2019 OKC Pace Groups
FULL MARATHON LEADERS
NICK SEYMOUR 3:30
I’m honored to pace the 3:30 marathon group again in 2019! This is the fifth year I’ve been selected as a pace group leader and my teams have successfully brought our runners in under the goal time each year. My first race was the OKCMM half marathon in 2011 and I was hooked from that point forward. I’ve participated in numerous events since then ranging from 5K Pub Runs to Ultra distance races. Racing the OKCMM is a great challenge but leading a group of enthusiastic athletes as they chase their goals is even more enjoyable to me. I'm excited to meet everyone and help you achieve a PR or perhaps even a BQ finish time!
MARCUS TUBBS 3:30
I live in scenic Southeastern Oklahoma where I have an abundance of track, road, & trail training opportunities! I am a member of Choctaw Nation PACE, which offers a great variety of run events each year and is such an awesome, supportive run community! I thank God every day for the chance to run and for all things!! I'm truly thankful for the chance to pace again at OKCMM for such a great event with an awesome cause! Look forward to seeing everyone!!
COdy Pepper 3:40
Cody Pepper has run 5ks since he was a teenager as a way to bond with his father. He was less of a runner and more of a hobby-jogger. In 2010 he ran his first half at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Since then he has become an avid runner completing a dozen marathons with a half PR of 1:28 and a full PR of 3:14. Because his first half was the Memorial, he looks forward to pacing each year to give back to other runners in the hopes of helping them have the best possible experience in this wonderful race. Looking forward, he would like to get that Half PR below 1:25 and his full below 3:05.
Scott Smith 3:40
Scott Smith will be a pacer for the third time for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and will pace our 3:40 group this year. Scott has completed 13 full marathons, 8 half marathons, and 4 full Ironman races. He previously paced the 3:50 groups. Thus this year, he will have to step up his game to bring the runners home on time. This race means so much to him. Being able to pace is an honor and a blessing and he looks forward to the challenge.
Stormy Phillips 3:50
Well most of you know me, I am Stormy. And if you do not know me, you will after we spend 26.2 miles together. Here is some basic information. No, my last name is not weather. I am a runner from Tulsa who has been around the block a few times, but still feel love running and love to share the joy with good people. My first race was the 2009 Tulsa Run 5k, and I only started running that October of 2009. In my stupid plan, I went on to do my first half-marathon in November of 2009, then my first 50k in February of 2010, and by November of that 2010 I ran my first 100-mile race. Since then I have completed fourteen 100-mile runs, including the famed Western States Endurance Run. I am a certified running coach, the vice-president of the Tulsa Running Club, and on the board of several races in Oklahoma. If you run with us, I am going to ask you about your running. I expect some good stories! If you fail to produce you will be forced to listen to me talk about myself the whole time, and no one wants that. Whatever group you are running in, remember we are here for your and so proud of the effort you have put in to make this race your goal. Enough talking, let’s go have some fun.
JENNIFER STONG 4:30
My name is Jennifer Stong and I’ll be helping pace the 3:50 marathon group. I took up running in 2003 and have run 77 marathons and 12 ultra-distances during that time. In the last few years I’ve fell in love with the ultra-distance and have completed my favorite race, 24 The Hard Way in OKC three times. My best year at that race I finished with the most miles I’ve completed yet at 113.1 miles. I’ve also participated in 6 and 8 hour endurance runs as a lead up to 24 THW. My marathon PR is 3:07:55. That result occurred at the Go Short, Go Long, Go Very Long 50K where I was the overall winner in 3:45:48! I’ve ran the OKC Memorial Marathon every year since 2004 with 2014 being my most memorable running experience as my husband and I finished the race together at the same time. I look forward to meeting everyone in my group and sharing another great race together.
JUSTIN CHAN 4:00
This is a very special marathon for me because this is where it all started back in 2008. My very first marathon was the OKCMM, and I ran a 4:45 back then. Now I'm training to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year by running sub 3:30 at Fargo on May 9th. I’m really looking forward to the reward of giving back to the running community while training to achieve my dream of a BQ. Pacing the half this year works perfectly into my training program. I’d say my favorite marathon course is Grandma's in Deluth, MN. It’s an awesome PR course where you run on a closed scenic highway with a great view of Lake Superior. The crowd support is incredible, and it’s also where I achieved my current marathon personal best.
