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Professional track runner from Bowie gives back to local student athletes

"If you have a passion, I believe you should do it," Asha Ruth, professional American sprinter, says.

BOWIE, Md. — A professional track runner is giving back to student athletes in the same community she grew up in.

Asha Ruth, a professional American sprinter, will hold a day-long event this summer to help young athletes develop their skills. 

Ruth is also hosting her inaugural "Ruthless Speed Day Clinic," on Aug. 3. It's an event focused on helping students athletes develop their speed, agility, mobility and core.

The free event is for boy and girls involved in any sport between the ages of 12 and 17. It'll be held at Bowie High School, located at 15200 Annapolis Rd. in Bowie, MD., where she graduated before accepting a full scholarship to Rutgers University.

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"I believe that these athletes will develop the skills and technique they need to use throughout their season, whether they're trying to make that JV team, varsity team or compete on a collegiate level, " Ruth said.

Ruth has recruited coaches from several professional sports to train students at the clinic.

In 2018, Ruth became an American record holder. She helped break a 24-year record in a 4x200 meter relay at the Dr. Sander Invitational held at The Armory New Balance Track & Field Center.

She said she sacrificed a lot to prepare for it, working a full-time job while training before she decided to chase her passion full-time.

But Ruth's advice for those scared to take that leap of faith is to simply try.

"If you have a passion, I believe you should do it," Ruth said. "Life is too short to spend time doing something you're not passionate about."

The deadline to register for the "Ruthless Speed Day Clinic" is July 26. 

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