January Athlete Spotlight - Meet Shant Ayanian
- Sarah Plant
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Meet this month's Athlete Spotlight -- Shant Ayanian! Shant is an endurance runner who is drawn to the process of training and the way it structures his days, using races as opportunities to experience new places and cultures. Beyond sport, Shant is deeply committed to caring for others and pursuing academic excellence, all while using running as a space to think, reset, and keep moving forward with purpose. Check out the Q & A with Shant:
Age: 41
Occupation: Doctor
How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?
Running long distance since 2018! Late bloomer in the field of running, but absolutely love it and have been running almost daily since then.
What aspects of training and/or racing do you enjoy most?
For me, the training is what I enjoy most. I love the discipline and routine it gives me. I use racing as an opportunity to travel and explore the world rather than actually race.
What has been your favorite training or racing event, and why?
Paris marathon 2025! The city, crowds and feel of the event was incredible!
What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?
Pizza. Hands down my favorite post workout meal!
What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?
13 academic publications in 2025!!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
We're all growing up still!
Keep on running till I’m 100 years old!!! In all seriousness, I aspire to continue caring for people with the same passion I do today.
What is something no one knows about you?
I sometimes dance while running…. As long as I am sure I am alone on the trail!
Why do you race/train?
It’s my way of processing feelings, events, conflicts…. It’s also my time to plan, strategize and plan how to take over the world.
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