Running toward recovery: nonprofit helps people rebuild their lives through fitness

Founder and executive director Anthony Ysasaga knows firsthand how difficult recovery can be. After years of struggling with alcohol addiction and repeated relapses, Ysasaga found sobriety through a 12-step recovery program. He began incorporating exercise into his recovery, eventually becoming an Ironman triathlete. I ended up finally getting clean, which was fantastic. But during that time I thought, what can I do? What can I do to help bolster this? Ysasaga said. His commitment to helping others became even more personal in 2019, when his daughter, Amanda, died in a crash that he said involved alcohol. Ysasaga was two years sober at the time and said the tragedy strengthened his determination to help others struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. He developed a recovery approach built around four principles: mental and emotional health, community service, spirituality, and physical fitness. Running for Renewal officially became a nonprofit in April 2026, although Ysasaga said he had been developing and using his approach for several years. The organization works alongside traditional recovery programs rather than replacing them, offering participants personalized goals, accountability, and encouragement. Ysasaga said the group has attracted approximately 58 members, including people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The Running for Renewal 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Run is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, in Little Elm. This will be Kevin Green of Canton s first race with the group. The avid runner turned to the sport after more than a decade of alcohol addiction. In March 2013, Green said he woke up in the back of an ambulance following a crash after drinking. I was very, very scared, because I didn t know if I took somebody s life, Green recalled. Although he survived the crash, he continued drinking for more than a year before quitting in September 2014. The next morning, he began pursuing an ambitious goal: running the Boston Marathon. Since then, Green said he has completed 18 marathons, including three Boston Marathons, along with 41 half marathons. He recently joined Running for Renewal, hoping to share his experience and support others facing similar struggles. Everybody here is to love you and support you through all the struggles that you ve gone through, Green said. For Green, the opportunity to connect with others in recovery is just as meaningful as the miles they run together. Same goes for Lavonne Fajardo, who s been sober for four years. When I went into recovery, I thought I can do it all on my own. And that was the biggest lie I could have told myself, Fajardo said. It wasn t until I got the community that I unlocked that healing. Fajardo, an endurance athlete who has completed marathons and a sprint triathlon, said running has helped her develop the mental strength to navigate difficult moments, including cravings. She also hopes her experience will encourage others who are struggling with addiction. The event also honors Scott Mages and Andre Kocher, two members of the Frisco Triathlon Club who were killed in December 2025 when a truck struck them during a training ride near Pilot Point. The race carries another personal meaning for Ysasaga, who is dedicating the event to the memory of his daughter, Amanda. For participants, the event represents more than a physical accomplishment. It is an opportunity to celebrate progress, build confidence, and recognize how far they have come in their recovery. Fajardo sees the upcoming race as another milestone in a journey that continues well beyond the finish line. When I cross that finish line, it s not a finish line. It s the beginning of my next start line. Registration for the Running for Renewal 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Run has been extended through Tuesday, Oct. 13. For more information or to register, visit Running for Renewal s website.