Brooke Elliott 4:00
I am Brooke Elliott—runner, triathlete, wife, mom. I have been running since I was 14 and haven’t stopped since. I love to run marathons and triathlons for the chance to challenge myself and for the camaraderie among athletes facing those challenges together. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is one of my favorite races, and pacing has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This will be my fourth year pacing and I could not be more excited. It is so amazing to hear the stories of the athletes we have the opportunity to run with each year. The drive and dedication of all of the runners is so inspiring. I look forward to running with you this year!
MATTHEW REILY 4:00
My personal running motto is "Bringing smiles to the miles" and I strive to lift up every runner I pass in training and during a race. I try my hardest to give a high five, words of encouragement, or at the very least a wave and a smile. I found my passion for running during my time in the Navy and ran my first marathon back in 1997 while stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Over the past few years I made the transition to running more ultra distances and have completed several 50Ks, 50 milers, and 100 mile or greater races. I’m pacing so that I can share my love for running with others and help / encourage / motivate others to reach their goals.
BRENT STOVALL 4:10
I will be one of your pace leaders for the 4:10 marathon finish time. My name is Brent Stovall and this will be my seventh year to be a pace group leader for Red Coyote Pacers. Being a pacer is hands down the most fun marathon I run. Having the ability to run at a comfortable pace and encourage others as they push their body into total exhaustion and pain is such a joy to watch. Just kidding! However, it is a joy to watch as others obtain their goals whether it be a Boston Qualifying time or just a personal record. I have run marathons in nine different states ranging from small town runs to some of the biggest. Although being sick at the time, the 2013 Boston Marathon has to be my favorite race. However, the OKC Memorial is a close second. I hope the 2019 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon will yield many their BQ or PR. I am looking forward to meeting all that will be running with me.
BLAKE THOMAS 4:15
This will be my 5th year pacing the OKC Memorial Marathon and every year I get just as excited. I have spent most of the last 8 years racing in all different types of races from ultra-marathons, marathons, half marathons, trail races, and adventure races, but there is something different about the OKC Memorial Marathon. I’m not from Oklahoma City originally but it’s a place I’ve called home for 10 years now. I think everyone who calls Oklahoma City home has a sense of pride about the area and how we as Oklahomans respond to adversity. This race has always been a great representation of both which is why it’s so special to so many people. I can’t wait for race day and the opportunity to meet each of you as we share this experience together again in 2019.
Steve Wells 4:15
I’m excited to have been chosen to pace the Oklahoma City Memorial marathon again and look forward to the opportunity to run with you. I started running later in life trying to get back into shape, and ran my first marathon in 2010. Although I had run some shorter races, I really enjoyed the challenge of distance running. This will be my 25th marathon distance (or greater), 7th time pacing, and 4th time pacing the OKCMM. One of the things I love about running is being able to help others reach their goals. Pacing gives me a chance to do that and also give back to the running community.
Alex Dzierewienko 4:30
I have been running since the fall of 2017 when I started training to run the 2017 memorial 1/2 marathon. I found so much enjoyment from running in events that from 2017-2018 I have ran 8 full marathons, 6 half marathons, and several 10K's and 5K's. My first race was the Red Bud Classic 10K. Some other activities I am involved in outside of running...for the past 4 years I have been on a corporate white water rafting team and rowing team and train at boathouse district facilities, I climb at least one 14er mountain every year, I snowboard every season and love wake skating in the summer. I also have played soccer for the past 15 years indoor and outdoor and do some recreational coaching for NOKC soccer club. Running opened the door for me to progress into yoga, swimming and biking for cross-training in late 2018. My childhood moto-cross racing days combined with biking translated into me racing my mountain bike competitively. I spent a large part of 2018 traveling around the country running marathons and racing mountain bikes. I purchased a road bike in June of 2018 to do the Hotter than Hell triple threat and haven't stopped road biking since. On a personal note, I am a mechanical engineer from OSU and a mother of three daughters. I have a full career as a commercial construction project manager here in OKC.
