conditioning, but his reasons for wanting to set the record outweighed his desire for an easy mark. Mario wanted to inspire others. He specifically wanted the kids and community that he has worked with to have a reason to hope and an example of what is possible.

Change Takes Time, Patience, Commitment, and Investment

Mario knew early on that he wanted to try and set the world record in Madras, but he also knew that it would take time to build enough rapport in the community for it to have any meaning. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

Similarly, Mario knows that racial tensions in America are real. He has lived them on a regular basis. And yet he knows that the path to change will take time. It will require individuals investing in building personal relationships. It will take love and patience. It will take hope. Mario has hope in a brighter future.

Running to Build Bridges

Mario, Max, and Renee all live and train in Bend, Oregon. They recognize that there is a need in their community to diversity and increase access to running for all people. They dedicated their record setting runs to a camp that they organize to offer opportunities for kids throughout Central Oregon of diverse backgrounds to come together and learn with and from one another.

Read here to learn more about the Central Oregon Youth Running Camp.

There wasn’t enough time to discuss all of the good work that Mario is doing in his community. Mario is using his platform for good.