Alumnus is leader and advocate for slow and beginning runners

Central Michigan University alumnus Martinus Evans ('09) is the Founder and CEO of "Slow AF Run Club," a 25-thousand-plus member online community for slow runners and walkers at the back of the pack.

The group was founded to empower every person to become a runner in the body they have right now. Evans' personal journey began over a decade ago, when his doctor called him fat and told him he needed to start walking to “lose weight or die.”

Faced with the shame and stigma many people in larger bodies face, Evans made the choice to stand up for himself. He left the doctor’s office vowing to not only start walking regularly, but also to finish a marathon, so he bought running shoes that same day.

Over ten years later, Evans has been an adidas spokesperson, a model on the cover of Runner’s World, and a Boston Marathon finisher. He has finished over 100 races including 8 marathons, all while changing the perception of what a runner is supposed to look like, and inspiring many people along the way.

Last week, Evans' book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run, was released by Avery Publishing, and quickly became the #1 best seller in the Track and Field Sports category on Amazon.com.