Cory Powell 4:30
I am honored to be pacing the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon this year. I started running in 2014 to lose weight and have lost over 150 pounds since then. Oklahoma City was my first marathon and it will always be special to me. Running has become my sport of choice and the people I have met while running have become my best friends. I am looking forward to helping others achieve their goals this year.
Pascal Demeyer 4:45
My name is Pascal Demeyer and I’ll have the honor again this year to be part of the Red Coyote Pacing Team. This will be my 7th time as a pacer and I plan on getting to the finish line in 4:45:00 sharp! :) This year will be the 13th time for me to run in the OKCMM. This race holds a special place in my heart, not only for what it stands for, but also because this was my very first marathon back in 2004. I look forward to help a lot of my fellow runners get to the finish line and help them achieve their goal, whatever it may be. I like to have a lot of fun when I pace and I hope that we have decent weather for this year’s race!
RYAN WESTIN 4:45
I love love love helping others reach their goals! I’ve accomplished my running goals of running a marathon in all 50 states in 2012, reached Titanium status with Marathon Maniacs in 2017 after running 47 marathons in 31 states and ran marathon 180 last week at Garmin marathon. My goal now is to help other runners whether it’s your first marathon or you trying to PR. I promise our pace group will be fun, energetic and help distract you as well as motivate you along the way to reach your goal. You’ve put in the months and months of getting up early to get your long runs in, stuck to your training schedule and now it’s time to enjoy all that hard work running one of my favorite marathons.
Kristi Perkins 5:00
I began running over 20 years ago. I started with shorter distances and then moved to short distance Triathlon. I now focus mostly on longer distance running. I have multiple half marathons under my belt and two full marathons along with two half Ironman races. I am truly honored to spend my third OKC Memorial Marathon pacing the 5:00 group. I’ve had great joy training runners this season for their first marathon with Red Coyote and I look forward to helping many runners meet their 5:00 goal!
Brooke Ellison 5:00
My name is Brooke Elliott, and I’m so excited to be pacing this year! This will be my fifth time pacing, and I love it more each year. I have been running and triathlon racing for more than half of my life. I’m also a wife and mama to two sweet babes. I love being a part of this race and helping others achieve their goals. I’m looking forward to celebrating with you at the finish line!
DANIELA ALEMAN 5:15
I started running with a friend in 2006 and it has been an amazing journey. At first I thought runners are crazy. Why would anyone want to do that to his or her legs and body? Over time though I found I enjoyed running, and became addicted to it. Running is my therapy; it really helps me to relieve stress and helps me with health, because I love to eat. In 2012 I joined the land runners club and felt more motivated by running with friends. That was when I started running more (races) and training for them. I am very enthusiastic, responsible, nice person, honest, respectful. This is my fourth year to pace the Oklahoma City Marathon. I have completed several marathons but pacing was a challenge for me because others were counting on me. The pressure was on. Helping others to achieve their goals and keeping them motivated over the whole course was very rewarding. All the way I tried to smile, be happy and scream out each mile marker as we passed. By the end they wanted me to scream out the km markers as well. We had a blast, I enjoyed every minute of it. Glad to do it again and again. I love it at the end when runners come to you to say thanks for all, love it, love it, and love it.
Brad Vaughan 5:15
I ran my first 2 marathons in 1989 and 1990 while in college. But after college I stepped away from running until 2012 when I started training for my first OKCMM. I have been fortunate enough to make some great friends while running here in the OKC area, all of whom have helped me in some way. This is my opportunity to help others achieve their own goals and hopefully have some fun while working towards them.
Matthew McBee 5:30
My name is Matthew McBee, & this is the 10th year that I have run the OKC Memorial Marathon, & my 5th year to be a pacer. I started running late in life compared to most other runners, I didn’t run my first half marathon until I was 52 years old. Overall I have run 23 marathons, 13 half marathons & 6 ultra-marathons. If you’re not familiar with an ultra-marathon, it is a distance that is longer than 26.2 miles, with the most common one being the 50K & 100K, which is a little over 31 miles for the 50K, or 62 miles for the 100K.
