Amanda Horvath

Running Strong, Showing What's Possible.

My name is Amanda Horvath, and I’m running to show what hard work, support, and belief can add up to over time.

I live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and work in Human Resources at Key Auto Group. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me coaching Girls on the Run, cheering on young athletes, or playing a lot of basketball at the park with my son. Sports have always been a huge part of my life, not just because I love them, but because of what they teach about confidence, resilience, and showing up for yourself and others.

I love running, even though it hasn’t always come naturally. One thing I’ve worked hard to improve is getting up early to train. I used to not be a morning person at all, and now I don’t even need an alarm clock. Running has helped me build discipline and consistency, and it’s taught me that you can reach big goals at any age.

One of my personal goals is to someday win my age bracket. This won’t be the race where that happens, but that’s okay. For me, the joy is in the process, the progress, and the challenge. Before a race, you can count on me fueling up with pizza, pickle pizza if I can find it, and cueing up my playlist. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem gets me ready, but most of my half marathon playlist is Taylor Swift.

The people who inspire me most are my two boys. I want them to see what’s possible with hard work, but also to grow up as supportive husbands and fathers who believe in strong, capable women. They see firsthand that women can set big goals and chase them. I’m also incredibly grateful for my husband, Andy, who supports me and gives so much of his time serving on multiple Special Olympics New Hampshire event management teams. Our whole family believes in this mission.

If I could give advice to someone new to running or to Special Olympics, it would be this: don’t worry about your speed. You’re already faster than anyone who didn’t try.

By running with this team, I’m proud to support Special Olympics New Hampshire and the athletes who show every day what determination, opportunity, and inclusion can look like. These miles are about more than a finish line. They’re about standing behind a community that believes everyone deserves the chance to be strong, confident, and celebrated.

Thank you for supporting this journey and for helping turn every mile into something bigger.