Andrew Vargas is what is best about the Skid Row Running Club. His commitment to sobriety. His positive outlook on life – regardless of what life throws at him. His gratitude in all things. His joy in what life has to offer. His sense of wonder. These things – and so much more.
For those who traveled with Andrew for this year’s international marathon in New Delhi, we will never forget how much he added to all of our experiences. Perhaps, the image most of us immediately bring to mind is when we were in the Maldives. There was Andrew, who really could not swim, with life vest strapped on, paddling out beyond the surf line. He simply refused to be denied the experience of swimming and snorkeling in this world renowned location.
For those of us who were in the water with him, we were far more apprehensive than he was. Despite his vest nearly coming off, despite him swallowing mouthful after mouthful of sea water, he would not be deterred. And much of the reason he swallowed so much sea water was because he could not stop smiling and shouting his excitement out to everyone within earshot. His joy immeasurably increased everyone else’s joy. For that, we will always be grateful to Andrew. He is a walking lesson on how a positive attitude can totally change the way one experiences life.
Sincerely,
Judge Craig Mitchell
From Death’s Door to Running Marathons
Andrew ended up at the Midnight Mission on Skid Row one day. He didn’t know how or why. Eventually, he pieced together that he was discharged from a hospital after having successful brain surgery to remove a large tumor from his head.
While the surgery successfully saved his life, it left him without 75% of his memory, in other words, he was lost. Fortunately, his social worker told him to stop thinking about himself and instead focus on helping others. So one weekend he found himself at the top of Angeles National Forest, patching up roads and ditches a day prior to the Skid Row Running Club’s inaugural Moonlight Ultra Marathon. The next day he spent the entire night running loops around Mt. Chilao with a group of new friends. This was the summer of 2022.
That fall he would run in his first organized race, the Big Bear Half Marathon. He wore his brand-new Skid Row Running Club shirt tank top and as he was running toward the finish line, the crowd erupted in cheers, yelling “Skid Row!” and was interviewed by the media after crossing. Andrew says he never recalled experiencing such positivity and a strong sense of belonging. He was hooked.
Since then, Andrew runs faithfully on Skid Row and always makes sure to sprint his hardest down the last block. He always brings a cheerful spirit, volunteers his time for the club and encourages people in recovery to start running because he also wants to give them a new lease on life.