ASA Spotlight: Ramon Gonzalez
ASA Wingman and Brand Ambassador
WINGMAN SPOTLIGHT
Join us each month as we interview and feature members of the ASA Community! This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Wingman and Brand Ambassador, Ramon Gonzalez.
1. Tell us more about yourself. What would you like readers to know?
My name is Ramon Gonzalez, I started running back in 2006, and my first race was a St. Patrick’s 5K in St. Louis, MO. I’d never participated in a race before and that first race was enough to get me started and hooked on running! I have been running ever since and have run over a dozen marathons, and countless half marathons and most recently started venturing out into triathlons and ultras, completing my first sprint triathlon in 2023 and my second 50K ultra in 2024 as well. I acquired my running coaching certification through RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) as a way to learn more about the sport and hopefully help others on the way.
2. What drew you to ASA? When did you start?
I had seen the ASA Teams in several races, either passing me by or cheering on other runners! One day, I looked closer and couldn’t help but take a closer look and see the joy of the Athletes as they were getting to the starting line and the big smiles they had throughout the race. That got me thinking about participating and being part of the team. I finally got to talk to one of the Wingmen, who pointed me in the right direction to get started. I joined the ASA team as a Wingman a year ago in 2023.
3. What do you love most about ASA?
What I most love about ASA is seeing the joy that running brings to the Athletes who get to participate in all of the events.
4. Tell us more about the people you've connected with through ASA.
It is amazing how many Captains and Wingmen are out there helping out, and most importantly, the Athletes’ enthusiasm and excitement get you inspired and ready for the event at hand!
5. What is your favorite part of a group run?
My favorite part of a group run is meeting and learning about the Athletes, having a casual run with the Captains and Wingmen where great conversation takes place, and getting to learn about their own running experiences.
6. What is your favorite part of race day?
My favorite part of race day is seeing all the Athletes coming together, getting ready for the start of the race, but mostly, the end of the race as each of the Athletes crosses the finish line with that big smile on their face, just the way I remember when I decided I wanted to be a part of it!
7. What is your best ASA story to date?
My best ASA story has to be my first race with the ASA team which was the 2023 RunFest. At the request of one of the Athletes, we played nothing but country music from beginning to end of the race, and the smiles and laughs of joy the Athletes displayed as favorite songs were playing, that was just unforgettable, and what a joy for us to see that and get the motivation to crank the volume up and keep running to the finish line!
