2025 Orca Running Ambassadors
Amy C.
Arielle
Hi everyone! My name is Arielle and I’m stoked to be back as an Orca Running/Evergreen Trails ambassador!
Running cross country in high school laid the groundwork for me to run everything from 5k on the roads to 100 miles in the mountains. While I love the roads during the work week, I’m happiest in the mountains!
When I’m not working in the OR as a nurse, you can find me on the Burke Gilman, around Westlake, or in the Issy Alps. When I’m not running, I love crocheting, hanging out with friends, and playing video games (I’m currently working through the Kingdom Hearts series: replaying the numbered titles and playing some non-numbered ones for the first time!)
This year, you’ll see me volunteering or on the starting line with my camera! Feel free to come say hello 🙂
Strava: Arielle Ruizo Trumble
Instagram and YouTube: ohaiitsarielle
Patrick
Eric
Hello! I’m Eric. I am married with 2 children (20 yo and 17yo) Holy Cow they grow up fast!!! My family and I are brand new to Washington State as of summer 2024, after I recently retired from the Air Force with 21 years of active-duty service. (No Joke, we completed a Road Trip a few years prior and fell in love with the state and made it our goal to call this place our home someday, so here we are making it our reality!!)
I am what some would call a “late bloomer” to the trail running world. I grew up being an avid hiker and recreational climber, but never running. Throughout my adult life I have been fortunate enough to take my hiking and climbing passions to dozens of mountain ranges from across the globe, making countless core memories along the way.
Now fast forward to two years ago and my wife, the true runner of the family, asked if I would run a half-marathon with her…Little did I know that that race would be the stepping-stone (running stone) to a whole new world that I didn’t know I so desperately needed in my life. Now with countless trails, races, and miles under my feet; I can confidently say that trail running is not just a newly found passion, but almost a way of life for me.
I am incredibly humbled to be a first time Evergreen/Orca Ambassador, and I am excited to share trails, tell stories, and build lasting friendships along the way during the 2025 season!!
“Be humble in your confidence yet courageous in your character.”
Marilou
Hi! I’m Marilou, and I’m so honored and excited to be back for my 6th year as an ambassador. I’m repping your 55+, back-of-the pack runners! I may not be fast, but I can run far. I enjoy pacing for half marathons whenever I get the opportunity. I mostly run road races, but I hope to get in some trail races this year. My favorite race distances are 10k and half marathons. And my favorite Orca races are the My Better Half 10k (because I get to run with my bestie and the medals are always super cute!), Captain Jack’s Treasure Run (because who doesn’t like to dress up like a pirate?!), and The Great Ferry Race Half Marathon (where else do you get to start a race from a ferry?).
Leigh
Running is a passion for me!
My partner asks how I can spend hours talking about running 🙂
The stoke is here with Orca and Evergreen Trails! I have been running and volunteering with them for years! I’m so excited to bring my marathon , trail racing and ultra trail running to This Amazing Group of people!
I encourage everyone, no matter what their pace or distance to come out and run! It’s all about the run and feeling great that you did it!
Run and Trail Love,
Leigh
Leigh aka @Alpine_Skye
Denis
Hi everybody! My name is Denis da Silva, 44 year old very active person and father of a 14 year old high school (s***, time flies!) athlete. I am passionate about running and its community. I am originally from Brazil and have been living in Seattle for almost 16 years. In addition to running, I am an avid kiteboarder and being on the water is also another passion of mine. I completely fell in love with running since 2021 and have half-marathons and marathons as my favorite distances. Most importantly, I am passionated about the training process and not the results. I truly appreciate and enjoy running throughout Seattle and with our great community, as well as many other places around the PNW.
Here is my main goal for 2024: run smart, focus more on strengthening workouts and minimize chance of injuries, while staying active all year long on the road, trail, or water. That simple. Yes, I do want some PRs here and there, but that’s a minor thing and they will happen organically and I am not worry about it.
I am beyond stoked to have this opportunity and continue to be an Orca Running and Evergreen Trail Running Ambassador for the 3rd year. I am looking forward to see all of you joining me in many races around Puget Sound or during my trainings across Seattle (Lake Union, Greenlake, Waterfront, Discovery Park, etc).
