Hello! My name is Natalia Lopez and I am excited to be running the 2024 London Marathon as part of the JRS UK Team! I am 23 years old and originally from Centreville, Virginia, USA, right outside of Washington D.C. I am currently here in the UK studying for my Masters degree at Oxford University!
When I first started running three years ago, it was largely an endeavour that I did for myself. I wanted to be healthier and find a new hobby I could try out on my own. However, whenever my running became hard or I had to push myself more, I found myself taking a rest day instead or choosing the easier option. It was only until I started running with and for others that I truly began to push myself outside my comfort zone and achieve running goals I never thought possible.
Running in groups I began to go faster and longer. When training for my first half marathon, I collected donations for Ukrainian refugees and even ran with a dedicated T-shirt. Knowing I was a part of something larger helped me to become a more dedicated and grateful runner!
I am currently getting my MSc in Migration Studies at Oxford University and hope to dedicate my career to working with migrants and refugees. Running for a greater cause has always pushed me to be a better runner, and I can think of no better cause to raise money for than an organisation that works to help the migrant and refugee populations that I also hope to support and work with in the future!
Thank you for reading as well as for your support!
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