Tom Woods 5:30
I have been running for four years. It has been a true blessing for me to run with Red Coyote. I cherish the friends I’ve made through running and consider it an honor to serve as both a coach for the marathon training program and a pacer for the marathon. I’m happy to be pacing the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon for the 2nd year in a row.
HALF MARATHON LEADERS
JOSIAH BILES 1:30
I first ran the Memorial Half Marathon when I was 19 years old and a freshmen in college. At the time I was running cross country at East Central University and was in pretty good shape, and expected it to be a breeze. However, when I woke up at 5:30 and it was raining, lightning, and 45 degrees, I wasn’t quite so sure I wanted to do this! I decided to go for it despite the conditions and not being prepared for the weather, and it was one of the most epic and enjoyable runs I have ever done. Ever since then I have tried to be a part of the Memorial every year in some capacity either as a pacer, runner, or cheering from the sidelines. It is always such a blessing to see Oklahoma come together to remember and support each other. This is my third time to pace the 1:30 group, and I couldn’t be more excited for round two! Can’t wait to run with you all!
IBSEN CRESPO 1:30
Running has been a passion of mine since childhood. Through the years I have been continually amazed by the positive running culture in Oklahoma. Pair that with how friendly people are in Oklahoma, and you have yourself a fulfilling hobby. I enjoy training with friends and seeing people meet their goals, whether it's running a first 5K or getting a faster marathon time. I enjoy pacing for the experience of helping others reach their goals for this race. I can't think of a more rewarding experience than giving someone a high-five and yelling "we did it!" at the finish line.
ELIZABETH NORTHERN 1:35
From my first race back in 1992 (the Tarrant County Komen Race for the Cure 1K, I was 4) up through today, running has been a family affair. Sharing runs with family and friends is what keeps me motivated and excited to get up every day. During my first race-pacing experience, I wore three watches - just in case! And, I got my runners to the finish line right on pace; it was a wonderful feeling. I'm currently training for Team USA to compete at the World 50K Championships in Romania this September followed by the 2020 Marathon Olympic Trials in Atlanta, my second Olympic Trials! When I'm not running, I'm spending time with my two young children who are 1 and 2 years old. They are my everything! I'm thrilled to be a part of the 2019 Oklahoma City Marathon weekend!
BO SHELBY 1:35
In first grade I decided that one day, I wanted to compete in the Olympics, so that year I gave up soda pop and started running. In OKC, at the ripe old age of 12, I ran my first half marathon alongside my dad, and since then I have completed numerous half, full, and ultra marathons. Though I never even came close to making it to the Olympics, getting to be a pacer for the event that kick-started my passion for running is just as exciting! I can't wait to run with all of you on race day and push you to achieve your goals!
DAVID BALL 1:40
Welcome to the OKCMM Half Marathon. I am a veteran of 37 marathons and numerous half marathons. I have paced the OKCMM events for the past six years in either the Full or Half distance. Personally, I have recently run the Chicago Marathon in 2:57 and the Phoenix Marathon in a PR time of 2:53:18. I have my eyes set on a Half Marathon PR this fall of 1:19. "Dedication and Perseverance" are my focus words when it comes to training. I have found that pacing runners is the most rewarding way to participate in a race. I fully appreciate the benefits of running with a group and feeling the camaraderie, as that is the sole reason for my success and enjoyment of running. Our 1:40 Half Marathon pace group will hopefully push and pull you to meet your goals and help make this year's OKCMM Half Marathon a great experience.
Jeff Wagner 1:40
I decided it was time to give back to the local running community that has helped me to many achievements. I began my running "career" shortly before retiring from the USAF when my oldest son started cross country in high school. I ran my first OKCMM Half Marathon in 2009 and my first OKCMM in 2010. I have now completed 19 half marathons and 25 marathons in 16 states, most recently the Rock-n-Roll New Orleans Marathon and will run the Boston Marathon in 2019. I love the OKCMM! I am a huge proponent of the Hanson's Marathon Method for a training program. Without it and the Landrunners, I don't think I would have achieved the race goals I have set for myself. I enjoy running because it is a stress reliever and allows me to get lost in my own thoughts. I have had many epiphanies during short and long runs. I have also been an official pacer with the Marathon Maniacs, Super Pacers and the Dallas Running Club. I feel confident that I can help you reach your goal time and have fun at the same time. Most importantly, have faith in yourself and your training and our pace team will do the rest.
