Bio:

Jared Blank is a third-generation Portland native, an extreme runner, motivational speaker, sports trainer, dyslexia advocate, and author of Running the Distance – his story of how dyslexia prepared him for life and completing one of the most brutal races in the world. Jared was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 5, long before there was any help in the classroom. Fortunately, a combination of Jared’s will to succeed and his parents unending support resulted in Jared thriving academically and in life. In 2017 he decided to leave his career in collegiate football to use running as a platform for raising awareness and funds to help students just like him. Jared knows the hardships students with learning challenges face and wants to support future students in his home state. He believes that starts with K-3 literacy. Science-based reading and equity need to be at the forefront of our education system.