For two decades you couldn’t walk faster than a brisk pace inside the halls of Thomas Jefferson without Paul Ruston taking notice.

The Raider photography teacher doubled as the boys and girls’ cross-country coach for his entire career in red and gold.

On August 10, the foundation that bares his name — the Paul Ruston Foundation — will be hosting its inaugural 5K walk/run race at his home away from home, Thomas Jefferson.

To say that Ruston made an impact on Thomas Jefferson life would be an understatement. Over his 23 year span at TJ, Ruston was a key factor in helping his associate teachers achieve their national boards, which only three percent of the nations teachers achieve.

Ruston was also active in his community. He took charge and hosted middle school cross country championship meets and made an impact on every person he interacted with.

It was just coaching that put Ruston above the rest, it was his skill as well. While in college at the Rochester Institute of Technology he was a three time All-American, and placed second nationally in the 5,000 meter race in 1985. At one point, Ruston held 10 school records in track and if he combined his athlete of the week awards, across track and cross country he would have won 10 times.

He is regarded as one of the best distance runners in RIT history and was inducted into the RIT Hall of Fame in 1991.

The race means more than just another fundraiser to those involved. It is a celebration of the sport of running, community and then some. Before Ruston passed away, he started the Ruston Family Foundation. With the goal to of promoting and expanding Cross Country in and around Washington State.

Ruston made the running community a family and is remembered for the impact he made on so many young lives.

Participants can sign up online by visiting the following link or they can sign up at the event on the 10th. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paul-ruston-memorial-run-tickets-887335423137?aff =oddtdtcreator