Running always has been a reliable outlet for Keith Vasser, allowing him to focus and strive toward his goals. On Sunday, Oct. 27, the 64-year-old participant in Catholic Charities’ Welcome Home Reentry Program competed in the Marine Corps Marathon 50K.
At the finish line after 7 hours and 27 minutes, he was greeted by fellow participants and staff members from Welcome Home Reentry, which assists those transitioning back into the community after incarceration, and Mulumba House, where some of the program participants live. This very special group of supporters has been cheering him on and motivating him throughout his year-long training for the 31.1-mile ultramarathon.
“The crowds at events keep me going,” Vasser said. “The crowd cheering me on, especially my community I’ve come to rely on, keeps me motivated throughout my competitions.”
Vasser’s cheerleaders have been with the man they call the “running resident” every step of the way, including rooting for him while he competed in a previous Marine Corps 17.75K. On Sunday, staff members and residents wearing Welcome Home/Mulumba House T-shirts sat in the crowd at the finish line under a big neon “Mulumba” sign.
As for Vasser, he ran wearing a shirt with “Mulumba” written across the top and “#9 Mulumba” (a reference to Mulumba House’s address) on the back.
His journey to the marathon started early. Always an athlete, he played basketball and engaged in other sports in his younger years. During a six-year stint in the military, he joined the boxing team to maintain his fitness.
Throughout his life, Vasser has participated in running competitions. He completed three marathons and recorded unofficial times in other events. Committed to pushing himself, he aimed to run at least one marathon each year. After serving time for past mistakes, he is eager to return to pursuing this goal.
“Running alleviated stress and sadness for me,” he explained. “It was the only thing that I could find happiness and accomplishment in.”
After being released from incarceration in October 2023, Vasser sought resources to help him reintegrate into society. In February 2024, he became a resident of Catholic Charities’ Mulumba House and joined Welcome Home Reentry. At Mulumba House, Vasser embraced this new chapter in his life.
“Mr. Vasser has been a model resident, consistently seeking ways to improve himself as well as his fellow housemates,” said Karen McNeal, senior program manager for Welcome Home Reentry.
The relationships Vasser has built at Mulumba House and the support he has received from the community have been invaluable to his progress.
“The community at Mulumba and through the Welcome Home program filled the absence of what I had with my family,” he said. “They make me feel proud and validated to have their support. They allow me to feel appreciated and wanted.”
Reflecting on his life and where he stands now, Vasser noted, “I took chances and made mistakes, but I believe in another chance to make things right. Mulumba House has given me the opportunity to rethink what I want to accomplish, and I’m thankful to Catholic Charities for helping give me that chance.”
Earlier this year, he became certified as a personal trainer. He hopes to help others pursue healthy lifestyles. Currently, he works as a safety technician at a charter school, and he is nearing the completion of his first year in the position.
“Mr. Vasser’s level of perseverance in his personal life will push him across the finish line, not only in this race but in his life,” said Carla Wiley, program manager for Welcome Home Reentry.