Ellie Kemper has a special place in the hearts of TV fans, thanks to her unforgettable role as Kimmy Schmidt in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Known for her comedic timing and infectious energy, she brought life to the character of Kimmy, a young woman adjusting to the modern world after years of captivity in a doomsday cult. Kemper also shined in The Office, playing Erin Hannon, the lovable receptionist who added a fresh dose of humor to the show’s later seasons. With these roles, Kemper built a reputation as an actress who could make people laugh while portraying complex, endearing characters.
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Kemper has been quietly expanding her horizons and setting new goals for herself. One of these goals involves fitness—a world she’s enthusiastically diving into, especially off-screen. And now, her fitness journey has taken a major leap forward with her participation in an inspiring athletic event, all for a worthy cause.
Ellie Kemper is gearing up for an impressive challenge: the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. This annual event draws top athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and celebrities alike, all competing in a swim-bike-run race along the scenic Malibu coast. This year’s event will take place on September 20, and Kemper is not only ready to join but also thrilled to participate as part of a relay team. This commitment is more than a fitness goal; it’s a way for Kemper to use her platform to make a positive impact, helping raise $1 million for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Pediatric Cancer Research Program.
Kemper will take on the four-mile running portion of the triathlon, while her teammates will handle the swimming and cycling sections. And there’s a special twist to her relay team—she’s joined by some familiar faces from her The Office days. Paul Lieberstein, who played the character Toby, and Brent Forrester, a producer on the show, will also be part of her team, making this a mini-reunion that fans will be excited to see.
Kemper’s dedication to fitness is something she’s been working on for years. She’s already participated in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in the past, but she only ran the running portion. It’s a challenge she’s taken on multiple times, and each experience has been unique, motivating her to push her limits each time. For Kemper, the triathlon is more than just an athletic endeavor; it’s a chance to connect with something bigger than herself.
“It’s such a cool feeling to be part of something that’s so uplifting,” Kemper shares, describing the event’s atmosphere as inspiring and supportive. “I love that it benefits such an incredible cause.” For Kemper, being part of the triathlon has not only helped her stay active but has also strengthened her sense of purpose. The idea that her running can contribute to pediatric cancer research gives each mile a deeper meaning.
For Kemper, fitness is a personal journey that goes hand-in-hand with her passion for giving back. Participating in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon isn’t just about the physical challenge—it’s about supporting children who are facing health battles far more challenging than any race. The funds raised from the event will go to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, specifically benefiting their Pediatric Cancer Research Program, a leading initiative in cancer treatment and prevention for children. Kemper’s involvement in this triathlon allows her to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young patients.
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has been a beacon of hope for countless families, providing critical care, conducting breakthrough research, and improving outcomes for children fighting cancer. By participating, Kemper and her team are helping fund these crucial services. For Kemper, supporting this cause isn’t just an extra benefit; it’s the driving force behind her commitment to the event.
Training for a triathlon, even a relay, requires dedication, time, and a strong mindset. For Kemper, embracing this challenge has not only boosted her physical fitness but has also offered significant mental health benefits. Preparing for a four-mile race requires discipline, consistency, and resilience—all qualities that can be incredibly rewarding to develop.
In preparing for the triathlon, Kemper’s focus has been on building endurance and maintaining a balanced training regimen. Though she’s no stranger to running, the triathlon has pushed her to step up her routine, allowing her to become more in tune with her body and its capabilities. This kind of training has strengthened her stamina and improved her overall fitness, keeping her healthy both mentally and physically.
Kemper’s preparation isn’t all about intense workouts, though. She’s also mindful of balance, focusing on the importance of rest and recovery to avoid burnout. Triathlon training is intense, and she’s learned the importance of listening to her body. It’s not just about running fast but about running smart, understanding when to push and when to pull back.
While Kemper’s fitness goals are inspiring, she’s also realistic and humble about her journey. She approaches fitness with a mindset that’s both positive and refreshing, reminding others that staying active doesn’t always mean pushing yourself to extremes. In her interviews, Kemper emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the process and setting achievable goals, whether it’s a four-mile race or simply getting out for a walk.
For Kemper, fitness isn’t about comparing herself to others; it’s about personal growth and making small improvements over time. This down-to-earth approach makes her relatable to fans who may feel intimidated by the idea of high-intensity workouts or extreme fitness challenges. Kemper’s message is simple: fitness should feel rewarding, not overwhelming. Her goal is to feel strong, motivated, and ready to make a difference.
