Rockell Jackson
For Rockell, running has always been tied to her love of sports. From soccer and basketball to field hockey, she’s been on the move since childhood. “I’ve always been very competitive,” she shared. “I had to practice my run so I could score!” That athletic drive laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for running.
What she enjoys most today is seeing how far she’s come — both physically and mentally. “I love seeing my progress, knowing what I’m capable of, and being able to control my health,” she said. Shaving her mile time down from 13 to 8–9 minutes has been just one of many personal victories.
Music is a must-have on every run, and Rockell keeps things in perspective with some grounded advice for newcomers:
“Start with your own goals instead of comparing yourself to others. One goal could be walking for 10 minutes a day — it doesn’t have to be about speed.”
She found the Casey Cares 5K while searching for local races — but it was the mission that truly stood out. “I love how their donations help children in need of surgery and financial assistance,” Rockell said.
She also appreciates the thoughtful planning that goes into the race. “It’s well-organized, the information is easy to find, there are several ways to track your run, and I love the location in the park and zoo area. It just makes for a great experience.”
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