"When my legs start getting tired, the positive thoughts and personal motivation kicks in. Nobody can push me harder than myself when I run," states Casey Cares runner Ariana Marrero. 

Ariana began her running journey as just "another way of working out, and I could only run a mile or two."

She continues that "one day, after my first official race, I fell in love with excitement and sense of accomplishment of crossing the finish line and knowing that all the hard work paid off."

The best part of running for Ariana, "besides getting a good cardio workout," is running outdoors which allows her "to connect with nature and have time to breathe fresh air. I used to love running with music but now I am perfectly happy with just the sounds of my surroundings."

"I used to think I couldn’t run without music but I don’t listen to anything anymore while I run," Ariana says.

Now, she cannot run without "wearing a comfortable running attire. As long as I have a good pair of running shoes and a comfy outfit, I’m good."

She acknowledges that "of all the different kinds of workouts, running is the toughest but my favorite."

Ariana has become a mainstay at Casey Cares 5K ever since her first one in 2013 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. 

"Ever since then, this event became very special to me. Last year was my first run at the Maryland Zoo and it was a lot of fun!!"

In a testament to the Casey Cares series "Every Runner Has A Reason," for Ariana, "It was a no brainer that I was signing up again. This race is nothing about me and everything about the kids, families, and this foundation! They truly inspire me." 

Casey Cares kids are superheroes as they continually battle critical illnesses. Your registration helps bring them a day of much needed joy and fun with their family through Casey Cares' exciting activities. Sign up here for our 14th Annual 5K/1-Mile Walk at the Maryland Zoo on August 5th!