Olympian Leonel Manzano is hosting the mile event series for the benefit of his foundation. Leo was born in Mexico and came to the United States when he was four years old. Growing up in a financially limited area, he found great opportunity through running. Blessed with talent, through high school he developed to be the state's fastest miler, winning state championships in the 800 meter and mile races. Leo went on to receive a full scholarship to run for The University of Texas where he won multiple NCAA titles at the Division One NCAA Championships in the indoor and outdoor mile. Today, Leo wants to give back to the sport that created an incredible opportunity for him. Leo's foundation focuses on funding underprivileged running programs, specifically, providing apparel and shoe merchandise for cross country and track and field runners who have limited resources at their schools in Texas. The Manzano Mile is the first event in which Leo seeks to raise money for this cause.
