Jared Ward: Mormon Athlete

Jared Ward is a distance runner and a marathon champion. In March 2015, he finished third in the Los Angeles Marathon and at the same time became the 2015 U.S. marathon champion as the top American finisher. In his debut marathon two years ago, he timed 2:16. In the fall 2014, he placed second in the Twin Cities Marathon with a time of 2:14:00. His time in the Los Angeles Marathon was 2:12:55. His coach, Ed Eyestone, is a two-time Olympic marathoner and track and field head coach as well as cross-country head coach at Brigham Young University, where Ward is studying statistics. He will graduate with a master's degree in statistics in April 2016. His thesis is on the optimal pace strategy of a marathon. Eyestone said the win in Los Angeles made Ward a contender for the Olympic team.[1] The 2016 L.A. Marathon will serve as the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon. After graduating with his master's degree, he plans to focus on training for the marathon. He accepted sponsorship from international running brand Saucony and will continue to train under Eyestone.

Ward was born in Layton, Utah. At Davis High School, he was a three-time state champion in the 1,600 meters, 3,200 meters, and sprint medley (2007). He served a mission to Pennsylvania for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ward and his wife, Erica, are the parents of two children.