Michael Kutcher Ready to Chase Tomorrow at GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon

Michael Kutcher, the twin brother of actor Ashton Kutcher, is going to be the Transamerica Tomorrow Chaser in the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on Nov. 13, starting last and raising money for every person he passes. Photos: MarathonFoto

So you think running a half marathon is a challenge?

Please!

Listen to the struggles that have been thrust upon Michael Kutcher, the twin brother of actor Ashton Kutcher. Born weighing less than five pounds, Michael was barely responsive at birth and struggled with his first breaths.

He faced developmental delays, then was diagnosed with cerebral palsy before kindergarten. At 13, Michael was diagnosed with heart failure and given less than a month to live. But he received a heart transplant and now, at 38, he’s a father, an assistant vice president for Transamerica, and yes, a runner.

On Nov. 13, Kutcher will start at the back of the pack of some 26,000 runners at the GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon. With Transamerica emphasizing health management as well as wealth management, Transamerica will make a donation to the American Heart Association for every runner Kutcher passes.

It’s part of Transamerica’s Tomorrow Chaser program.

Asked where he derives his drive to face the obstacles strewn in his path, Kutcher said, “It goes back to what I learned at a very young age, from words my brother, Ashton, told me.

“He said, ‘You’re going to go through obstacles, challenges. Your life’s going to have ups and downs and sometimes it will be difficult. But you’re going to have people along your way to help you, guide you. At the end of the day, it’s our obstacle, your challenge to overcome.’

“So every time I encounter something, I try to grow from it and try to learn a lesson. Hopefully, it makes me a better person on the other end.”

About three months ago, Kutcher accepted the challenge of training for the Transamerica Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon.

“My running background was nothing,” Kutcher said. “Prior to this, I didn’t enjoy running at all. There really was no enjoyment in it.”

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His first workout was not easy.

“I had to walk after the first few blocks,” he said.

But like Ashton told him there would be people to help him face life’s challenges, when he turned a corner near the end of that run, co-workers were waiting to escort him back to the office.

“Transamerica, it’s a team culture,” he said. “They showed me I’m really not in this on my own.”

He treated the half marathon like he did cerebral palsy and his heart transplant.

“I took it on as a challenge,” he said. “A chance to push my boundaries and show people that no matter what your challenges or your disability, your obstacles, you can do anything you want to do. That was instilled in me by my family at a very young age.”

Kutcher finished the Transamerica Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon in 3 hours, 46 seconds.

Running now, he said, is more fun.

“I went for an easy, four-mile jog the other night,” said Kutcher, who lives in Denver. “I’m finding the relaxation in it.”

He’s looking forward to Vegas, running on the Strip at Night, the pavement illuminated by the glare of the casinos. Family members plan to join him. Ashton and his wife, Mila Kunis, are awaiting the arrival of their second child and are expected to make a last-minute decision about joining Michael.

VIDEO: Time-Lapse Video of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon Finish Line

As for living a life with a brother who’s recognized around the globe, Michael offered interesting thoughts on the subject.

“To be honest with you,” he said, “I view it no differently than having my sister. (His sister, Tausha, is three years older.)

“We are a close-knit family. Ashton has been in his career since he was 18, 19 years old. I’ve grown used to the exposure that comes with it. When I speak of him, I speak of him as my brother. I don’t recognize him in terms of the celebrity status that he has.

“I think he’s a great actor. I think he’s very gifted and skilled in that arena, but it’s hard for me to watch him on TV because I don’t view him as the character he plays. I view him with the mannerisms I grew up with, the voice I grew up with. I view him as my brother.”

Besides being blessed with grit, Michael carries some moxie, too.

“Without some of the exposure my last name brings, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to inspire others,” he said. “I try to take his notoriety, spin it and use it for a good cause.”

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