Race Ambassadors
The Statesman Capitol 10,000, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, is pleased to announce 44 local running enthusiasts as race ambassadors and brand representatives for the 48th race on April 6, 2025.
“The Cap10K is about community and commitment. So who better to represent our 48th race than 44 inspirational members of Austin’s running community,” said Jeff Simecek, Cap10K race director. “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with local runners who are outgoing, fitness-minded, and socially active individuals. They will bring their respective areas of expertise to our race.”
A Runner's Perspective
Our ambassadors offer personal training tips and experiential advice leading up to the big day. Follow our monthly ‘A Runner’s Perspective’ blog for motivational conversations that keep Cap10K participants moving forward.
Howdy! I’m Jess, and I’m honored to serve as your Cap10 Ambassador. I discovered running as a way to challenge myself and find some peace in the chaos of life. It’s my escape, my therapy, and my excuse to wear questionable amounts of spandex! But what really drives me is the opportunity to use my love for running to make a positive impact.
Building relationships with fellow runners has been one of the greatest joys of my journey. From training runs to race day, the friendships formed along the way remind me that we’re all in this together. Sharing stories, experiences, and encouragement creates a bond that goes beyond the finish line.
As a race ambassador, I’m excited to share this passion with others, encouraging everyone—no matter their pace—to lace up and join the journey.I can’t wait to celebrate our achievements together and inspire each other to reach new goals. Let’s hit the pavement and make a difference together! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
BETHANY WOOD
My running journey started when I was about 12 years old. I was off and on with it for years, but in 2021, I decided to sign up for my second half marathon. I took my training seriously and had an amazing time compared to my first time. For me, running is for my mental and physical health. I lead ATX Run Divas and participate in many group runs around Austin. The Austin running community is an integral part of my life, and where I’ve met most of my closest friends. Running has dramatically improved my mental health, and that has been the biggest benefit for me. I’m excited to be an ambassador for one of my favorite races!
SHANNA GERLACH
I started running because it was something I had always been “bad” at and self-conscious about– I grew up doing theater and choir all through high school and college, and would joke that I was allergic to sports. Not long after I moved to Austin, though, I decided I wanted that to change. When my friend heard a radio ad for the 2022 Cap10k and asked me if I wanted to do it, I nervously agreed. I liked the idea of having a goal to reach for: run an entire 6.2 miles, a distance that sounded equal parts exciting, terrifying, and near-impossible. I threw myself into training, and though racing the Cap10k that April was one of the hardest things I’d ever done (I was DYING on that last stretch over the bridge), I was hooked. A year later, I went to my first run club, and since then, the running community has become such an important part of my life– I now am a pacer for Nike Well Collective; run with SpeedShop Mafia, Purple Dragons, and Outliers; completed the Austin Distance Challenge ’23-24; participate in as many pop-up running events as I can; and have even organized a few group runs myself while training for the ultramarathon I just raced in September. I also love to nerd out over endurance research, sports psychology, running shoes, and I have a long list of running book recs– ask me about my favorites!
RACHEL BOND
I’ve been a runner all of my life. I started by trying to keep up with two fast big brothers and have always been on the move. No matter how fast or slow and steady I am, moving forward gives me momentum to tackle any of life’s challenges. We all know the struggle in the Texas heat, but I always say step one is putting on the shoes, and step two is stepping out the door. These days as a toddler mom, you’ll see me pushing a double stroller, trying not to take up the whole sidewalk and ready with extra snacks. When they tell me to run faster I always say I’m “doing my best”. That’s all we can do really, do our best, and try to have fun along the way. Plus, it has cup holders!
KAYLA CECIL
Growing up I watched my mom train for marathons. I vividly remember one evening being taken to a track and sitting in what I thought was a sand box while my mom went round and round and round. Little did I know I would share the same passion years later. Addicted and obsessed to the grind of running, I have completed 5 marathons and am currently training for marathon number 6. Over the years, I have found running to be a blissful escape from reality— therapeutic almost. It was (and still is) a moment of peace where the world slowed down, but I sped up. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I did share those same moments with other fellow runners; giving me another perspective on the sport. To me running is about connection. I can easily say I have met some of my closest friends on the trail. The bond you form with people during those long training blocks is more important to me than what the race stats show or your fitness level…etc. Running also allows me to explore; whether that be new roads with breath taking views that you wouldn’t be able to see via car or exploring one’s innate abilities to keep pushing one step, one mile, one marathon at a time.
