On Memorial Day, May 29th in 2016 Maria got attacked by a great white shark at Corona Del Mar State beach. Miraculously she was rescued and survived to tell her story about the encounter. During her recovery she met David McGuire, the director and founder of a non-profit called Shark Stewards. Upon learning about their mission to protect ocean ecosystems and sharks in their role, she started volunteering and learning more about sharks. Upon discovering millions of sharks are killed every year in the shark fin trade, she was intrigued to learn more.
After recovering fully and getting back to her sport of triathlon over the next year, she decided to hold the 1st Annual Run4Sharks & Ocean Health Fair 5k/1mi Fun Run. At this community event in Newport Beach we raise awareness for the plight of sharks and ocean ecosystem. We rely on the oceans for food, water, and the health of our planet. It’s main goal is to raise funds for Shark Stewards campaigns, education programs, and citizen science projects. We are growing our SoCal group and now host monthly beach cleanups, alternating Newport with Long Beach. Presenting at various groups across Orange County to share our mission, love of sharks, and the oceans.
Maria Korcsmaros is the owner of Kissed By A Shark Wellness, a fitness instructor ,triathlete, and mother of three boys. She has always had a passion for the outdoors, fitness, and health. After her incident rather than be bitter from the experience, she turned her fear in to fascination and turned to advocacy in her recovery. She chose to protect sharks and ocean ecosystems with the help of the Shark Stewards team. She would like to inspire others, especially our youth to be healthy, active, and take action for our oceans. She is the founder of Run4Sharks & Ocean Health Fair 5k/1mi Fun Run and coordinates beach cleanups in Los Angeles and Orange County. As the SoCal Chair of Shark Stewards she also does presentations & talks about her experience and work.