JON BECK 1:45
I am a co-owner of Red Coyote Running and Fitness with my wife Burke. I have been running for over 20 years from high school through college and competitively for years after college. My goal in running is to help others succeed in reaching their goals. That has been our motto at Red Coyote and I am excited to help a huge group succeed in reaching their half marathon goal. Josh and I are excited to lead the group and have fun doing it!
JOSH LACAN 1:45
When he’s not busy serving as General Manager of Red Coyote or spending time with his wife and two kids Josh tries to find a minute or two to squeeze in a run. His happy go lucky positive attitude will help to carry you to the half marathon finish of your dreams. Josh is an experienced pacer who will help you through any speed bumps along the way. If you’re bored while you’re out there and want to get some good stories get him to tell you about all the joyous times he’s attempted to run an altitude! That’ll distract you from any suffering you may be experiencing on the run.
Paul Brinkman 1:50
My dream has been reached, the proverbial brass ring has been obtained, I’m pacing the OKC 1:50 Half! We will scoot the streets of this great city in our quest to cross the finish at 1:50 or under. Your glide to greatness will be enhanced because you’ll be rolling with like-minded individuals. So should you decide to run with this phenomenal group of runners you will have chosen wisely and your journey will be epic! Say hello at the expo or at the start.
LINDSAY GIN 1:50
Growing up, my parents instilled & embodied the idea that running/exercise is as routine as brushing your teeth.~ So began my fitness journey of a lifetime~ Also, the best humans are runners, so it is hard to stay away from this sport. This will be my 3rd time to pace the OKC Memorial but my first time to pace the ½ Marathoners! I am super excited to help the 1:50 Group reach their finishing goal or even surpass it! I love this Marathon because there is so much buzz & positive energy surrounding the message to Remember. If you want to know anything about me: I will be crossing the Boston Finish Line on April 16th 2018, Sharpie Calf Smileys are a must (fig.1) & I bleed orange – Go Pokes~
MARY MIKKELSON 1:55
Like many others, I began running to get in and stay in shape and it has become addicting. I have met so many wonderful people through running and really enjoy the camaraderie during and after runs. While it may be difficult to get out of bed on an early weekend morning to get your miles in, it is always so much easier if you have friends you are meeting and so rewarding after. The OKC Memorial Marathon was my first marathon in 2003 and it hooked me as I have now run 56 marathons in 41 states and a bunch of half marathons. Setting goals and achieving them is always fun but it is even more rewarding to help others achieve their goals. I look forward to helping motivate all those running with us to achieve their personal goals this year.
DEREK OLSON 1:55
This is my 6th year to pace for Red Coyote for the OKC Memorial Half Marathon. I have completed 1 marathon, 1 GoRuck 26.2, 1 half Iron-Man, and lots of half marathons, 10k, 5k, and sprint triathlons. I started all this to stay fit and healthy after I got out of the military, but now I do it because I love to run and that feeling of accomplishment you get at the finish line when you finish the race. It's always fun recognizing some of the same faces at all the different events, most of whom you don't know there name, but you feel as though you know them because they have the same drive that keeps them training and competing the same way you do. I love volunteering as a pacer because when I did the full marathon years ago Red Coyote pacers helped me get through it at a pace that I wanted, and I want to help motivate others like the Red Coyote pacers motivated me, and finish at the pace you want. My favorite race is OKC Memorial Marathon and I can’t wait to meet all the new runners in my pace group this year.
MIKE COLLISON 2:00
I love being a pacer for this marathon. Being a part of this event reminds me what happened in 1995. This will be my seventh Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon and my fifth as a pacer for one of the events. I have paced the 1:45, 1:55 and 2:00 half-marathon groups and the 4:00 full-marathon. I love running with other runners and being part of their journey. Running has taken me to events from New York to California. I have made some great friends while running and enjoyed some fantastic trips.
