LMM is proud to announce our official partnership with the Cleveland Marathon, an exciting event that brings together athletes from all walks of life to support important causes. This year, LMM’s own Benjamin Turney, Program Director of Youth Resiliency Services, is taking on the challenge of running the full marathon!
Ben, a 43-year-old Collinwood resident, is no stranger to fitness. Growing up, he competed in amateur boxing and, to this day, continues to fit boxing, as well as the art of jiujitsu, into his workout routine. Alongside boxing and jiujitsu, Ben incorporates running into his fitness regimen, which has been a staple exercise for him for as long as he can remember. Despite his longtime, dedicated running routine, Ben’s participation in the Cleveland Marathon will mark his first-ever full marathon experience.
Leading up to the event, Ben’s emotions are a mix of nervousness and excitement as he prepares to cross the finish line, knowing that each step of the race is also a step toward supporting LMM’s Youth Resiliency Services program. “I’m equal parts nervous and excited,” says Ben. “But I’m doing it for the youth we serve. Every time I run, I think about the young people in our program who are overcoming their own challenges. I’m running this race for them.”
As the Program Director for Youth Resiliency Services, Ben’s role involves guiding young people, many of whom come from backgrounds of abuse and neglect, through a transformative process of healing and growth. The program’s mission is to build resilience in young individuals, offering them the support and resources they need to rise above their circumstances and thrive. Ben finds deep satisfaction in seeing these young people grow stronger and more confident in their futures.
Benjamin’s partnership with the Cleveland Marathon offers an exciting opportunity to raise funds for LMM Youth Resiliency Services, which plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of youth experiencing housing instability in Cleveland. Click the ‘Support Benjamin’ button to directly provide a gift to LMM Youth Resiliency Services in honor of Benjamin’s marathon journey.
Get Involved
If Benjamin’s story inspires you or someone you know to run this year, click here to register for the Cleveland Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. You can choose LMM as your fundraising beneficiary when you sign up! Not ready to run this year? You can also donate directly on the page to support LMM runners.
For more information or to learn how you can help, please contact Brian Sturgeon, LMM’s Director of Individual Giving, at bsturgeon@lutheranmetro.org.
Together, let’s make a difference—one step at a time