If you want to connect, check out my running training journey, where I will be racing, participate in one of my giveaways for free race entries, as well as check out our PNW kiteboarding actions, follow me on instagram @deniskitesnw
Hannah
My name is Hannah and I’ve been running for a little over 12 years now! For me, running started as a stress reliever and quickly turned into a way to gain confidence and meet my fitness goals. My favorite running distance is a half marathon, but I’ve ran five full marathons including the Eugene Marathon in 2023 (where I PR’d)! In 2025 I’m looking forward to running the Vancouver Marathon in May and completing my first seven day bike race at Iowa’s RAGBRAI in July. I’m so excited to be a part of the 2025 Orca Ambassador Team and make more friendships on the roads and trails!
Hiral
Hello! My name is Hiral, and I am thrilled and honored to be an Orca Running/Evergreen Trail Runs Ambassador! I am married, a mom of two amazing kiddos (ages 7 and 3), a UW graduate, and I work at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
I began my running journey at a young age in India, but life’s twists and turns led me away from the sport for a few years. It wasn’t until I arrived in Seattle 13 years ago that I rediscovered my passion. My husband and I ran our first half marathon together in 2014, right here in Seattle, and I was hooked. My goals now are to build strength, train for distance beyond the half marathon, and experience more trail running.
As someone who has been running on and off for several years, I’ve developed a deep connection to the joy and perseverance that come with the sport. Running sets my soul on fire, and I hope I get to enjoy the sport for as long as I can, alongside family and friends. Like many, my mantra is that speed does not define us- our response to overcoming challenges and commitment to achieve goals does. Each mile under the feet counts!
My favorite Orca run is the Iron Horse Half, and my favorite distances are 10K & Half marathon. My favorite charity is the Seattle Children’s to support the uncompensated care.
Whether rain or shine, uphill or downhill, the journey is always better when we are running side by side. I look forward to connecting even more with our running community and celebrate our shared wins!
Instagram: @h.i.r.a.l_d
Emily
Hello! My name is Emily and I am thrilled to be an Orca and Evergreen ambassador! I have lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life, so running in the elements is no surprise to me! 😉 I am a mom of four sons ranging from kindergarten to high school, so we’ve got a loud wild bunch under our roof in this season! Since my boys have gotten a bit older, I’ve jumped head on into running and triathlon. This last year I completed my first Ironman triathlon – a lifetime goal watching my parents race them as a kid. My 2025 running goals are to run race distances of all kinds – fast 5k’s through a 100 mile ultra. Running through the woods stirs my spirit of adventure and encourages me to get gritty and work hard.
I look forward to running and racing alongside you this year, and bringing my family along for the ride! Find me on Strava – Emily Joy, and instagram @teeter_totter_mom
Matt
Hi Orca Fam; psyched to be returning to the team this year! I grew up in the Seattle area and didn’t start getting into running until after college. Somehow stumbled my way into signing up for the 2017 Orca Half and I’ve been running ever since! The experience was phenomenal and I’ve been hooked ever since running 50+ races including a 50K, 4 marathons, 22 half marathons, and countless other races. In 2024 I ran 13 races, highlighted by finishing first overall in the Orca Running Series and the combined Orca Half Blowhole Challenge. This year I’m going to try and set a new marathon PR along with running every other race I can!
Most mornings you can find me running on Seattle’s various trails or at an awesome Orca Running event. One fun thing about me is that I have a 12-year-old rescue cat named Milly who does not care for running but always greets me when I get home to beg for food. In addition to running I enjoy backpacking, volleyball, paddleboarding, climbing, and sports.
Some favorites…
Race: Great Ferry Race Running
Weather: 47° with a light mist
Gear: Brooks Ghost Shoes, Garmin 255 Watch
Post-Race Meal: Vegan nachos
Local Hike: Mt. Tenerife to Mt. Si Loop
Weekend Activity: Volunteering at Orca Races!
Nancy
Hello everyone! My name is Nancy, and I am super excited to asked back as an Orca Ambassador for my 8th year with the amazing Orca Running Family! I began my running journey in the summer of 2014 and have completed 415+ running events! I love being part of the running community and have made some life lasting friends over the past 10 years.
So, my running goals were to grow in distance the more I ran but I have had to pull back a bit due to some minor medical issues. I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (usually the early onset of MS) back in December of 2012 but over the past couple of years I have noticed some progression of neurological damage that has begun to slow me down a bit and makes the distance events difficult. But I refuse to let this get me down so I have decided that running/walking shorter distances would be best for me and keeps me doing what I absolutely love doing.