Josh Hart 2:00
This will be my third time pacing the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon and have participated in the event numerous times from team relays all the way up to the full marathon. Pacing this event has been the greatest joy in my running experience and I look forward to racing with you all!
Sara Akins 2:05
I have been running for almost 20 years, since I was about 10 years old. I ran track and cross country through high school and college, and have continued to run ever since. I love running because it makes me feel good and it makes me so happy. I want to be a pacer, because even more than I love running, I love sharing running with others, I have not done many formal races, because after college I just wanted to enjoy running, pressure free, but lately have decided to do more races. In addition to marathons I’ve enjoyed Ultra-Marathons including coming in as the first female finisher at a 50 miler down at Lake Texoma last year.
Bill Goodier 2:05
I started running in 2000 to lose weight and get in shape. I ran my first marathon, OCMM, in 2003. Since then I have run 78 Full, 18 Half, and 5 Ultra marathons. I have run a marathon in all 50 states, Washington D.C., South Korea, and Italy. I'm now on a quest to run a marathon on all 7 continents. My PR, 3:13, was in 2006 at the Austin Freescale Marathon where I qualified for my first Boston Marathon. I was able to subsequently qualify and return to Boston in 2007 & 2010. My favorite marathon is the Seoul South Korea International Marathon where I ran with my brother. The finish is on the Seoul 1988 Olympic Track. I was an official pacer for the OCMM in 2007, 2013, 2014, and 2016. Running allows me to unwind, re-energize and clear my mind. Running is my stress relief and therapist. It's also one of the easiest ways to get in shape. Lace up your shoes and put one foot in front of the other. Speed does not matter. Just get moving!
ERMIDA LAPIC 2:10
I started running late in my life, ran my first half marathon in 2014 and I have not stopped since then. I have now ran about 40+ half marathons and 6 marathons. I am so excited to come back as a pacer and see people achieve what they THINK is not possible till they go through that finish line! Let’s have some fun!
CHUCK MIKKELSON 2:10
I ran my 1st OKC Memorial Marathon in 2004 and it is still my marathon PR (3:49:52). Since then I have completed over 240 running events which includes marathons in 40 states. This will be my 6th year as a Red Coyote Pacer for the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon. I enjoy the camaraderie of running and helping others achieve their running goals. Large running events are great but the smaller events with scenic courses are my favorite. I have been known to partake in adult beverage stops along the route so feel free to join me for a cold one either during or after the run. Once it stops being fun is when I will hang up my running shoes.
ROBIN GARRETSON 2:15
Hello, half-marathoners! I'm pleased to congratulate you in advance on your accomplishment! Training for and deciding to race a half-marathon is an awesome feat and I'm sincerely excited to help you achieve your goals. We are going to have a blast! I'm looking forward to celebrating your achievement; honoring our city's cherished memories; and to sharing each mile with you! My running history includes finishing my first race (ever), a 10K in 1999 to my 4th consecutive Boston Marathon in 2019. I've completed several other distances along the way and in between, building friendships and honing my skills with every step. I hope your Memorial Half-Marathon proves the same for you.
BRIDGET MILLER 2:15
I participated in all kinds of sports growing up in Nebraska. When I moved to Austin for graduate school, I started to get into distance running and endurance multisport. I enjoyed the camaraderie with my training partners and the process of training in general. Around the same time, I began studying exercise and mental health as part of my dissertation research. The long training complemented my academic work by providing personal opportunities to test what I was reading about in the academic literature. In addition, I have been a group exercise instructor for over 15 years, and pacing races is like teaching aerobics on the road. I serve as a racer’s cheerleader while supporting them as they work toward reaching their goals. It is also an opportunity for me to share my passion for exercise while getting to know the runners in my group. I have paced both the OKC Memorial and Tulsa Route 66 half-marathons several times, and I still teach spinning classes for OSU’s Department of Wellness. My favorite races include Austin’s half-marathon, Ironman USA in Lake Placid, and the OKC Memorial Marathon/Half-marathon.
