APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2021 21
living fit
meet the athlete
Meet the athlete
Yon Yilma
By Mae Jacobson, Associate Editor
Distance runner Yon Yilma emigrated from Ethiopia to
Washington state at age 12. In Edmonds, he found his
calling in junior high, breaking the school record for the mile
in eighth grade. Yon continued to develop his speed in high
school and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage on a
running scholarship. Since graduation, Yon has continued to
grow his athletic career as coach of the Cascade Run Club
and winner of the 2013 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon. He
joined the WAC in 2020.
Q. Tell us about winning the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.
A. It was my first full marathon ever. I was terrified. But once
the starting gun went off, my competitive side kicked in and I
was in my natural element.
Q. How do you use the WAC?
A. Currently, I train Tri/Cycle team runners. My ultimate goal
is to start an elite WAC running group.
Q. Tell us about the Cascade Run Club.
A. Nowadays, coaching is one of my biggest passions. I love
building a community and helping others achieve their goals.
Q. What athletic goals are you working toward?
A. My absolute biggest goal is to run a 2 hour and 10 minute
marathon. I won Rock 'n' Roll in 2:29. In the immediate future,
I'd like to compete in the Chicago or Boston marathons this fall.
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WAC fitness areas are open! Get back to your
favorite workout with Fitness Advantage, your
all-access pass to WAC fitness floors, locker
rooms, and group fitness classes. As of press
time, locker rooms were open for changing,
and fitness showers were located on the 16th
Floor of the Inn at the WAC. We look forward
to a full reopening of the locker rooms based on
state COVID-19 guidelines. Sign up for Fitness
Advantage at wac.net/fa-signup. To learn more
about personal training, visit wac.net/training.
