This year marks the eighth annual 7 Bridges Marathon and television host Ryan Van Duzer will join in the festivities, running side by side with participants, interacting and documenting the journey.
“I’m incredibly excited to visit Chattanooga for the first time and see its beauty up close and personal for 26 fun miles," said Mr. Van Duzer. "I’ve always loved the southern hospitality of Tennessee, and I’m looking forward to making new friends in Chattanooga.”
Mr. Van Duzer, the self-proclaimed world-traveling, adventure-loving, goofball is from Boulder, Co., located at the foothills of the Rockies and has always loved playing in the dirt and exploring the great outdoors. His passion is getting people excited to explore the planet, and making it a better place.
A bicycle enthusiast, Mr. Van Duzer does not have a driver’s license or own a car, and after two years in the Peace Corps, he rode his bike home, 4,000 miles from Honduras to Boulder. Other previous adventures include surviving the jungles of Venezuela for a month eating bugs to survive for a film for the Discovery Channel, running a 100 miler, riding a cruiser bike across the U.S.A. promoting bicycle advocacy with the League of American Cyclists, cycling from Vancouver to Cabo San Lucas Mexico, promoting the efforts of People for Bikes, cycled from Boulder to the infamous Burningman festival (1,000 miles across the West) and has also trekked the Three Passes in Nepal and visited Everest Base camp.
Mr. Van Duzer hosts TV and web shows, as well as produces, shoots and edits branded content. He shares motivational stories at schools and businesses, emcees and writes articles for different publications. With more than 25,000 subscribers, Mr. Van Duzer shares his world travels and adventures on his YouTube channel DuzerTV.
"We're excited to have Ryan be a part of our 7 Bridges Marathon weekend,” said Jay Nevans, race director. “We think sharing our love of Chattanooga and all its scenic beauty is a big part of our event and we believe his audience will find Chattanooga special just like we do."
Registration and other information about the Sunday, Oct. 22, full and half marathons, relay, 5K, and family fun run can be found here.
Ryan Van Duzer