The opportunity to run or walk is a true privilege. Ryan Bielke was an avid outdoorsman who valued the chance to exercise daily. His passion for running started when he was a NB Canyon Cross Country runner. He relished the experience of running, the physical benefits of training, and the stimulation of competition.
The Today I Get to Run Ryan Bielke Memorial Scholarship was established to honor his memory.
The scholarship is open to students who are:
• Graduating high school seniors or college students currently enrolled in a trade school, community college, or university;
• Ages 17-23 years as of current application year;
• Residents of Comal, Guadalupe, or Hays counties;
• Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA out of a 4.0 grading scale;
• Are attending a trade school, community college, or university full time in the Fall;
• Are participating in the Two Rivers Half Marathon or Ryan Bielke 5K in the fall immediately prior to the spring application year, either by running or volunteering. If you are unable to attend on that day, there are other volunteer opportunities for that event.
Applicants also must have participated in at least three competitive races and must include a good joke in their application. Ryan loved to hear and tell a good joke.
Ryan was born to Lance and Peggy Bielke on July 1, 1995. He graduated from New Braunfels Canyon High School in 2013. He graduated from Texas State University majoring in Kinesiology. Prior to his illness, he was on the path to complete a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Ryan completed multiple half-marathons, half-iron man, and three Texas Water Safaris. He found great joy on the riverbanks of the Guadalupe River fly-fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, tying flies, and hiking. He was a jack of all trades from woodworking, crocheting, kneeboarding and hunting. Even when he was training and pushing his own body to its limit, Ryan made time to encourage others. In February 2019, Ryan was diagnosed with a rare cancer – Cholangiocarcinoma (gallbladder cancer). No one was surprised about his demeanor as he never stopped fighting or questioned God’s plan. He went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2019.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7