Olympian Jared Ward had an exceptional racing season last year. At the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, he finished third to secure a berth to Rio de Janeiro. “My proudest moment would be racing at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials this past year,” says Ward. “Not because I realized the dream of making an Olympic Team, but because I learned so many things about myself running the hardest race of my life.” At the Olympics, Ward ran conservatively in the heat and humidity and moved up through the pack as other more experienced racers faded. Ward finished in sixth place, less than a minute and a half out of the medals. “The coming together of so many athletes from so many different countries at the Olympics is something special,” says Ward. “And to represent my country was beyond special. There are so many people that have sacrificed so much for our country, and putting on the USA singlet and running for my country was very empowering.” Also in 2016, he won the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, placed fourth at the Brooklyn Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, finished runner up at the U.S. 25K Road Running Championships, and represented the U.S. at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, where he finished 26th. In 2015, he won the USATF Running Circuit title by winning the U.S. National Championships in the Marathon, 25K and 20K and finishing second in the half marathon. Olympian Ed Eyestone is his coach.

“Athletics has shaped me,” says Ward. “Running has taught me to work hard and aim high, in addition to focusing on being my best regardless of someone else’s talent level. I have learned to glean good from even disappointing outcomes and use the good and the less good races to fuel growth.” Ward ran for Bringham Young University, where he was an All-American. He graduated with a master’s degree in statistics and now teaches and coaches track at BYU. Ward plays the trumpet and piano and likes to mountain bike in the off season. He is married to wife Erica, and the couple has three children: Paul, Ellie and Julia. “Boston is iconic for marathon running,” says Ward. “Since my first marathon in Chicago three years ago, I have dreamed about Boston. I’m thrilled to be running this year and I hope to be able to put together a good race and contend with the best. I feel I have a great opportunity to run with Galen, Meb, Abdi and an incredible U.S. field. America can claim the top spot on the podium, and I’m thrilled to race for that along with my American teammates.”

“#BeBoston means to do your best on the biggest stage. To #BeBoston is more important than to win Boston; it lasts much longer.”