Competitor bio:

Bal Joshi is a corporate banking executive, endurance runner, and purpose-driven philanthropist. He is the founder of the One Step Foundation, which raises funds through endurance events to support education, healthcare, and community empowerment for underserved, underinsured, and uninsured populations across the globe. Originally from rural Nepal, Bal has used his running journey to uplift lives in Africa, America, and Nepal; supporting HIV-affected orphans in Tanzania, building libraries for differently-abled children in Nepal, and helping refugees, abuse survivors, and struggling families in North Texas. He’s partnered with the Ruit Foundation to combat preventable blindness and serves on the boards of United Way of Tarrant County, Baylor Scott & White Irving, and Irving Healthcare Foundation. Bal is also the founder of Arlington Marathon Inc. and the One Step Run, two community-focused races designed to inspire collective action. He believes running isn’t just a solo journey; it’s a way to bring the whole community along for a greater purpose. In 2025, Bal will take on his most ambitious challenge yet; the 777 World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, to continue amplifying the voices and needs of underserved communities. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his two children and his beautiful wife, whose love and support ground his mission every step of the way. Bal often says, “My race, my pace,” a reminder that progress isn’t about speed but purpose. He lives by the belief that “We rise by lifting others,” and through every mile, he runs with others in mind.