Training for a marathon is hard work. So is being enrolled in 17 units, pledging a fraternity, working, playing intramural sports and running for office in the upcoming ASI election. But Rian Carroll is doing all of that this semester and it’s not leaving him with much time to spare.

Carroll, a 25-year-old senior child development major, plans to take part in the San Francisco AIDS Marathon on July 30. He has put in lengthy training sessions, amid his busy schedule, to strengthen his legs and mind. As part of a training group, he trains frequently during the week and more thoroughly on the weekends.

“During the week I’ll do a 30 minute run two to three times a week,” said Carroll, who’s been training for the competition since February. “Then we’ll do a long run down in the East Bay on Sundays.”

The marathon is one of the largest fundraising events for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, which has hosted the event the past two years. According to the organization’s Web site, The race has helped raise more than $65 million for AIDS research through runner sponsorship.

“We’re excited because we’re growing this event and it’s a fun event,” said Robert Benabiez, director for the Aids Marathon Training Program in San Francisco. “We’ve got an enormous amount of volunteers, who will be basically running the event on race day.”

This year’s marathon has sold out and Benabiez expected approximately 15,000 runners for the event. But with so many runners, the organization has a large number of spectators as well.

“We’ve got plenty of cheer sections set up and volunteers will be taking families and friends ahead to cheer on runners,” Benabiez said.

Along with a training “pace” group of other runners, Carroll has been gradually running farther every week and those weekend runs just get longer and longer. The group is designed to give runners support and allows them to consistently pace themselves to maximize endurance. Carroll recently completed his first 10-mile run and despite the intimidating thought of running such a distance, Carroll said it’s not as tough as it sounds.

“It’s definitely gotten easier as time’s gone by,” Carroll said nonchalantly. “We’ll run in a pace group of about nine or 10. It helps because it makes the time go by faster.”

Carroll said running in a training group has also helped him stay focused and motivated, as well as keeping up a consistent pace.

To take part in the 26.2-mile affair, participants must raise at least $1,700 in sponsorship donations, which goes towards funding the race and AIDS research. Carroll is up to $325 and is optimistic he’ll reach the minimum.

His running partners feel his personality and drive will contribute to not only reaching his pledge goal, but also to his training success. Pace group member and boyfriend Brent Fidjeland said Carroll is driven by desire.

“It’s his ambition that drives him to finish what he starts,” Fidjeland said. “And it’s a way to accomplish something that most people never will do in their lives.”

Although Carroll is a rookie to the world of marathon and long distance running, he seems like a veteran when it comes to rousing other runners.

“His personality motivates people,” Fidjeland said. “He gives them encouragement to keep going even when they don’t think they can make it. He can provide that extra boost of confidence to anyone.”

Carroll participates in weekly group running sessions and runs on his own time. The scenic and serene McKinley Park is an ideal spot to find him wearing down his sneakers.

And what motivates a motivator when he’s hitting the pavement by himself? Well, music of course.

“Something with a good beat that doesn’t drag,” Carroll said of his music of choice. “It can range from a Britney Spears dance remix, to a Mary J. Blige dance remix, to a Nine Inch Nails dance remix.”

To supplement his training, Carroll will participate in other races in the months leading up to the big one. He will take part in the 10th Annual Komen Sacramento Race for the Cure on May 13 at Cal Expo and the Bay to Breakers race on May 21 in San Francisco.

Carroll will set up a fundraising table from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday in the University Union. Donors can also contribute by visiting his Web page.

Josh Huggett can be reached at [email protected]