ISAAC ESCAMILLA
I started running when I was in 5th grade. I was a kid who didn’t have to many friends since I moved around a lot, so when we would go outside for extra activities and for recess I was running about 4 miles a day as a 9/10 year old. That really solidified a my foundation for a lifelong time of running.
Since then I ran XC and Track in High School and started marathon running when I was 17. I continued seeing how far I could go and that lead me to entering Ultramarathons.
I continue to run and train in an effort to lead a life of sustainability and constant progression towards achieving a better lifestyle where I am still able to accomplish personal records and feats that I didn’t know were possible.
KIM KALNY
You know the feeling when you’re about to lose your mind? There’s a million thoughts and ideas, maybe even voices, swirling and they don’t stop for even a second to let you catch up? That’s why I run. It quiets the noise for those precious minutes. I’m not fast, I want to make those minutes last longer.
MARK BOND
I began running back in my home state of New Hampshire after a few friends knew I was competitive and thought I would like the chance to win some medals. After my first 5k win, I was hooked. I ran off and on for the social aspect of it for a few years; but once I moved to Austin my running career really took off. I was looking to make some new friends that were also active; and I was able to find the East Side Beer Runners where I met some amazing people and even better friends. This group helped me see other ways to train and do workouts, along with the relationships that come with running. I then met my now wife, who was also a runner and we started pushing each other in our training and races. I now love to run, and have done a few half-marathons of different difficulties, a 10 miler, many 10k’s and countless 5k’s. What keeps me going every day is the mental, physical and competitive nature that I have with myself to always be better and being a positive influence on our two young kids so that they see a healthy example of how to live and be active. Overall running has helped feed my competitive edge, stay healthy and make lifelong friends along the way.
MARIA JARAMILLO
After playing soccer in high school and taking a decade-long break to raise my two children, I returned to my fitness journey. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down soccer, but it turned out to be a twist of fate that introduced me to running. Since then, I’ve been captivated by my body’s limitless potential and am excited to keep pushing my boundaries. I hope my journey inspires my children and others to discover their strength and passion for running.
YASH PRADHAN
I started running in 2019 as a way to get healthier, though I didn’t enjoy it as much at first since I mostly ran solo. After the pandemic, I rediscovered my passion for running when I started running with RAW running. Now, you can find me at Domain Nike Run, RAW running and SRC to name a few. Running with others keeps me motivated, love the sense of community and helps me train for longer races, whether it’s building distance or working on speed – that’s how I progressed from 5k to Half Marathon. As a Cap10K Ambassador, I’m excited to support this incredible event, which offers a great opportunity for runners at all levels—whether you’re just starting out or pushing toward a new personal goal.
MIKE MULHOLLAND
Hey there Cap10K community! My name is Mike Mulholland, and though I’m still fairly new to running compared to my peers, I am so excited by this opportunity to share my love of running with all of you! I got into running in 2020 when my gym closed, and I needed another outlet for exercise. I’d always seen running as a “necessary evil” part of sports training growing up, but I soon fell in love with it; with help from the amazing, welcoming Austin running community. Since then I’ve completed 5 marathons and 5 half-marathons, have become a regular at a few run clubs, and also serve as a pacer. Now I’ve joined the Cap10K family and cannot wait to get started. Please feel free say hey if you see me around town, and I’ll see all y’all at the next event!
MARIA MARTE
Running has been part of my life for almost a decade when my husband and I took on running. We enjoy training for races as a team, and we enjoy the community aspect of running. My favorite time of year to train is the winter, as a native New Yorker, I am used to frigid temperatures and enjoy a nice long run in the cold. My favorite treat after a race is a nice coffee, that is why I enjoy attending the coffee house runs.
MARTIN RODRIGUEZ
I started running in high school to spend quality time with my dad, a long-time marathon runner who run-coached for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team-In-Training for many years. Running with him helped me in other sports I played – baseball, tennis, etc.
Over the last 30 years of off-and-(mostly)on running, I’ve learned many invaluable life lessons along the way – namely patience, determination, and the value of hard work and dedication.
I’ve met many amazing people through running and absolutely love the Austin running community. I hope to see y’all at the Cap 10K race!
LIZA KATE ATKINSON
I moved to Austin from North Carolina in 2017. I had been running non-competitively all through college and wanted to continue my progress. Over time, I found my stride here and met the Pfun Runners and Austin running community. I have found that running for me isn’t just about the health aspect anymore, but it’s also about the camaraderie. I have met my best friends through running here and I’m so grateful for this community!
