This weekend, a young woman from Los Angeles will attempt to break several running records at the Los Angeles Marathon. She's our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week, and she's inspiring people around the world!
Imagine running one hundred marathons.
Now, imagine doing it in less than five years, and starting the journey while in college! "I want to inspire the world, to just know that nothing's impossible!" says Jocelyn Rivas.
The marathon runner moved from El Salvador to the United States in 2003, when she was about 6 years old. Jocelyn later became a DACA recipient. In 2017, when the government threatened to end the program and deport DREAMers back to their home countries, Jocelyn was inspired.
She boldly decided to make a name for herself and other DREAMers like her, to prove that they deserved to be here. "Showcasing to the world, like you know what? We're here to do good!" explains Jocelyn. "This is the country that we love, where we have spent, you know, our best years! We love this country!"
So, while attending Cal State LA and working, Jocelyn set out to make history! "I'm trying to break the Guinness World Record, to become the youngest woman to run one hundred marathons!" says Jocelyn, excitedly.
If successful, she will also become the youngest person to run one hundred marathons, and the youngest Latina to do so.
All before she turns 25 years old!
Running did not come easy for Jocelyn. In fact, she was born with a medical condition, and doctors in El Salvador were not sure if she would be able to walk, let alone run. But, through lots physical therapy - and a miracle - according to Jocelyn's mother, she was able to overcome her physical challenges. Jocelyn still has pain, but she gets through it.
Running one hundred marathons can also be expensive. Jocelyn says she's footed the bill nearly all on her own, and it’s been tough.
"Yeah, I honestly do not go out to eat. I try to save as much money as I can," explains the IT support engineer.
Her mountains have been great, but her victories have been greater. Jocelyn Rivas of Los Angeles is our KNX Hero of the Week! With hopes of finishing number one hundred this weekend at the L.A. Marathon, she says she could not have picked a better place break the records!
"That has always been the dream, to make L.A. my 100th," says Jocelyn. "It was my first marathon, and it’s my hometown. It is where I know everyone, the whole running community. It's home!"
KNX Heroes is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes! Go to https://www.crc.com/ for more information.
Follow Jocelyn and her running journey on social media, at @joselinthewarrior on Instagram and @JoselinRuns on Twitter.
Find out what your Helpful SoCal Honda Dealers are up to by heading to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SoCalHondaDealers/
If you know someone who is inspirational, motivational, life-changing or life-saving... nominate them as a future KNX Hero of the Week at https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/nominate