Biography
In January 1982, Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni opened the doors of Ragged Mountain Running & Walking Shop in Charlottesville, Virginia, driven by their shared passion for
running and a vision to serve their community. Starting from a quaint location on Elliewood Avenue on UVA’s historic Corner, the Lorenzonis have established their specialty running store as a local staple.
Commitment to Health Protection
Throughout the years, the Lorenzonis have maintained a devotion to exceptional, compassionate service and a strong connection to the Charlottesville community. Mark, an avid runner since high school, has coached thousands of runners and contributed to his community as a competitor, coach, race director, and public servant. Cynthia, a 1976 National High School Record holder, an accomplished marathoner and a Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Famer, has continued to support running and community initiatives, including directing the Women’s Four Miler, which has raised significant funds for UVA’s Breast Care Center. Since the opening of Ragged Mountain, over four decades ago, the Lorenzoni’s have been committed to creating and supporting health initiatives for their neighbors by volunteering in a variety of community capacities. As “health stewards,” the Lorenzoni family has done the following:
- Served on over 35 local not-for-profit Board of Directors including Camp Holiday Trails, The Virginia Institute of Autism, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, The Rivanna Trail Foundation, and The Shelter for Help in Emergency.
- Directed over 900 community events, including the Charlottesville 10 Miler, the Women’s Four Miler, The Haven 8K, The Discovery Dash for Kids and JackFest. Through directing these events, on a volunteer basis, the Lorenzonis have raised over $7 million for worthy local causes.
- Mark, on an annual basis, coaches over 1000 community athletes, having established “Boston Bound,” the CTC’s 10 Miler Training Program, and the “Speedsters” community training groups.
- Helped establish a number of community health initiatives including Run Cville for Kids and Cville Walks for our low-income neighbors.
In January of 2020, Mark and Cynthia turned ownership of the shop over to their two oldest children, Alec and Audrey, who are deeply invested in continuing Ragged Mountain’s legacy of exceptional customer relationships and community involvement. Even upon retirement, Mark and Cynthia remain passionately dedicated to “on foot” exercise, with Cynthia still racing half marathons and the couple having just completed another long hike with their 100-mile walking journey along the West Highland Way in Scotland. With the help of Alec and Audrey, the family business remains a vital resource for health and wellness in our community.
Personal Statement
“From the very first day we opened the doors to our family business, way back in 1982, our daily mission has been to be the best neighbors in stewarding and championing a healthy lifestyle for our community. And over those 40-plus years, we’ve never lost our enthusiasm for sharing our passion for running, walking, and hiking with our community.
We’ve enjoyed coaching thousands of our neighbors in reaching their running goals and, at the same time, have been just as passionate about mentoring our high school and college employees for over four decades. We’re very grateful to have been present for the growth of over 1000 of these wonderful “Ragged Mountain Kids” …they have both inspired and energized us.
And speaking of kids, what a treat it has been to witness our two oldest children, Alec and Audrey, continuing the Ragged Mountain legacy as the next generation of Ragged Mountain family co-owners. This truly warms our heart!”
Links and Related Material
- Ragged Mountain Running Shop: Helping Communities Run
- Ragged Mountain Running & Walking Shop Homepage
