Mirna Valerio Biography: Age, Husband, Son, Height, Net Worth, Books, Awards, Marathon

Mirna Valerio, also known as The Mirnavator, is a celebrated American ultramarathon runner, author, speaker, educator, and body positivity advocate known for redefining what an endurance athlete looks like.

Through her trailblazing races, bestselling memoir A Beautiful Work in Progress, and powerful message of inclusion for all bodies, sizes, and backgrounds, she inspires millions to embrace movement, joy, and self-acceptance in the outdoors.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Mirna Valerio
• Stage Name: The Mirnavator
• Born: October 15, 1975
• Age: 50 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American
• Occupation: Ultramarathon Runner, Author, Speaker, Educator
• Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Joann and Allen
• Siblings: Duke Valerio and Allie Valerio
• Spouse: Cito Nikiema
• Children: Rashid Nikiema
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1,500,000 USD

Early Life And Education

Mirna Valerio was born on October 15, 1975, in New York City and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, by her mother Joann and stepfather Allen, who worked in hospital laundry facilities. Her biological father was a Honduran merchant seaman with limited presence.

She grew up active, playing tag with siblings Duke Valerio and Allie Valerio plus cousins on the block. Family health issues with diabetes and hypertension motivated her later journey. She attended boarding school and trained as a singer and educator. Her religion is Christianity.

Career

Mirna Valerio discovered her love for running as a child and high school athlete but paused after becoming a teacher, choral director, and cross-country coach. At age 33 and over 300 pounds, a health scare prompted her return to running. She started her blog Fat Girl Running in 2011 and completed her first marathon, then progressed to ultramarathons.

She has finished 11 marathons and over 14 ultramarathons (including multiple 50K+ races), earned National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2018, and authored the bestselling memoir A Beautiful Work in Progress. Sponsored by brands like Lululemon, L.L. Bean, Merrell, and others, she advocates fiercely for diversity and inclusion in running and the outdoors.

A former educator of 18 years, she now speaks globally, coaches, and creates content that celebrates big bodies in endurance sports while based in Vermont.

Awards and Nominations

• National Geographic Adventurer of the Year (2018)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @themirnavator
• TikTok Handle: @themirnavator

Personal Life

Mirna Valerio is married to Cito Nikiema, whom she met in New York City; the couple has one son, Rashid Nikiema (born 2003, now a college basketball player). She has openly shared the joys and challenges of balancing family, teaching, and elite training as a plus-size runner and mom.

No past relationships are widely documented. She is currently in a married relationship and balances advocacy, running adventures, and family life with her husband and son. She is 50 years old. Her height is 5 ft 7 in (170 cm).

Net Worth

Mirna Valerio’s net worth is estimated at $1,500,000 USD. Her income primarily comes from book sales, speaking engagements, brand sponsorships with outdoor and running companies, workshop and coaching fees, and social media content creation focused on ultrarunning and inclusion.