FITRunner Spotlight: Jared Ewing
From Uncertain to Unstoppable: A Conversation with Jared Ewing
In 2018, Jared Ewing experienced a life-changing accident that led to major surgery and an uncertain athletic future. What could have been the end of his running journey became the beginning of something far greater.
Since then, Jared has completed over 50 marathons, placed 2nd at the Boston Marathon in his division, run a 3:01 marathon ANS completed his first 100-mile ultra. He has been on 5 trips with FIT and joined in at Boston twice!
We asked Jared about the mindset behind the miles:
What is your favorite FIT Memory?
“My favorite FIT memory has to be from Kenya. Going on the Safaris, literally having Lions come up right next to the vehicle. About as close as you could get. Being at the Governor's camp and having the animals come through the resort was pretty cool too! An overall amazing experience.”
You’ve completed a 100-mile ultra. What was going through your mind in those final miles?
“In the final moments of the 100 mile, I really was just focusing on continuing to move forward to get the completion and under 24 hours like I wanted. I was so sapped on other thoughts, it was kinda hard to process everything. When I was still on the trail late into the race and evening, it seemed like the uphill battles would never end, but I just kept telling myself lets win this battle, trying to break down the race even more into smaller battles.”
What kept you moving during the toughest moments?
“What kept me moving was just the thought that I had so many (Whys) on why this race was so important to me. I had people who I needed to inspire, who I needed to motivate. I knew I was going to finish the race. There was going to be no quitting. My story has been so incredible, and just getting this win as well would just make my story that more epic and inspiring. I mostly do things, because I love having a story of triumph and inspiration. I know the things that I will accomplish will have a bigger impact on others than even myself, so I keep going.”
How has your relationship with running changed since your accident?
“My relationship has changed a lot with running. My one friend told me that I should call my story "can't stop won't stop" because it is what keeps me mentally and physically healthy. I have a disabled leg, and my running is what is literally saving my leg and the health of it. My leg has very poor circulation from an accident I was in. So I have to run, to keep my leg healthy, which in turn keeps my mind and body healthy. I have to run.”
You’ve run 50+ marathons since 2018 and recently ran a 3:01. What drives you?
“What drives me is my curiosity to find out what I am made of, to find out what my mind and body is capable of, to search its limits. I have so much love and support, and people who look up to me and root for me, that in itself is something that drives me. But as far as wanting to continue to run farther and faster, is something that I believe will always be the next challenge, and those challenges are what I believe life is all about. It is not about being comfortable, it is about choosing hard uncomfortable things that will strengthen you and make you a better person.”
What’s next for you?
“Breaking 3 hours in the marathon is next. I’m also running Antarctica in March — that’ll be six continents for me. I’m working toward a marathon in every state, a sub-4 in every state, and I’d like to complete the Grand Slam of Ultra Running this summer. Eventually, I want to try a 200+ mile race and a full Ironman.”
What do you hope others take from your journey?
“What I hope people get is that they are not limited by what others say, whether that is doctors, loved ones, or even themselves. Too many people find excuses why they can't do something before they even can start. It is really sad. "I have a bad knee doctors say I shouldn't run marathons anymore", "the doctors say my hip is shot and that my running days are over". I just don't understand this sort of statements. They are literally not even giving themselves a chance to believe. I like to say, what do you really want, do you want to run a marathon? Well that is where you start. Then you say, I want to run a marathon but I have a bad hip or knees, well then we can work with that. We can then try to find solutions. It really is just about believing in yourself.”
What advice would you give someone who’s considering their first international race or joining FIT for the first time?
My advice would be to do it! I know it is cliché, but life really is just so short. If you want to do something, do it. As someone that has almost lost my life, my leg, I know firsthand that life can change or end in the blink of an eye. Too many people wait or put things off, and I understand their reasoning, but if you want to do something bad enough, you will make it happen and there is no waiting. Live life, don't let it live you. Also, FIT has been an absolute blessing in my life. From the people who work there, to all of the amazing friends I have made through them and then all of the adventures. The races really do take a back seat to all of that and are just the icing on the cake. I'd tell people to get out of their comfort zone, go somewhere new, go do something hard. That is where real growth and happiness lie.
A Perspective Bigger Than Pace
What stands out most about Jared isn’t just the miles - it’s his perspective.
There’s no bitterness. No victim mindset. Just gratitude, curiosity and an unwavering belief in growth. He chooses hard things on purpose. He runs not just for himself, but to show others what’s possible when you refuse to let circumstances define you.
The races are impressive.
The attitude is what makes him unforgettable.
After completing his 100-miler, Jared texted his goddaughters:
“Do not EVER let someone tell you what you can and can't do in this world, and don't ever tell yourself that you can't, nor make excuses why you can't. If you believe in yourself — and that is the key — to BELIEVE in yourself — you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. Just know it won't come easy, but you CAN do it.”
And that message isn’t just for them, it’s for all of us.
Jared, we’re so grateful you’re part of this community.
Thank you for showing us what resilience looks like and thank you for the energy and the reminder that growth lives on the other side of hard.
Keep chasing. Keep believing. Keep inspiring.
