Making History and Supporting the Future: Meet the First Members of the Berlin Marathon Charity Team

This fall, Atlanta Track Club Foundation will send its first-ever charity team to the BMW Berlin Marathon. On Sunday, Sept. 21, two Atlanta Track Club members, Kenneth Ellsworth and Sarah Mills, will make history as the inaugural athletes representing the Foundation on one of the world's fastest marathon courses.

Ellsworth, 47, began running and became an Atlanta Track Club member in 2022 to participate in the Atlanta Beltline Race the Loop Series. Living near the trail and knowing its creator, Ryan Gravel, made the events personally meaningful. Over time, he gradually increased his race distances and recently completed the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon in early 2025.

Mills, 43, started running as a child while growing up in England, inspired by her athletic father, who introduced her to the sport. She continued to run on and off throughout adolescence but recommitted to the sport completely in 2022.

When originally presented with this idea by the Foundation and asked if they were up for the challenge, they each gave a resounding "yes." Their goal: to fundraise for the Club's youth and adult programming - programs that have shaped their own running journeys.

Atlanta Track Club Foundation oversees all fundraising efforts that support Atlanta Track Club's community programs and uphold the Club's commitment to creating an active and healthy Atlanta through running and walking. Programs include the free youth running program Kilometer Kids, Atlanta Track Club's Youth Team, In-Training powered by adidas and more.

For Ellsworth, the mission of Kilometer Kids resonates deeply.

"I want to mentor and teach my kids to have their own responsibilities and learn their own sense of healthy living," he said. "I've seen the good [running] has - not just for myself but for everyone who enjoys it."

Mills also connects with the program's mission, having benefited from a similar running club as a child in England.

"[The program] wasn't free, but it still taught me a lot about running," she said. "Kilometer Kids, however, is free and instills healthy habits for children who might not have access to these resources otherwise... Plus, they're finding camaraderie and learning that running can be fun. I think bringing that to children early on is just amazing."

Mills now works as a design director for Carter's, designing children's clothing and apparel in Atlanta. Outside of work, she also volunteers at youth events, including the Chick-fil-A Peachtree Junior, and continues to advocate for Atlanta Track Club Foundation's impact on the community.

Both runners are active in Atlanta Track Club's In-Training powered by adidas program and credit it with shaping their race preparation.

Ellsworth first started as a solo runner—he originally found it easier to slip his shoes on and go for a run without coordinating with other people's schedules. That all changed once he joined the In-Training for Fall Marathons program.

"I've grown to like the group runs over time—it's like a little bit of peer pressure that gives me just what I need to get going," he said. "It's another reason why I'm fundraising for the Foundation. It supports this program that's provided me with support and community."

Mills has participated in In-Training for two years and now serves as a Run Lead, a volunteer leader mentoring other runners and celebrating their progress.

What Mills values most about the program - and one of the reasons why she fundraises for it - is the camaraderie and celebration it provides. Whether it's in-person or virtual kudos, she appreciates the energy and celebration for each milestone participants hit.

"I think the community that has been built around In-Training is amazing," she said. "I could be on a run in New York or L.A. and see someone wearing Atlanta Track Club gear, and it's so fun to call out, celebrate and connect with them, even if it's a total stranger."

In a few weeks, Ellsworth and Mills will complete their training journeys and represent Atlanta Track Club Foundation on an international stage. The race will mark a milestone not only for them, but for the Foundation's continued growth and impact.

Both runners are actively fundraising to support the Foundation's mission of creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Donations benefit adult and youth programming, including Kilometer Kids, In-Training powered by adidas, Atlanta Track Club's Youth Teams and more.

To learn more and donate to the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon Charity Team, click here.