Darlene Spry 2:20
I did my first marathon in October 2008 at Nike Women's Marathon in California for a fund raising event. I thought I would be a one and done. Since then I have completed 24 marathons, including two 50k's and a 12 hour event where I completed 48 miles. Most of my marathons were done within the last few years, completing 8 in 2014 - 4 of them back to back! I have improved so much on doing marathons and I have some pacers to thank for helping me reach a better finish time. I’m looking forward to be pacing to help motivate and encourage those trying to reach their goal. For some it may be to help them to finish the first marathon. I love to run for the great feeling I get of being active and for all the great friendships I have made through traveling with other running buddies to various marathons. My next goal is to complete 50 marathons by the time I turn 50. Originally, I wanted to do 50 States by 50 but since I started late in completing states (so far I have 12) now I’m just going for 50 marathons by 50. Oklahoma City Marathon is my favorite hometown marathon - I originally got my first PR at OKCMM. It will be an honor to be your pacer for this great event that honors the lives of so many.
Jaime Taylor 2:20
I have been running since 2010; the OKC Memorial Marathon was my first big race, and I have completed the full or half every year since. I have completed more than 45 half marathons and 6 full marathons, 5 half Ironman races and my first Full Ironman in 2017! I am currently training for my next Ironman in November. The OKC Memorial Marathon and the NYC Marathon are by far my favorite races. I was never a runner/athlete until I was nearly 40, and it's truly changed my life. I've become healthier and happier than I've ever been. Runners are truly the best people and make the closest friendships. I have paced the OKC half marathon many times, and I really enjoy being able to see people reach their finishing time goal. I can't wait to see you finish yours!
CARRIE BURKHART 2:25
I originally started running 5ks, and I thought, who needs to go farther than that? Thirty plus half marathons later, and I think I am definitely the person who needs to go farther than three miles! I simply enjoy being outside, experiencing the world on foot, and challenging myself physically and mentally. I also enjoy motivating new and experienced runners to accomplish their goals. I've been a coach for several half marathon training programs over the last five years. Being a native of Oklahoma City, the Memorial Marathon is a special race for me. It's one I haven't missed since I became a runner in 2012. The race brings together all types of athletes and the spectators are some of the best I've ever seen. There are certain parts of the course that I cannot wait to run every year! I look forward to showing the runners who pace with me those fun spots and encouraging them through whatever the Oklahoma weather brings us.
KATIE BYERS 2:25
I love running and the joy that running gives. This will be my 5th time to pace the OKC Half Marathon and I have paced several other local races. I love getting the chance to help people accomplish their race goals, and help them push past their limits. My favorite running event is the Dopey Challenge consisting of 4 days in a row of running, compiling 48.6 miles by doing a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon. I also enjoyed the Flying Pig Marathon and the New York City Marathon because these races have great crowd participation and the interaction keeps my spirits up and helps me break past "The Wall". I have run 5 marathons, over 20 half marathons, and one 70.3 half Ironman; and am an original member of the Red Coyote Racing Team.
Natalia Coldiron 2:30
Hello there! My name is Natalia Coldiron. I am excited to be a pacer for the 2:30 group in the OKC Memorial Half Marathon for 2019. I enjoy everything from 5Ks to marathons. Running makes me feel fit, strong, and alive. I also want to set a good example for my children: Logan, Kassandra, and Nicole. They enjoy cheering for me as I approach the finish line. I enjoy training together as a family. My race day tip would be to have a good breakfast and keep hydrated. But, most of all, enjoy the race! This is your time to put all of your hard work and training into practice so that you shine! I look forward to running with you on race day and wish you the very best!
ANJESH DANGOL 2:30
My Name is Anjesh Dangol. I am pacing 2:30 for OKC Memorial Half Marathon. I started running about 5 years ago and OKC Memorial Half Marathon was my first half I ever ran. So, this race holds close to heart and I am very proud to represent the city I love. Running has taken me to many adventures and it has been great deal of fun. This is the second time I’ve paced this race and I am very excited. I want to help people to get to their goals. I have run 1 marathon and numerous half marathons. Some of my favorite half marathons are OKC memorial, Route 66, Arbuckle to Ardmore, Disney Wine and Dine, Disney Princess half, Rocky Mountain and Santa Fe Thunder. I enjoy running and it is my therapy. In conclusion, if you want to run 2:30 for OKC half marathon come run with me.