And of course, my dogs – my dogs are one of the biggest joys in my life. I have 2 wonderful Boxers, Dexter who is 8.5 years old and Paisley who is 10.5 years old. These two mean the world to me – so much so that I also volunteer with MustLuvBoxers Rescue! I love being part of a Boxer Rescue and have been doing this for almost 13 years now – such a reward.
Find me on: Instagram @itgirl_original or Facebook in the running group I admin called Puget Sound Runners – we would love for you to join us there!
Brian
Hiya! My name is Brian and after racing and volunteering with Evergreen Trail Runs for the past few years, I am truly honored to be an ambassador. Although born in the US, my family moved to Switzerland when I was 9, ingraining a life-long need for mountains (no coincidence that I now live in North Bend!). My running career spanned cross-country in middle- and high school as well as college, road marathons, triathlons, 45-50K races in France and Switzerland in my 30’s, a break while I taught scuba in the Tropics for 6 years and finally rediscovering trail running with the Tiger Peak Challenge in 2021, placing 6th OA. This year I completed my first 100K, winning my age division and placing 7th OA and had my first (failed) attempt at a 100M. I am proud to be part of the team that puts together the Leavenworth Trailfest and North Bend Trailfest. Retired, I teach Nordic and Alpine at the Summit at Snoqualmie during the winter and spend as much time on the trails with old friends and making new ones the rest of the year. I am convinced that there is no better way to not just maintain my own mental and physical health but to develop, nurture and support others in their own journey than sharing a few hours on a trail.
I look forward to sharing a few miles and some vert with all y’all!
“Follow me on Instagram @theoldtrailrunnerdude”
Jen
Hello running folx. This is my fourth year as Evergreen/Orca Ambassador and I’m thrilled to be back.
I started running when one of my best friends asked me to do a 5k with her. So, with zero training and no expectations, but to have fun, I signed up. That was over eleven years ago and I haven looked back.
I’m a solid middle to slow runner and one of the things that I love about the Orca and Evergreen running communities is how supportive everyone is. I’ve run over 75 half marathons, countless 5 and 10ks, two 30ks, a marathon, and a memorable 50k for SCR 2020. Some day, I hope to do an Evergreen Ultra.
I look forward to seeing many of you in person or online as you walk and run to your goals for 2024.
Erin
Hi there, Erin here, aka “Wacky Runner”, or “Ms. Frizz” as you will often find me dressed the part whether it be in the classroom, or at a race! I grew up here in the PNW and was a runner as a young person, but rediscovered my passion for the sport as an adult once my kids were a bit older. Now that they are teens, I find I need it more than ever.
When I’m not in the classroom teaching elementary science, on the sidelines of a teen’s soccer game or track meet, on a hike, baking, or out volunteering in the community, you will find me running in just about any race distance, I love the challenge of them all. I’m a big fan of themed runs though, and will run in just about any costume, after all they don’t call me “Wacky Zackey” for nothing. Currently I’m working on getting to all of the World Marathon Majors, and 2024 will give me 2 new stars! Running local races brings me great joy though, and I love connecting with friends new and old. I typically run with the Edmonds Run Club, but also like being polyrungrouperous around the sound. 😆
I’m thrilled that I’ll get to run and support Orca and Evergreen races this year, and absolutely look forward to connecting even more with the local running community.
Emilia
Hello! My name is Emilia and I’m so excited to be back for my 3rd year as an Ambassador, after a little break!
I was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland and moved to the PNW nearly 10 years ago! I instantly fell in love with all this beautiful place has to offer – mountains, lakes and TRAILS! My running journey started around 2019 with lots of road 5 and 10ks and a few half marathons and I then navigated towards trail running. Nothing sparks more joy than rainy muddy miles! Speaking of trail miles: my highlight of 2024 was a girls only weekend trip to the North Cascades this past October where my bestie and I hiked and ran from sunrise to sunset among stunning golden Larches!
I can’t wait to see you all out there and run together! My life is really on Strava, find me there: Emilia Bajkowska.
