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When Beth Caruso sought out her first marathon, she looked for a race that was, among other things, approachable. The Marine Corps Marathon fit the bill. “It’s the people’s marathon!” Beth said. “I knew I could finish it too.” 

Gearing up for the race, Beth looked to add meaning (and friendship) to her miles. She reached out to her longtime friend and running partner, Melissa, with an idea: they’d run the 2017 Marine Corps Marathon together for the Organization for Autism Research. Both have a strong connection to the autism community, as both Beth’s godson, Joshua, and Melissa’s sons are autistic.  

At first, Melissa, amidst taking a break from distance running, was an emphatic “no” to the proposition. However, after a few training runs together, she got on board. So, Beth and Melissa took on the 2017 Marine Corps marathon together.  

The rest is RUN FOR AUTISM history. Since 2017, Beth has run 17 events with RUN FOR AUTISM, crisscrossing the United States and even participating in virtual races during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she’s part of the inaugural RUN FOR AUTISM ambassador cohort, a group of long-time OAR athletes working to engage and strengthen the RFA community. 

Beth’s inspiration is her godson, Joshua. When she first met Joshua, he was two years old and non-speaking. His path has been challenging. “He was, in essence, kicked out of public school in the 2nd grade, which turned out to be a blessing. He transferred to a collaborative school that was the perfect fit,” Beth said. 

Joshua stayed in this collaborative school until his high school graduation. “At his graduation, his teachers marveled about how far he had come. He was no longer the little boy that would threaten to harm others, run whenever and wherever he pleased, and whose behavior was at times very difficult to control. His transformation was so remarkable that they even asked him to write a testimonial for the school. His graduation ceremony was one of the proudest moments of my life. There were many struggles along the way but with the guidance of his teachers, counselor, and family he prevailed.”  

In 2019, Beth spoke at the Runner’s Recognition Dinner for the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon RUN FOR AUTISM Team. Before she spoke, she asked Joshua if she could share his thoughts about autism and about being her inspiration for running. He said he’d be honored.  

Beth asked Joshua, “What does having an autism diagnosis mean to you?”  

“My having autism means so much to me. It doesn’t define me, however I couldn’t imagine my life differently. Having a disability is very hard to maintain and function with especially when I was young. It’s still challenging but I have a better understanding of this and I’m proud to be the person I am today with autism.”  

Beth also asked Joshua, “How do you feel about your godmother running 26.2 miles for autism research because of you?” 

Joshua answered, “I feel incredibly honored that my godmother runs 26.2 miles for me, all because of my autism. It’s truly a blessing! I feel very touched that my godmother thinks of me as her inspiration even enough to have my picture on her jersey while running.” 

In the six years between Beth and Joshua’s conversation before the 2019 Chicago Marathon, Joshua has continued to flourish. He got his driver’s license, moved out, and now lives independently in Arizona, where he works as a special needs paraprofessional at an elementary school. “[M]y lifelong experience with autism has made an impact and influenced me to support other children,” Joshua said. Inspired by supportive teachers who influenced him, and driven by a commitment to helping others, Joshua endeavors to “give back and share my understanding with those facing similar challenges.”  

This November, Beth will run the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon with RUN FOR AUTISM with Joshua’s picture on her singlet. “I could not be any luckier,” Joshua said. “My godmother’s sharing of my story with others is a humbling and deeply appreciated blessing. I am eternally grateful and deeply touched to know I’ve been an inspiration to her and that my accomplishments bring her such pride.”