Chris Lee 2:45
My name is Chris Lee, born and raised in Los Angeles California. I'm excited to have been selected to pace 2:45 for the 2019 OKC Memorial Half Marathon. In college, I started running for exercise and was introduced to the world of racing by my brother. In 2013, I started with the Disneyland 10K and later that year I completed my first half marathon in San Diego. Since my first race I have completed 2 marathons and 31 half marathons. I never imagine that I would be a runner but running has changed my life for the better. I am finishing up my first season coaching with Red Coyote and it has been an amazing experience helping runners prepare for OKC Half Marathon. The OKC Memorial Marathon and city is near and dear to my heart as OKC has become my new home and I completed my first marathon at this race last year. I am excited to share this race and city with other runners and get them to the finish line. If your goal is to finish at 2:45, stick with us, and we will get you there while having fun.
Heather Puckett 2:45
Hello! I am excited to have the opportunity to join the OKC Memorial Marathon pacing team. I started my running journey about 3 years ago after foster failing and adopting not one but two Labrador puppies. As the puppies grew, we discovered one had a never ending supply of energy and just loves to “Go! Go! Go!” Through our adventures we found an amazing running community and family. It has been one crazy, nonstop, running adventure! I discovered not long after beginning my journey that I had a desire to be a part of others’ experiences as well, so I began seeking opportunities within the running community. This is my 3rd season of coaching with Red Coyote; I love having the opportunity to pace and cheer on runners as they achieve new distances and learn they are capable of so much more than they ever thought possible. The 2019 OKC Memorial Marathon will be my 20th half marathon and my 5th race to pace. Some of my favorite half marathons are OKC Memorial Marathon, Route 66, Garmin Marathon, Hospital Hill, and Disney Princess. If your goal is to run 2:45 (or just under), come run with me!
Roksana Alavi 3:00
I didn't grow up athletic. Actually in my home country of Iran, there were no sports for girls. In 2010, my brothers ran OKCMM, and I was encouraged to try, even though I had never ran over 3 miles. So, I ran my first half then, and even though I didn't regularly run for a few years after, I have been regularly running for a few years now, with over 15 half marathon, and a marathon under my belt. My most favorite race has been OKCMM. I have ran my first half and only full here at home. No other race has so much support from the city, and the people. I truly enjoy it. I do hope that I can participate as a pacer this time. Although I have only been running with PPR for about a year, I participated in the training last Fall 2018, and I am a first time coach for RC. I can't begin to tell you how much I am enjoying running with the group, and pacing the group to get them (us) ready for their (some of them, first) half marathon. I have never paced a race before and would really like to have OKCMM to be my first time to pace. My first half marathon, and the only marathon has been OKCMM. This is a very special race for me. I would love to be there to support the runners in their pacing group. It will make it more fun for me once other runners join me and we can run together, even if just for a few minutes. I feel like coaching and pacing have many things in common, you are there for the people. It is not about me. I am there to encourage, chat, and also keep the pace. I have come across people who would talk to me when I felt like I was out of energy during the race. That togetherness has gotten me through some rough patches during the marathon. One pacer was really helpful while I was running the full. I suppose, I want to be the spectator that runs with the pack, except that my sign will have a number!
Esther Davidson 3:00
I started running in 2010 and when I moved to Oklahoma City in 2011 I continued to run. I started running with Red Coyote at the Pack Pint Runs every Thursday. I love those runs. In 2014,I got the idea to run a half marathon and trained with a group of women. After my first half marathon, I was hooked and started signing up for more races. I love Route 66 because the medals and jackets are so much fun but I also love running through Oklahoma City. I hope to run in other states too. I had a huge PR in Texas and I also ran a half in Bentonville. I started coaching with Red Coyote in the fall program and it was such a rewarding experience. That was a tough race because the weather was brutal cold. Hearing how everyone crossed the finish line was exciting. I can't wait to share my passion with more people! I am a real talker when I run and you might forget that you are running 13.1 miles. Most of the time, I will be talking about food.