Instagram: @embajkowska
Katie
My name is Katie and I am stoked to be back again as an Evergreen Orca Ambassador! This is honestly a group of some of the best people around. I am a wife of 22 years to a man who likes adventure a little too much, and mom to a 17 year old daughter who is following in his footsteps more than I like. For me I find adventure in nice mild road running which I started back when my daughter was 18 months old. I love running with people and am always on the lookout for other back of the packers to join up with! I tend to train solo these days but love meeting people at races. I never would have considered myself an athlete but now I do and that’s pretty freaking rad. My mental health struggles can interrupt my running at time la but if I can just get out of the door it usually helps rather that hurts the situation. When I’m not running I love paddle-boarding, reading, watching movies, camping, listening to good music (Taylor Swift and Tom Petty are my faves) and just being with friends and family. I haven’t nailed my race schedule down yet but you will see me volunteering at some races because that’s what the cool kids do (hint hint). I can’t wait for 2025 to bring growth in my running and life in general.
@running_and_jellybeans
Corey
Hi everyone, I’m Corey. I’m a passionate runner who finds joy exploring the great outdoors and building connections with the running community. My favorite distances are half marathon for road and 50k for trail. I love challenging myself with varied terrain amongst the serenity of nature. Many times you’ll see me running in costume just having a fun time.
Instagram: @coreywanderlust
Karen
Hello! My name is Karen and I come from the beautiful land of Costa Rica and have lived in WA for 12+ years. I was a track & field runner during my college years (5000 and 10000 mts), and continued to run through my adult years until I became pregnant with my first son who at a few months of age was diagnosed with a rare disease called WOREE Syndrome. This, of course, changed all my goals and plans for the future and even more so when his little brother was also diagnosed with the same disease at just a few weeks old. Several years went by trying to find my new normal and a balance within medical motherhood. In 2023 after recovering from a major surgery, I decided to finally take care of myself again and do the things that bring me joy. One of them is running! I have now ran 4 half marathons, found my love for trail running and became a multi sport athlete by training in the pool with triathletes!
When I´m not running you will find me teaching music at my home studio, making art for me or for sale, and advocating for my little warriors. I’m so happy to be part of the Evergreen Orcas this year and can´t wait to share my passion for running and these amazing races and community with others!
Eve
Hello friends! My name is Eve and I am thrilled to return for a second year as an Orca Running ambassador. I live with my husband and two old-man cats, and I enjoy reading, traveling and building Lego sets. I started running with my dad back in 2012 and fell in love with
the community and energy that running created (plus some father/daughter time). I finished my third marathon in 2022, but the half marathon distance will always have my heart. After my MS diagnosis in January 2023, my running faltered as I tried to wrestle with both my new condition and medication. 2024 became a year of reconditioning my mental and physical state, and I feel much stronger for it. I’m so grateful to be a part of such a tight-knit group, filled with amazing and inspiring people!
Instagram: @small_fry_runner
Rachel
Hi, My name is Rachel and I’m an accountant by day and mom to a very spunky 7-year-old girl, Remi. My free time is dedicated to running, I’m currently training for London this April. I live in Mill Creek and absolutely love our local PNW races. I’m a Ragnar junkie and this will be my 3rd year captaining an NWP Ultra team, and 2nd year captaining a Rainier team, attempting Black Loop with Erin Zackey, my ultimate partner in crime.. I mean running! Rainier has turned me into a trail lover and I’m planning for even more trail this year. My 2025 goal is to run my 1st 50 miler! My first Orca race was the Iron Horse, which holds my current ½ PR, and I was hooked on them after that! I’m ecstatic to be an ambassador this year and can’t wait for all the fun.
Instagram: @raesmomruns
Strava: Rachel Taylor
Susan
HI, my name is Sue, this is my second year as an Ambassador for Orca Running! I’m from Michigan and have been living in WA for 14 years with my husband and 2 kids. I work for an amazing non profit called Step By Step and I’m also a coach at Vie Athletics. I love the PNW and when people ask if I want to move back to Michigan, I quickly answer no! Not that I don’t love Michigan, I just love WA more.
I’ve been running for fun since the early 90’s, I ran my first 5K in 1995 and I haven’t stopped running races since! I’ve run about 10 marathons and so many other races, I wish I had counted them all, maybe one day I’ll count the metals, lol. My favorite distance right now is the ½ marathon. I love running with friends and trying to convince non running friends to run with me! This past year I started a run group,we motivate each other to get out running even when it’s raining…mostly we meet so we can have pastries and coffee afterwards!
I can’t wait to run some races with everyone!
@sukeighron