My Story
Down with Running was founded by me, Matt Lamos. I'm a dad, a husband, and a runner. When our youngest daughter, Lilly, was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome, we made the choice to give her every opportunity to try hard things.
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Through watching Lilly, I discovered running and experienced firsthand the physical and mental transformation that comes with it. What started as inspiration from Lilly turned into a personal pursuit to push my own limits. Over the past few years, I've completed multiple ultramarathons, four 50Ks and two marathons. Six years ago, I wasn't a runner at all.
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My hope is to share her story and how much she inspires me every day. I hope she can do the same for you.
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- Matt
Lilly's Story
We have always encouraged Lilly to push herself. While we knew she would struggle, we wanted her to learn how to fail, because taking the easy road wasn't going to help her grow.​ The results have been undeniable. At the age of two, Lilly used a walker to get around. By age four, she ran the final 200 meters of the Des Moines Marathon!
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In February 2025, she climbed to the top of a rock wall at therapy and shouted "Oh yeah baby". It was a moment that captured everything DwR stands for. For most kids her age, it might go unnoticed, but for Lilly it represented real physical strength, muscle control, and a huge leap in communication. This is what progress looks like. Watching Lilly overcome her challenges has continued to be a major source of inspiration for everyone around her.
Our Mission
DwR is dedicated to empowering people to stay fit by running and staying active. We believe that fitness is accessible to everyone regardless of circumstance and that it can help improve cognitive and long-term physical ailments. Our mission is to provide support and resources to those who want to accomplish their next goal, and the one after that.
