EAU CLAIRE MARATHON AMBASSADORS 2021-2022
MEET ADAM
He completed the Sweet16 Challenge during the Bridge2Bridge race series! In addition to running, Adam is a personal trainer, running coach and yoga instructor. He loves music and is a huge Star Wars fan!
“My dharma (purpose) in life is to be a cheerleader. I absolutely LOVE cheering runners on and celebrating success.”ll your story online can make all the difference.
MEET THE JOHNSTON FAMILY
Dustin and Jenny moved to Eau Claire in 2017 and said that finding a running community like Eau Claire has made them fall back in love with Running. Active members in the Blue Ox Running Herb who love to make it fun and competitive while trying to keep our kids involved in the groups as well!
MEET JESSICA
She has participated in 10 Eau Claire Marathon races. She is a mother of two and High Schoool Math Teacher. She is also a famous food blogger. (Check her out at Jess in the Kitchen)
GOAL: I also want to visit all major National Parks as well as all the parks in Wisconsin.
MEET ALEXANDRA
“I may not be fast, but I have learned I can go far. In all the chaos of life's circumstances…the simplicity of focusing on putting one foot in front of the other provides such clarity, peace, and growth.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SWEAT BESIDES RUNNING? “I really enjoy yoga! It has gone a long way in helping me develop strength, balance, and flexibility”
MEET JC
JC once said "The challenge is to realize you have this one moment... and to connect this realization with the truth you can change the world.
In this one moment, override the logic, the undertow, the prudence....muck up your shoes making your own path, view your stumbles as a sign that you are onto something magical and shout the new realities that you see.
The world is begging to be affected by you!"
MEET NOAH
"Running has changed who I am, and has pushed me in ways I never would have though possible!"
GOAL: Training for a 100 mile ultra marathon, then going for that Boston Qualification!
MEET ALISSA
She has run the ECM half marathon every year for the past 5 years and was a sweet 16 challenge finisher during Bridge2Bridge weekend in 2021! Alissa started running to focus on her own health but now shares her love of the sport with others as a coach and through her involvement with My Team Triumph.
MEET RYAN
He has run the Eau Claire marathon 4 times, completed 3 Ironman races (with another one planned in September!) and finished the American Birkenbiner 4 times. He is the head swim coach for YMCA of the Chippewa Valley.
WHAT IS A SONG THAT GETS YOU PUMPED UP? “44 More (Logic)”
MEET MIKE
"I've done 61 marathons and can honestly say that Eau Claire is one of the best in the country. What I love about the Eau Claire Marathon is their mission to keep making the race better each year. Asking for feedback, positive or negative to keep improving the overall experience. I will be pacing again in September, the 4:45 group for anyone who likes silly trivia to keep their minds off of what may be ailing them along the 26.2 miles. One thing I'm very proud of this year, is that my Son Ben (20) is running his 1st marathon at Eau Claire! I can't wait to be part of it."
MEET CALEB
FAVORITE RACE EXPERIENCE: I’d have to stick with my first ever EC marathon during the last couple of miles. There has been so many people that are super supportive in the last leg of the race where I knew that this race had a special place in my heart. It was the best race experience I’ve ever had and gave me that boost of energy to finish the last legs of the race because before that, I didn’t feel like finishing. The community of Eau claire has made a huge impact on me to finish that race back in 2019.
MEET SARAH
“My husband and I have four children and we are both in education. I work as a School Counselor and also as a health and life coach, with particular interest in helping women toward their health-related goals. I have a long-term goal of running a marathon in each state by the time I'm 80 years old! I have done three ultra marathons, multiple marathons, half-marathons, and Ragnar races. Outside of running, I enjoy traveling, reading, and long walks.”
MEET KELLIE
“I started running middle school and high school cross country and track so my friends and I could spend the afternoons running and hanging out together! I was there for the social elements, but it planted a seed that has grown into a love for the sport! I have kept running because it’s therapeutic. It reminds me of my strength in both body and mind.”
MEET MADONNA
FAVORITE RACE EXPERIENCE: “Finishing my first full marathon last year I had an incredible support system and pacers and friends who cheered me along the way and met me at the finish line. It was the culmination of 4 months of really hard work and it was the best.”
MEET KELSEY
“I started running just a couple years ago. Ive been slowly improving over the past couple years. Last summer was my best year yet but darn COVID cancelled all the races.
I have done the twin city 10 mile a couple times, EC relay and all the 5ks! Love the atmosphere of race day!”
MEET KELLY
"I used to hate running, but slowly started to enjoy it after high school. I ran my first marathon in October of 2018 when I was 8 months postpartum. My favorite distance is the half marathon though. I have run 9 half marathons, but my favorite that I keep coming back to is the Eau Claire Half Marathon because of the experience."
