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Yorba Linda marathon runner comes back stronger after many setbacks
Sarah wearing her medal after finishing the Boston Marathon. (Courtesy: Sarah Rossetter)

Yorba Linda marathon runner comes back stronger after many setbacks

YORBA LINDA, Calif. — This impressive young woman was born and raised in the city of Yorba Linda. Meet Sarah Rossetter (31), an avid runner known to many in our community as the Yorba Linda Runner. Many of us residents see her on a regular basis running all over the city and beyond. She loves the freedom she feels while running and being surrounded by God’s beauty every day. Also, being a huge introvert, she loves the peace and quiet that being a runner brings and loves spending time independently.

Ironically, Sarah wasn’t always a runner. In fact, she never participated in running in high school or college and played various other sports growing up. But once she left organized sports, she quickly realized her love for running, and the rest is history.

Last year Sarah completed the Boston Marathon with an incredible 2:58:18 finish time. She has her goal to eventually complete all six of the majors: Boston, New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin, and London. However, her goals have been temporarily put on hold due to some ongoing health issues. 

Having the time of her life while running the Boston Marathon. That smile tells you all you need to know. (Courtesy: Sarah Rossetter)

At 21 years old, Sarah was diagnosed with a rare but life-threatening disease called superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA), which causes gastrointestinal obstruction. She had to undergo an operation that ultimately saved her life. A few years later she was diagnosed with lupus, a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue and organs. Sarah says, “Never Give Up” is a motto she has lived by since she began to experience severe physical illnesses as a teenager. She also had a near-death experience that landed her in the hospital due to being severely anemic. However, even though Sarah has had many setbacks, she always comes back stronger and has never let her health struggles stop her. She has a deep passion for running and hopes her strength and resilience will inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams. 

Sarah realizes she may not be in her ‘prime’ according to society, which shows that one size does not fit all, and everyone has their unique journey. She states, “to any kid reading this: believe in yourself and know you are on the right track. No matter your age, you will get there when it is right for you, and that’s what matters.” 

Sarah recently graduated from Cal State Fullerton in May with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Her absolute dream would be to coach high school or collegiate-level runners. She would love to help athletes reach their full potential. Outside of running she loves to read, write, listen to music, learn new things, play with her puppy Dino, and spend time with her 96-year-old grandmother. Undoubtedly, with her positive mindset, she will never quit, but will continue working hard to achieve her future marathon goals and fulfill her dreams. And all of us in the community will be cheering her on!

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.