Communities In Schools CEO Takes on IRONMAN California

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Communities In Schools President and CEO Rey Saldaña is set to compete in the 140.6-mile IRONMAN California on October 18, using the grueling endurance race to raise funds and awareness for the organization that helped shape his future.

More than two decades ago, Saldaña, a Communities In Schools alumnus, received support that guided him through high school and beyond. The organization's intervention helped him navigate challenges, pursue opportunities, and envision a future he hadn't previously considered. Now, as a leader of the same organization, Saldaña is taking on his first full IRONMAN to celebrate the power of supportive relationships and the lasting impact of investing in young people.

The IRONMAN California race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run. Saldaña, who completed an IRONMAN 70.3 seven years ago, is preparing for this full-distance challenge as a personal milestone. For Saldaña, the race is not just about athletic achievement but also about honoring the students and alumni whose lives have been transformed by the relationships built through Communities In Schools.

The race will also serve as a fundraising effort for Communities In Schools, which has been supporting millions of students on their path to success for 49 years. Working in more than 3,500 schools nationwide, CIS connects students with caring adults and community resources that help them recognize, address, and overcome barriers to a brighter future.

Saldaña's participation in the IRONMAN California is a testament to the organization's mission and the transformative power of its work. By raising funds and awareness, he hopes to further the organization's efforts in fostering connections, celebrating alumni achievements, and strengthening the CIS community long after graduation.