A local transgender man is gearing up to run more than 30 miles for a cause close to his heart.
Samuel Richman, 32, will run a 50 mile race at the Dirty German Endurance Fest May 18 at Pennypack Park. Richman’s Team Trans*: Run for Equality will raise money for the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Richman is from Philadelphia and currently lives in Plymouth Meeting. He’s a Temple University graduate with a bachelor’s in English and currently works as a project manager and administrative assistant for a company that provides custom-printed apparel.
Richman came out as transgender in 2008 at age 27. He said although he was initially hesitant to tell friends and family, the reactions have been nothing but amicable.
“My closest friends expressed only love and acceptance upon hearing this news, and a few were even excited for me,” he said. “Some had trouble learning to use the correct pronouns, but I attribute this to habit rather than malice or disrespect.”
Richman said his transition has taught him to be patient with others’ perception of him as well as with his own insight on his identity.
“[It’s taught me to] understand that my identity is my own regardless of what others say,” he said. “A couple of people in my life were concerned about how I would choose to alter my body, and whether such changes would be irreversible or otherwise dangerous for my health; fortunately, they have been there for me regardless, and have grown more supportive over time, having witnessed my progress.”
Richman has been training for his 50 mile race race since January and has been running since August 2011.
He is no stranger to long-distance running, having competed in the 2012 Philadelphia Marathon and several other races since that time.
Richman said running has helped him meditate and unwind.
“Because I find it simultaneously relaxing and energizing, I run as often as my schedule and circumstances will allow,” he said, noting that while training has been a challenge, it’s one he’s eager to face. “My training runs have neither been as frequent nor as lengthy as I would like, but all in all I think that I am capable of successfully completing this run. I’ve wanted to participate in an ultra marathon for several years now — ever since I started running regularly — so my current state of fitness results from that effort and intention.”
Richman has so far raised $400 for NCTE but said he would be happy with at least $500 to help raise awareness of the organization.
In addition to fundraising, Richman said he wants to use his participation in the race to educate the public on NCTE’s work.
“The NCTE serves to educate members of Congress on transgender issues, and keeps us informed about any federal activity that is relevant,” he said. “They’ve advocated for us with regard to antidiscrimination laws, hate-crime laws, fair housing, health care, privacy concerns and other matters essential to our safety and our quality of life.”
To donate to Richman’s race, visit http://www.razoo.com/story/Team-Trans-50.
To learn more about the Dirty German Endurance Fest, visit http://www.uberendurancesports.com/Dirtygerman. For more information on NCTE, visit www.transequality.org.