Watkins Little, the “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy”, will be one of 15 individuals running to raise money and increase awarenesss of thoracic aortic disease for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health (JRF) at the ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 4, 2012.  Funds from the NYC Marathon raised for the JRF will go to the John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases (JRRP) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) to support research to identify genetic risks for aortic dissections. 

Meet Watkins: 

Watkins Little, aka “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy,” raced into Internet fame this spring after a spectator’s photo of him went viral on the internet and earned him his new nickname. The photo also caught the eye of Team Ritter. “When I was approached by Amy (Yasbeck) to run for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, the title alone sold me on running for their marathon team,” said Little, 26, who was raised in Charleston, N.C., and now lives in New York City. “I, of course, knew who John Ritter was, but being able to raise awareness for thoracic aortic disease and cardiovascular health in general was the most important factor for me. I am extremely honored to have this opportunity.” Little, a public relations specialist in the music industry, first began running with his father through their suburban neighborhood at night. “Even qualifying for the marathon lottery was once a dream,” he said. “Last year, I was so pumped watching the marathon on TV, I ran over the Williamsburg Bridge to Brooklyn to watch it firsthand and cheer everyone. Now, I have a cause that I am running for and that means so much more personally than just completing 26.2 miles.” 

Text RITTERWL to 41444 to donate $10 (or specify a different amount in the text message) to JRF to support Watkins’ run. Or donate online: http://www.crowdrise.com/TeamRitterNYCMarathon2012/fundraiser/watkinslittle.

Read the full press release here.