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Justin completed his first-ever half marathon in 2005 and has never looked back. He and his wife, Amanda, completed their first DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathons in 2009, and when they met in 2013, they decided to make their shared love for endurance sports a family tradition.

In 2016, Justin decided to make his miles count and run for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Throughout his years as a charity runner, Justin has formed impactful relationships with patients and their families and a passion for the Foundation. One bond, in particular, that resonates strongly for Justin is with CF parent Dale Himmler.

“It takes great character and strength to stand in the face of a difficult diagnosis for your child, and Dale and his wife have done an amazing job for their son,” said Justin. Having a son of the same age, Justin is inspired by the Himmler’s story which pushes him to continue running for a cure.

His charity runner experience running for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has taken new heights as Justin currently serves as the Assistant Running Coach and Head Cyclist of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter.

With passions for endurance sports and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Justin’s longtime involvement has encouraged his wife and their four-year-old son, Daniel, to Run for a Reason in 2022. The family of three is excited to return to the live DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events as Justin will take on the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Amanda will run the UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine 5K, and Daniel will cross his first Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon finish line. Together, the family is actively working toward their fundraising goal of $10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“Getting out the door is the hardest part of training for an endurance event, and the charities who participate in the Running for a Reason program are a great way to have a group of people who are waiting for you to go running,” said Justin.

For those considering becoming a charity runner, Justin shares that training shifts to more than just running when there is a cause your miles are supporting. “Ultimately, you get a chance to exercise your empathy muscles as much as your running muscles. Empathy is certainly something all of us could use a little more of in our lives.”