THE RUNNING SERVANT

Category: Features

Published: 14 July 2026

(Aaron Burros) Airforce Marathon Ambassador

In 2009, Aaron Burros was nearly 400 lbs and unhappy with his health and appearance when he graduated from The College of Biblical Studies. He turned to running and lost 100 lbs his first year and 75 lbs over the next 4 years.

In November 2015, Aaron fought to stay alive after being shot 5 times while saving his coworkers’ lives. As the blood oozed from his body, this promising professional trail runner saw his future jeopardized. Although he survived by a mere millimeter, a bullet remained buried in his right glute muscle, and debilitating PTSD would stalk him forever. What was he to do? How could he avoid a minimal life, living only to avoid the shooters still intent on murdering him?

The answer came in the form of an audacious challenge. In January 2021, Aaron Burros, #Running Servant, would begin an audacious quest of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks to celebrate his 50th birthday. To save himself, he would reach out to help others on the marathon courses.

I'm an Ambassador for the Airforce Marathon this year. I also want to add that proceeds will benefit No More Stigmas, a global organization helping men get pass the stigmas and get the mental health help they need.

MEDAL MONDAY: My Quest to Run 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Weeks 5 Years After Being Shot 5 times

Read how he overcomes the challenges of

· A severely weakened right glute muscle,

· PTSD that is triggered in several ways,

· The continual grind of running a marathon a week,

· Canceled airlines flights,

· Hotel hassles,

· Reaching remote locations,

· Cancelled races,

· Revising his racing schedule weekly,

· Several family tragedies while

· Encouraging and helping everyone God put in his path.