Inspire

You Gave Marvin Hope

“[Being on the streets during the pandemic], even though people had on masks, you could see people’s eyes. You could see how people were judging you and looking at you as if you weren’t a human—like you were the living embodiment of COVID-19. It was like being a leper.” Read Marvin’s story here.

I Ran My First Marathon in Moscow. Here’s What’s Different About Running in Russia

The running boom was slower to hit Russia, but it’s undoubtedly there now. Read about my first marathon experience in Runner's World.

Red Square Runner

A South African marathoner and first-time visitor experiences Russia's running boom. Read the full story (plus 6 Things You Didn't Know About Russian Running and Recommendations for a Russian Runcation) in the Runner's World South Africa January 2018 issue or the Runner's World Australia February 2018 issue.

This Cincinnati-Based Truck Driver Went From 300 Pounds to 45 Marathons

Charles Ray Bell didn’t want the same fate as his parents, so he dedicated himself to running. Get inspired by his physical, mental and spiritual transformation shared in Runner's World.

After Disease Took His Sight, This Man Became a Triathlete

Charles Catherine had just moved to the United States when he went permanently blind. But hearing the sounds of the New York City Marathon inspired him to start running. Visit Runner's World to learn about his journey to becoming a triathlete with the help of a few selfless guides at Achilles International.

Rochester Runner’s Goals Uninterrupted Despite Pancreatic Cancer

Walt Standhart didn’t know that on a spring day in 2006 when he decided to start jogging while on one of his walks, he would develop a hobby that would be instrumental during a battle with cancer ahead. At 61, when most people his age were starting to limit extensive physical activities, Standhart, of Rochester, New York, was just getting started. Read more in the Runner's World South Africa July 2017 issue about how his dedication to running played a vital role in his longevity and enabled him to participate in multiple clinical trials to ultimately help save the lives of others.

Beating the Odds: Three Blessings from Three Burdens

There is something about the number three. Three times getting diagnosed, three weeks in a coma, 30 days in a bone marrow unit and checkups every three months. But for Elyse Jasmund, none of it was time lost. Elyse, a 22-year-old graduate student studying health administration at the University of Florida, sees every burden as a blessing. “You have to look at the positive,” Elyse said, “because if you don’t, you’re not going to survive.” Read about her battles and breakthrough with leukemia in Our Town magazine.

Falling into Place: From a Unique Hobby to a Lasting Legacy

To his high school cross country team, he was known as the sole team member who decided to juggle while doing his workouts. To UF students, he is known as the guy who “joggles” around campus. But to the world, he is known to have broken three Guinness World Records for a talent that some jugglers would not even attempt. Find out how Matt Feldman mastered the art of "joggling" and used his talent to raise money for charity in Our Town Magazine.

Combat Boots To Cowboy Boots: Florida Veterans Learn Horse Care

On a 17-acre farm in Ocklawaha, eight rescued horses at Sugar Plum Ranch have made new friends — three young military veterans who needed them just as much during a time of readjustment. “Horses are healing animals,” said Jen Elliott, program director of Combat Boots to Cowboy Boots. “That’s how it is.” Elliott started the strength-based vocational program on her farm through her nonprofit organization, Horse In Miracles Inc. Learn more at WUFT News about how veterans in Ocala are trading in their combat boots to transform from soldiers to cowboys.

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Healing Away From Home

With a Fisher House comes family, and with family comes healing. Veterans being treated in Gainesville now have loved ones staying just a doorstep away. “People get better faster when they’re sick if there’s a loved one around them to help them get better,” said Rick Fabiani, a veteran and the president of the Gainesville Fisher House Foundation. The Gainesville Fisher House, the Fisher House Foundation’s 63rd house, was built solely through public donations. Read the full article in Senior Times Magazine to learn about a couple in Gainesville who turned an idea to help veterans into a reality.

Pizza Not Satchel Raye’s Only Passion

He is known as the owner of a pizza place that’s won over the hearts of Gainesville with its character, flair and taste. But the décor of his restaurant—with endless detail and picturesque arrangements—reveals his true passion. Satchel Raye, also known as Satch, made a living with his restaurant, but he lives for the moments when he’s creating art. “People know me as a pizza guy and that’s true,” Raye said, “but really, I’m just an artist who can make good pizza.” Check out this photo gallery featured in WUFT News for a glimpse into Raye's stained glass project.

Gainesville's Weekend Art Festivals

The work of hundreds of creative minds across the nation fills Northeast First Street in Gainesville each year for the Santa Fe College Springs Arts Festival. Those passing by can see sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, gemstone carvings, wood, stained-glass art, mixed media and more. Discover the talent coming to Gainesville by visiting the photo gallery on WUFT News.

The Talkin' Monkeys Project

Dr. Deborah D. Misotti has many loud, hairy children living in her backyard. As the founder of The Talkin’ Monkeys Project, Misotti runs a nonprofit sanctuary to provide a life-long home for primates that have been rescued from abusive private homes or released from research laboratories and breeding facilities. Watch this video for to experience a day in her life.