If you have been around the running community for any length of time, it’s likely you have met Holly Varian. Holly (pictured in the middle) is a runner and volunteer who has a heart for service.⠀
⠀
Hi, I’m Holly Varian. My husband Duey and I have two kids Coral (19) and Jonah (17). ⠀
⠀
When did you start running?⠀I participated in my first race in 2008, the Columbus Marathon, raising money for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. ⠀
⠀
Favorite thing about running?⠀I love the people I meet while pushing my body and raising funds to help with cancer research. ⠀
⠀
Favorite race(s) in Central Ohio?⠀The Columbus Marathon will always have a special place because it was my first race. Our whole family made memories of participating and volunteering with Flying Feather Four Miler special memories I will never forget!⠀
⠀
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?⠀To someone new, I’d encourage them to dive into a group of people who encourage them in their pursuits.⠀
⠀
When did you start volunteering?⠀I began volunteering immediately following an injury where I was sidelined from running or walking. ⠀
⠀
What role(s) have you fulfilled as a volunteer?⠀I’ve fulfilled every part of volunteering and later became the Volunteer Coordinator for M3S Sports in an effort to recruit and organize volunteers to assist with their races.⠀
⠀
Why do you volunteer?⠀Volunteering was a way to encourage others, build friendships and be a part of the running community. I have made lifelong friendships and some amazing opportunities to see our city through volunteering. ⠀
⠀
What advice would you give someone who may be thinking about volunteering? ⠀I would encourage every athlete to volunteer for a race. Seeing what is needed behind the scenes to make a race happen will make you truly appreciate all the behind-the-scenes work that is required to make a race operate smoothly!⠀
