It’s Official: I’m a Raven Runner

Meet Raven...the man who started it all.

There’s something about long distance running.
After the sixth mile (give or take), you begin to feel unstoppable — like you could carry on running forever. During these first two months in South Beach, my runs have been a modest two to three miles, which, on the beach, feels more like five.

Last week, I stumbled upon an upbeat group of runners that run eight miles everyday on the beach, rain or shine. When you complete your first eight, they give you a nickname and you get put on the List. The furthest I’ve run since completing the Chicago Marathon in 2006 is ten miles—and that was a good four months ago. Needless to say, I was hesitant about running the full eight. Two days later, my knees are still sore, but it’s totally worth the nickname: The Yellow Rose.

from ravenrun.net

Over 35 years, 8 miles a day, 100,000 Miles, never missing a day. Raven's story.

In 1970 Robert Kraft came back home to South Beach from Nashville and Las Vegas, where he tried to make it as a songwriter.

He started running with some boxers from the 5th Street Gym and slowly built up to 8 miles. He made a New Years resolution to run 8 miles a day for one year starting on January 1st, 1975. He found the benefits mentally, physically and spiritually were all positive so he kept running 8 miles a day on the sands of South Beach.

He has run everyday since. (never missing a day). Over 900 runners ranging in age from 9 to 79, from 61 different countries and 47 states have completed at least one 8 mile run with him.

Everyone who completes the 8 miles gets a nickname and is added to The Raven List. This is a run, not a race although many of the Raven Runners train for races, Raven trains to come back tomorrow.

Raven has the longest known world running streak on the sand and in the same location. He has seen every sunset, never been caught in rush hour traffic and turned what was a negative into a positive becoming an inspiration to others.