Alyssa Walton

As a lifelong athlete, fitness has shaped me as a person and defined my character. Training as a competitive gymnast fostered in me dedication, resilience and drive, and taught me to value strength over skinny, movement over “calories burned.” To me, health isn’t a solo journey; it’s about encouraging others to dream big and move more, which I do every week as I lead hundreds of people in my run club to challenge themselves and go that extra mile.

Training at the gym or with my run club is my favorite way to stay fit. The community and friendship the run club environment brings along with the encouragement I receive is crucial to the progress I've made in the last 2 years. I wouldn't be the athlete I am now without them! We run together multiple times a week, and I was able to finish 5 half marathons since starting my running journey. Growing up as a gymnast using artistic precision, I never dreamed I’d one day be an endurance runner.

With $20,000 I would host more wellness events with my run club. I would award race scholarships as prizes to fellow runners! It would also allow me to grow my business as a licensed Esthetician and certified microblading artist. My dream is to have my own salon suite where I can help people look and feel their best, inside and out. Mental health is wealth, and I want to help other women feel positive and powerful so they can achieve their own dreams.