Mary Ramba lives today because she runs. Nearly twelve years ago she was in a downward spiral of eating and drinking, which was affecting her health and emotional well being. She had ballooned to nearly twice her current size and knew that she could not continue along the path. She began running. She has not looked back.

The only part of that 1997 Mary Ramba that we would reconize would be her drive. Having made her decision to adopt this new lifestyle, it was Mary’s drive that insured the conversion. It is no surprise that Mary mostly skipped the intermediary stage of walk before run. That first year she didn’t run in races she just ran – longer and longer. In November of 1998, having shed more than 70 pounds she completed her first marathon, Space Coast, in 4:22. In January of 2000 she finished the Walt Disney World Marathon in 3:59, qualifying for Boston. She ran even more miles in preparation for Bean town, often piggybacking a 20 miler on Sunday on top of a 15 miler on Saturday. She became Marathon Mary, completing more than 20 marathons in the ensuing several years along with countless races of shorter distances. She has won the SCR Runner of the Year award in her age groups eight of the past nine years.

Not long after her first marathon, Mary became involved in Space Coast Runners. She was elected to the Board of Directors in June of 2000 and has served continuously since. A constant contributor, Mary co-edited the newsletter with Patti Sponsler from December 2000 to June 2001, when she was elected vice-president. She served as vice-president until May, 2003 and again from August 2004 to June 2006. During the latter term she also assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors of Space Coast Runners. An even more visible role to the rank and file runner was day of races duty. Along with husband Gene, she has lugged equipment to, timed, and scored countless races over the past eight years.

Mary has been there for all runners with a cheery greeting, helpful advice, and a willingness to contribute for the good of the running community. for the past seven years she also has found time to co-direct the Downtown Melbourne 5K, which benefits The Haven, her favorite charity. She stepped in and coached the cross-country teams at Edgewood when they needed help, and contributed also to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. She has invited family and friends to share her running experience, and many have accepted her challenge and are the better for it.

Running with Mary along south Tropical Trail on a Sunday morning or River Road during the week goes something like this: a swarm of bikes rushes by; several voices are heard to say “Hi Mary”; “how’s it going Mary?” A group of runners pass: “Hi Mary; “good job in the race, Mary.” A motorist calls out from h is window, “Good to see you Mary.” Everyone knows Mary; everyone knows that Mary symbolizes running in Brevard County. Everyone leaves a contact with Mary feeling positive and upbeat. She truly is the Brevard County Ambassador of Running.  — Submitted by Frank Webbe