J’LANE SPENCE
I came to love running over 25 years ago as a way to curb my nicotine craving as I just quit smoking. I found out how much I loved running and actually had some talent for it. I ran my first marathon within a year. I loved meeting so many people, and loved how strong I felt in my body, and to have some healthy goals for my mind and body.
The other I love about running is that it welcomes me back no matter what kind of shape I am, live events are going, or just don’t have a specific goal in mind. I’m not as fast as I used to be and that’s ok. I’m just great grateful to keep running no matter my pace. And to my amazement, I can always find someone to run with no matter my pace.
The Capital 10k is one of favorite races. It is such a welcoming race to all paces and you can even dress in an armadillo costume. I love telling newcomers to Austin, you have to try this race and look back behind you on Enfield road to see all the runners. It truly is amazing to see and be apart of in Austin.
WHITNEY WILLIAMS
I started running as a way to let out some anxiety during undergrad. I think what I love most about it is it’s just you and the pavement. There’s no gear, people, or fluff needed to get out there. When I am trying to plan my run, I LOVE using Nike Run Club – totally free with great runs for beginners! When I think back, Orangetheory though really instigated my love for running. The music and supportive atmosphere made running my first 2-3 miles feel fun! I’ve led a pretty stressful life and never found anything that would shift my entire mindset and mood in 5 minutes. I’m so grateful and thrilled to have the opportunity to share this with other people!
BRIANNA HINCHEY
Hello to the Cap10k community! I’m Bri Hinchey, and I’m proud to be an ambassador this year, and have the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you. I began my running journey in a remote part of East Texas, a heavily forested area with lots of windy dirt roads. There, I’d take nature walks or short jogs as a teen, and I’ve never really stopped! I’d say the pandemic was a turning point for me though–one that prompted me to aim for more mileage to curb the anxiety I felt as a public educator working in unprecedented times. Since then, I’ve stuck with the practice, running three times a week, sometimes solo, but often with a group (there are many excellent ones to choose from in our area!) In this way, running has helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle, keeping me both active and social through thick and thin.
JOSH DAY
Hi my name is Josh Day and I’ve been passionate about running since middle school, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since. Running has taken me to various places, allowing me to experience different terrains and environments while pushing myself to new limits. Each run has made me feel accomplished. What I love most about running is the competition—it fuels me to be better and strive for personal bests at every race.
Through running, I’ve not only stayed physically active, but I’ve also built a strong connection to the running community. I’m excited to continue my journey and inspire others to lace up their shoes and hit the road.
JENNIFER LOCKER
I started running to prove to myself that I could do hard things. I didn’t expect to fall in love with everything about running! Now, running has become so much more to me. I run for community, friendship, peace, and daily dose of therapy. The friendships I have made through running have changed my life and I can’t wait to bring my energy and love for running to the entire Austin and Cap10k community! Let’s run!
DAVID BARNES
About 5 years ago, my personal life turned upside-down. After 18 years of marriage, I was unexpectedly single again. I decided to start running. At the time, running became my attempt at turning my life back around. I was overweight, depressed and lonley. I started noticing changes in my thoughts and emotions after a few weeks, and started noticing changes in my body after a few months. I found a group of amazing people to run with on a regular basis that helped to keep me motivated, and actively involved with living my life, and moving forward. Now, I can’t envision my life without running and the people I have met because of it. I love race days, the Sunrise Tour, and all of the swag that goes along with it.
MARY MATRAGRANO
I run because of the fantastic run community I have found here in Austin. I’ve made new friends, explored new hobbies, and traveled different places as a result of running. You can find me usually in the back or possibly middle depending on the run group.
TIMOTHY HERRINGTON
I started running in 2018 to get in better shape, and it quickly became my top social activity. This is my second year as an Ambassador for the Capitol 10,000, and I couldn’t be more excited to represent such an amazing event! The running community in Austin is second to none, and I’ve made incredible friendships through our weekly runs. I love the camaraderie of running, and Austin’s local road races are always a highlight of my year. One of my personal goals is to complete all six major marathons, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding so far. Whether it’s for fun, fitness, or the competition, I look forward to hitting the streets with my friends!
JESSICA MARTINEZ
I started running eighteen years ago to help me through my college years. Running has always been a running buddy of mine while cheering me on through various seasons of life. I love running so much that I started a free running group in my small town called The Buda Running Club, in hope that others will feel safe in a community where you don’t have to run alone. I sincerely hope to run for the rest of my life and share my joy with others by inviting them for many miles and smiles.
