WE KEN RUN

Born from the Pandemic, WKR Inspires Runners to Rise

Launched in July 2020 by marathon coach Ken Mendola ("CK"), WeKenRun (WKR) was a response to the isolating challenges of the pandemic. Aiming to inspire and motivate athletes, CK started with a small group that quickly blossomed into a thriving running community.

Following strict COVID protocols, members embraced virtual runs, supporting each other through pacing, shared supplies, and unwavering encouragement. Recognizing the need for competition despite canceled races, CK introduced innovative 16-week time trial events seamlessly integrated into personalized WKR training plans.

Today, WKR boasts a diverse team of 200 athletes united by a shared passion: becoming better versions of themselves. Whether training for ultramarathons, spartan races, or triathlons, WKR fosters personal success through hard work, trust in the process, and a supportive community spirit.

  • Our Mission

    To empower and inspire individuals to transcend their ordinary selves through the transformative journey of running, united by a shared commitment to continuous improvement and wellness.

  • Our Vision

    To pioneer inclusivity and unwavering dedication to running, envisioning a trailblazing organization that cultivates vibrant communities, one stride at a time.

Our Core Values

  • Run your first marathon or crush a new personal best

    We've all experienced the mood-boosting power of a good run. But at WKR, we believe in unlocking something deeper: empowering you to build a healthier lifestyle.

    Our program goes beyond the finish line, creating sustainable change that impacts your life in meaningful ways. Hear from our members and discover how our program has helped them.

  • Beyond Coaching: Building a Supportive Community

    At WeKenRun, we go beyond just training; we build a supportive community that fuels your journey. Our pace groups become your extended family, offering encouragement, motivation, and emotional support every step of the way.

    You'll find accountability partners, cheerleaders, and fellow runners who understand your struggles and celebrate your victories.

  • Diverse

    At WeKenRun, we believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness, regardless of their background or identity. We're proud to offer Coach Ken Mendola's world-class training to athletes of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

    From young runners just starting out to seasoned veterans pushing their limits, everyone is welcome in our inclusive community.

Success stories

Alfrence Braza

One of the country’s seasoned track and field athlete, Alfrence “Prince” Braza is the Southeast Asian Games 2021 Bronze Medalist, 2019 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist, and Asics Rock n’ Roll Run 1st place for 10KM. Prince started training under Coach Ken to qualify for the PATAFA Championship, which he won 2nd place then eventually qualified for SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Success Stories

Camille Aromas

From Lawyer to Marathoner. Don't let her day job fool you!

WeKenRun's 2020 Rookie of the Year, is a testament to the power of dedication. Despite having zero prior athletic experience, Camille laced up her shoes in early 2020 and hasn't looked back. By the end of that year, she'd conquered the Paris Marathon! Since then, she's ran marathons in Berlin, New York, Tokyo, and Chicago. Next on her list? The London Marathon this month!

Success Stories

Noah

The youngest member of WeKenRun. Under CK’s tutelage, at 10 years old she achieved a personal best of 23 minutes for her 5km run. She recently, placed 3rd in the Vermosa Green Run race among the female all-gender category.

Noah is now part of a track & field varsity in the U.S. 

Success Stories

Adel Torres

WeKenRun’s oldest member, age 64, Adel started running in 2013. A seasoned marathoner, 19 marathons, he finished local races in The Bull Runner Dream Marathon twice, Condura Marathon, Rock and Roll Marathon and Milo Eliminations and Finals and World Marathon Majors: Chicago, Berlin and New York, Berlin, London, all at a sub5-hour time. His 42km PB is 4:11:57.

He is currently training to run a Boston Qualifying marathon and hopefully qualify for Boston.

Success Stories

Sam Velasco

“A marathon was something I said I could never do until I did.” - Sam Velasco, Entrepreneur/ Marathoner

Success Stories

Ralph Lagrisola

Ralph, the hopeless romantic of the group, started running as a coping mechanism after a breakup. Running became his time for reflection. When the pandemic hit, Ralph said running was the activity he held onto most. As he continued running, people around him noticed a transformation: he lost about 40 lbs. since he started. He's even finished 3 marathons, with his best time of 3:38:23 at the Berlin Marathon.