From Runner to Artist who is Lenny Maughan?

Marathon runner turns routes into art. Lenny Maughan put the “work” in work of art. This design of a famous Mexican painter, artist Frida Kahlo was one of Maughan’s most extended running creations mapping out at 28.9 miles, taking him a total of 6 hours to complete.

Do you love to run? Want to be genuinely Inspired? One man can create a work of art by running!

“This is just a way to make the streets my own.” (Maughan)

Lenny Maughan has been an avid runner throughout his life. He lives in San Francisco and has run many marathons. A few years ago, he decided to turn his running routes into masterpieces. While most marathon runners, or runners in general, are focused on miles and time, he now focuses more on the shapes of his next piece of art. An average piece is about 20 miles but can be as long as 40, and he is particular about making sure each design is precise. Before a run, he strategically maps out his route and envisions the next plan. What is exciting is he can’t see the course until he uses a running app called Strava. In other words, he cant view his next amazing creation until he runs the route and can view the map. He takes his time to sketch out each drawing carefully. He knows the streets of San Fransisco very well. This allows him to use the lines of the shapes to match the actual streets he is routing. Artist Frida Kahlo’s work stood out to me due to the detail involved. I love how he was able to create a portrait of this artist on foot. What appeals to me most about the art is the heart and dedication that is put into this design. The details that have to be mapped out from her eyes to her lips are so precise.

I am a runner, not a distance runner like this athlete is. My goal in life is to run a marathon. I am still working myself up to that and have a long way to go. This is a man with a real passion for running and art. Running itself is not an easy sport, then to add an artistic ability to it takes time and effort. I chose this work of art because, I too have a passion for running. While most runners, including myself take in the different scenery around them on the runs, Maughan uses artistic form when shaping out this design and creating his own scenery. This running portrait can be what is known as a “sense of participation” when it comes to focusing on this picture, its significance represents a challenge San Fransisco has many hills and this can mean he has to work harder to get the job done. I relate to this in every aspect of life, with running, school, and raising my family.

“San Francisco is my canvas.” (Maughan)

This work of art instills a sense of accomplishment. Lenny Maughan is now famous for this most recent piece. Growing up, everyone thought he was going to become an “artist.” While, not your “typical ” artist, sitting at a desk or painting at an easel, he utilizes his abilities to portray works of art by running. He has created many artistic designs over the past four years, but this piece seems to have been the most challenging. The theme for this piece to me depicts exposer..just like this famous Mexican painter who wanted to be known and seen, creating self-portraits. She was known for outlining her prominent physical features. The unibrow is a prime example, and he nailed this on his route. Maughan created many running portraits; however, this one was on another level of artistry. I feel he wanted to be taken more seriously to show what he is capable of in the world of art.