SARA FERNIZA
I use the Garmin Forerunner 935. I like to track the mileage on my shoes & heart rate zones feature. Running has been my lifestyle (hobby) for the last 23 years. I feel alive when I’m running, I love being surrounded by the running community and enjoy sharing my experience. I’ve run 55 marathons and I look forward to finishing the Marathon Majors. I only need the London & Tokyo marathon to complete.
JULIE HAMSA
I got into running for the race T-shirts and stayed for the aid station snacks. 😉 I have been doing endurance activities for many years to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new. After having long COVID, I am (an even slower) runner, biker and triathlete, yet they are still the best ways for me to spend time with others, meet new people, find new places (destination races!) and keep a healthy lifestyle. Running has an amazing community of people who are welcoming, disciplined and supportive; they inspire me to become better. “Show me who you hang out with, and I will show you who you are.”
MARIA KRUGER & CHARLEY
My running journey began when I realized I was not a spring chicken anymore, and I really wanted to accomplish the goal of being able to run a mile. Little did I know on my first attempt at running, over a decade later here I am completing a 10K multiple times a year, and finally achieving my long-term goal of completing an official half-marathon earlier this year! I joined the community of Cap10K Finishers in 2018 and have met some amazing people along the way. Each year I have learned something new about myself and have valued the time spent training.
Lately, I walk more than I run these days (especially with our hot Texas summers), but I still make it a daily habit to lace up my HOKA shoes, turn on my Map My Run app on my Apple Watch, and get out with my dog to log those miles. I encourage anyone interested in beginning their own running journey to consider being part of the Statesman Cap10K Community.
ANNA NAUMOVA
I’m a Product Manager in tech, a career consultant, and a certified ICF coach, as well as a YouTube and podcast creator. I moved to the US from Russia in 2016. I’m a single mom of a 10-year-old young lady and a future runner. I didn’t run at school and I didn’t like running; I started running after 35 and a few years later ran my first marathon. In total, I’ve already run 5 marathons and am going to run 2 more this season: Houston and Boston.
CHLOE PAYNE
My love of running and racing started 10 years ago when I was inspired by my grandma who decided to complete 5 half marathons to celebrate being 5 years cancer free. I decided to race with her, and since then I have been addicted to the camaraderie, challenge and overall excitement of race days. Now I share that joy with my kids and love to race anything from 5ks to half marathons with my toddlers in their double stroller. I love that everything from casual group runs, to large organized marathons and all the solo training in-between leaves me feeling strong and exhilarated.
SATISH SIRIMALLA
My running journey began in 2018 with a program organized by Hyderabad Runner, India, called “Kouch to 5K (K25K)”. This marked my first foray into the world of sports, and running has since become more than just a sport for me; it’s a way of life. Prior to participating in the K25K program, I spent a significant portion of my time, working late hours and irregular habits. This program had a profound impact on my lifestyle, and I experienced a sense of accomplishment on the day of graduation when I completed my first 5K run. The memories of that day remain vivid in my mind.
Through the act of running, I find a profound sense of rejuvenation. It initiates the day with invigorated vitality and liberates me from the monotonous confines of routine. Most significantly, it represents a time dedicated exclusively to introspection and self-care.
Moreover, running has unveiled a latent strength within me, revealing a realm I never anticipated exploring. It has facilitated the formation of meaningful connections, enabling me to engage with fellow runners, glean insights from their experiences, and embark on shared discoveries.
Undoubtedly, running has profoundly transformed my existence. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and self-discovery it has bestowed upon me.
JOHN
Hi, I’m is currently a freshman at a local high school in Austin. I’m also a member of the cross-county and track team. I was inspired to run after seeing my older brother, Christian, race in high school and qualify and to run in the Texas Relays. I’ve also been exposed to running by my mother, Cassandra (Cap10K Ambassador), who coached and has run over forty-five marathons. I’m determined and motivated to encourage more teenagers, family, and friends to participate in the largest 10K in the state. I’m enthusiastic about running and thrilled to be a Statesman Cap10K Ambassador.
LAURA ROBINSON
I began running to complement my yoga practice. I had dabbled in running for years, but it really stuck with me about four years ago when I met the fantastic group of Pfun Runners. Having the social aspect of a running group was a great motivator. Now, I run or do yoga (or both) almost every day!
