ASA SPOTLIGHT: Yusef Darrehmane
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Tell us a little more about yourself. What would you like readers to know?
Yusef is an easy-going guy who loves to spend time with his friends and family. He graduated from the Cedar Lane School in 2021. When he is not racing, he enjoys bowling and other activities with his friends, listening to music, and visiting his big sister. He heard about ASA at school, and some of his friends were involved.
What drew you to ASA? When did you start?
He first started racing in 2014, and he did training runs at school with staff who were Wingmen. Now he trains with the ASA Howard County Community at Lake Elkhorn.
What do you love most about ASA?
He and his family have really enjoyed getting to know the running community via ASA, as well as people who may not be long-term runners but want to help athletes.
Tell us more about the people you have met through ASA.
At the Baltimore 10-Miler, we saw thousands of people come together for a cause, and we learned that one of his Wingmen had run multiple marathons back-to-back at Disney World. This is a dedicated group!
What is your favorite part of race day?
He really enjoys getting up early in the morning (go figure) because he knows that he is going to do something special and different that day. He may sleep in his jogger, but don’t be fooled by the snoozing. He loves being around his team and feeling the energy of the group.
What is your best ASA story to date?
His favorite race is always the most recent one he did because every day and race is a little different. His most recent race was October 2023 in his hometown of Ellicott City at the Every Step Counts 5K. It was raining, but so many people still came out to support a great cause. Making friends, and supporting our community at the same time—that is what ASA is all about!
