San Rafael, California native Jennifer Kyle started running when she was in college. Like most runners she does it for many reasons: health, a feeling of accomplishment. Step after step and mile after mile it’s where she feels the most alive. Last October she completed her first half marathon and this July she is hoping to finish her first full marathon at the San Francisco Marathon. Her run will benefit the American Heart Association in honor of Stone Pope and the Pope Family.

“The Pope family has shown so much grace and positivity during an event that is so devastating. It has inspired me to raise awareness and donate as well,” Kyle says. “I was very touched by the Pope Family’s grace in the face of their tragedy.  They have continued to march on, spreading the word and raising awareness.  I also think their strength of character in appreciating the time that they did have with Stone, instead of being angry about the time they lost, is respectable and amazing.”

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are responsible for one third of all birth defect-related deaths. Only 20% of children who make it through birth will not survive past their first birthday. The Pope family experienced this first hand in losing their 17-month-old son, Stone, on February 3, 2015. 

The San Francisco Marathon has partnered with CrowdRise and encourages all 25,000 of its runners to unite and fundraise for a charity they support. Any runner can join an official San Francisco Marathon Charity Team for an opportunity to be a part of the community of giving on CrowdRise. Many of their partner organizations support fundraisers on their journey by offering registration reimbursement, training support, team events, finish line parties, and more. To help Jennifer Kyle raise funds for the event CLICK HERE. To date over $1,000 has already been raised for the American Heart Association.

When she’s not training Kyle is showing her 7-year-old roan gelding, This Is Why Im Here in the All Around events under the guidance of Nancy Renfro.  Horsemanship is one of her favorite events because she thinks both horse and rider have to exercise a lot of strength and control.

“When you get to watch a seasoned team, it is one of best events to see,” Kyle says.

For more information about The San Francisco Marathon and the CrowdRise fundraising Click Here