ROBBY RODRIGUEZ
I wasn’t always a runner. I walked and sometimes ran with friends. A few years ago, we decided to sign up for a race and we chose to run the Statesman Cap10K. It was such a blast that I started running with Austin Front Runners. Since then, I’ve run X marathons now. I encourage people to do their best and have fun doing it. Cap10K is one of the best races to do as your first. The energy and the weather and the city is marvelous. You can catch me running with Austin Front Runners, The Morning Jos, Gilbert Gazelles and Fleet Feet.
NINA JENZEN
I started running in 2018 and I quickly found the Pfun Runners group in Pflugerville. They are a local running group that meets up at West Pecan Coffee every Saturday. I have met many friends through the group and they hold me accountable to move my body.
ROBERT CLEMONS
I have always been involved in sports and running as part of staying active. Now that I am older; my running has idled down to walking which still helps me to be able to do things that I enjoy. The Cap10K is a great way to be active and see/meet the people of Austin.
SHARON CLEMONS
Running has been a part of my life since I can remember. After 3 achilles surgeries, I was forced to do more walking than running for a time but always needed to show up to the Cap10k social runs (I even showed up in a knee scooter in 2019 – I’m sure I looked ridiculous). I truly enjoy staying active, exploring the city and its trails and being inspired by others whether it be meeting new people or seeing some of my favorite regulars to keep me motivated.
LAUREN BEATO
I started running after my friend convinced me to sign up for a half marathon and then no-showed on race day. The race was absolutely electric and I signed up for more races. In 2019, I joined my running group Rise and Run South Austin and the rest is history. What was once a couple events a year is now part of my daily routine.
CASSANDRA MEDRANO
I started running in 1999 after a challenge to complete a mile at Camp Mabry. I caught the running bug that ignited me to start training for a marathon right then. Today, after completing over 35 marathons, 50 half marathons, and many Cap10ks, I am addicted to the thrill of running. You can find me running the streets of Austin most days of the week with an amazing group of women that I have surrounded myself with that also have a passion for running. I run for the workout, social enjoyment, and love the Austin running community.
IAN PARMITER
I am currently the Running Ambassador at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cedar Park Texas, where I help athletes with a personalized approach to gait analysis, running shoe/gear fittings and training tips.
I started running by doing a 10 mile race with a friend in Central Park in Manhattan and got hooked. Over 40 years now, I’ve run over 400 races, from a mile to a Marathon, including 8 New York Marathons. I’ve also done competitive runs up tall buildings, trails and even horse racing tracks.
My passion now is helping others get into running for the health, well-being and social benefits. I am currently coaching a group for Austin Runners Club.
My 2022 races include the Capitol 10K in Austin, Pittsburgh Half Marathon and Zilker Relays. I also really enjoy long distance relays and just finished Hood to Coast in Oregon and will do Ragnar Reach the Beach in New Hampshire mid Sept 2022.
CLAUDIA HERNANDEZ
I was inactive for many years until 2019 when I rediscovered that I liked running. I joined several running groups, including Sports Bra Squad, Rise and Run South Austin, and ATX Runners. Their energies were contagious. Long story short 9 months after I started running with these groups, I ran my 1st half marathon in February 2020.
Now, I run for fun. Running clears my head, heals my heart, and lifts my spirit. Running brought great people into my life and I look forward to attending races with my running friends and enjoying the surroundings.
AIRON ANDREWS
I am a native Austinite and avid endurance athlete. I am a Customer Experience Strategist and a certified RRCA running coach. I participate in various running, biking, and triathlon events. The Cap10K was the first organized race that I participated in at the age of 8 in 1988. I have subsequently run the Cap10K so many times I have lost count. I enjoy running to set a goal and training to achieve it. I also love running races to earn the medals. I am registered for the Austin Distance Challenge half track in 2022-2023. This is my 10+ year to run the Cap10K. I am proud to be an ambassador to promote the Cap10K.
THIEN NGUYEN
My story on running is about overcoming what I feared-> before 2015, I did not think I could run long distances. Thanks to my brother encouraging me to sign up for my first half marathon and then training with me, I conquered my own self-doubt. Since then, running has brought confidence, joy, friends, and good health to my life. Sharing a quote that has driven me to run, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” (Eleanor R.) Hopefully, this motivates you to pound the pavement and enjoy the same benefits, see you out there.
