Denis
ELITE Ambassador 2023
Hi everybody! My name is Denis da Silva, I’m a forty-three-year-old very active father. I am passionate about running and its community. I am originally from Brazil and have been living in Seattle for almost fifteen years. In addition to running, I am an avid kiteboarder and being on the water is another passion of mine. About three years ago, I was injured and ended up in surgery getting my left hip fixed. I spent about 9 months on my couch during 2020. About 1 month after surgery, I decided I wanted to run more seriously and challenge my body and in only one year I progressed from 5k runs, starting in November 2020, to ultimately run my first marathon in November 2021 (Seattle Marathon!) in 3:41h. I completely fell in love with the 26.2-mile distance; however, I am still excited about 13.1 and shorter distances. I truly appreciate and enjoy running throughout our beautiful City of Seattle and with our great community, as well as many other places around the PNW. Two goals I have in mind for 2023 are: 1) Run smart and minimize chance of major injuries, while staying active all year long on the road, trail, or water; and 2) Run a marathon under 3:20h. I could add BQ as a goal for 2023 as well, but that would be too ambitious at this point, and I am totally OK if that doesn’t happen this early in my recent runner’s life. I am beyond stoked to have this opportunity to join the Seattle Marathon Association as part of the Elite Ambassador Team for the second year! I am looking forward to all of you joining me in SMA summer and fall events, runs around our streets, and share the course!!! If you want to connect, check out my running training journey, where I will be racing, participate in one of my giveaways for free race entries, as well as check out our PNW kiteboarding actions, follow me on Instagram @deniskitesnw