Rick Roeber, alias "Barefoot Rick" has been running barefoot since October 2003. Previous to this date, BR ran 18 marathons (marathon=26.2 miles) and thousands of miles with shoes. BR describes himself as a "stupid" runner when running with shoes, because he would over stride thereby heel striking. Since heel striking is a major cause of knee stress, BR continually injured his knees to the point where he would either need surgery to repair his rotator cup ligaments or stop running altogether. After reading about how barefoot running forces proper technique, BR began his experiment with barefoot running. He subsidized his "shod" running with barefoot running for the next six months, until April 2004 when he ran the Boston Marathon barefoot. Since April 2004, BR has ran exclusively barefoot, logging thousands of miles annually. In addition, he has completed dozens of barefoot marathons and one barefoot ultra marathon of 40 miles.
BR recommitted his life to Christ in March 1992 when he put the "plug in the jug". As a recovering alcoholic and a lover of Jesus, BR believed the Lord desired him to use his barefoot running as a ministry to others. In 2006, he began to write about his experiences and to publish miscellaneous writings to a growing email distribution. In 2007, BR went public regarding his testimony and how the Lord set him free in the Kansas City Star article, Barefoot in the Park. Since then, BR has shared his story with the national and local media, running groups, churches, schools, and homeless shelters (see Media). Published weekly since April 2007, The Bare Soul is a weekly devotional written and distributed by BR to hundreds of runners and non-runners alike. (Sign up is available at http://barefootrunner.org).
BR continues to put his feet to work for the less fortunate by running for various charities. He understands that the Lord Jesus has given him a special talent as well as a platform to reach and help others, so he continues to raise awareness and funds for these various organizations. Two such examples are the Kansas City Rescue Mission and the Free Wheelchair Mission.
For more information, please contact Barefoot Rick directly at barefootrick@barefootrunner.org