AMBER HILLANBRAND
I love running! Being outdoors, feeling the rhythm of my breath, exploring the world, and helping to reunite lost dogs with their humans – running brings countless opportunities for joy! Over the years, I have done (and still do) many races: team relays, obstacles, tris, 5ks, 10ks, halfs, and one marathon. I am a mentor for Fleet Feet Round Rock’s 5k training program and seeing peoples’ mindset shift from ‘I could never run a mile’ to ‘it’s only 3.1 miles’ never ceases to make me smile. Like Kathrine Switzer said, “Life is for participating, not for spectating” and I feel very blessed to be a Cap10Ks Ambassador and help grow our running community.
SABRINA NYITRAI
I started running in the fall of 2016, after attending a few of Fleet Feet’s social run/walk events with a good friend. She had been thinking about getting back into running and I thought “why not try it out”. Little did I know how important running would become to me. Through running, I’ve made lifelong friends and I’ve been fortunate enough to become a member of the Pfun Runners. The group has been a constant source of motivation and laughs! We enjoy running on Saturday mornings starting from our local coffee shop, West Pecan Coffee + Beer. Afterward, we reward ourselves with tacos from Pflugerville Taco House. So far, I’ve completed 12 half marathons and I have 4 more to complete in the coming months!
MARK HOLCOMB
What started as a way to get out of the house, clear my mind, and explore new places in Austin– has evolved into a passion for running. My newfound passion has led me to meet so many amazing people within the Austin Running Community. I love sharing my experiences and challenges with my students at the Texas School for the Deaf — GO RANGERS!
ALMA CHRISTENSEN
Running has been a part of my life for 23 years. Through running, I have made new friends and traveled to new places. I have experienced the joys and pains of the sport that tend to help put things into perspective. I have run countless 5k, 10k, and half marathon races and have done a handful of trail races. This year I was waiting for the arrival of my first baby who was due on October 1. During the pregnancy, I had to scale back on the distance but running still brought joy. Up through about 8 months of my pregnancy, I managed to do daily walks and shorter runs, and I’ve been keeping tabs on the running community. Baby girl arrived early on September 26, and we are super happy. Hopefully, someday she’ll be a runner. I am very excited to have been chosen as an ambassador for the Statesman Capitol 10k and look forward to motivating others to join the run.
SUSAN COOPER
I’m many things. A single mom. A school librarian. A Harry Potter fanatic. I’ve long wanted to add “runner” to that list.
I’ve always admired runners — their endurance, their dedication. I wanted to be someone who could go out and run 3 or 4 miles with no problem. But every time I tried, I got injured. In 2017, though, I decided to give it one more try. I joined a 5k group at Fleet Feet and that’s when it all came together. I made friends and running became more than just exercise. Now, I’m part of an amazing group that is based in Pflugerville and runs all over Austin — the Pfun Runners. We are runners of all ages, sizes, and abilities, but more than anything we are a family. I love exploring different parts of the city by running the streets and trails, and I’m looking forward to traveling for races. Running has changed everything, and I love it.
Now I can say that I am a mom, a school librarian, a Harry Potter fanatic, and a RUNNER!
IRAM LEON
Like almost every human on the planet, I started running shortly after I started walking and just haven’t stopped. Racing came after I got spanked in elementary school for running in the hall too much and got sent to the track team to utilize that energy. I once even put off brain surgery to run a marathon. Running is my therapy and how much I run tells you how badly I need therapy.
ADRIANA PRADO
I started running when I met my husband in 2001. Our favorite place was and still is the loop around the lake between Lamar and Mopac. Few years later a friend invited me to run the Chosen Half and now I run for fun, to stay active and to meet new friends motivated by my family and my group Rise and Run South Austin.
MATTHEW GARRISON
I ran my first 10k through downtown Houston back when I was 9 years old. I loved the energy so much my I took off with the marines that were one of the pacer groups. Ever since I have turned to running for stress relief and adventure. I love attending races as a way to run places I wouldn’t otherwise get to run, like the streets downtown!
KRISTI LUNA
My family has been involved in the running community since I can remember (My father running 40/45 Cap10k’s.) So I wanted to follow in their running footsteps- and I’ve been in love with running ever since. If I’m not running a race, my favorite thing to do is go out, BE LOUD and cheer on other runners.
SCOTT COCHRAN
I initially used running as a way to control my weight. Before I knew it, I realized I wasn’t doing it anymore for that reason. I was doing it because I looked forward to it! I love running in races, cheering on fellow runners and the early morning long runs with friends and family.
