Orca Running Ambassadors
2024 Orca Running Ambassadors
Amy C.
Hello! I’m Amy Cunningham, and love running because it’s a positive way to clear the mind and get outdoors. I completed my 10th marathon this past year and have run over 27 half-marathons. I enjoy both road races and trail running, and as a mom of three teens, try to fit running in whenever possible. In addition to working for Kiterocket, a Seattle marketing and PR agency, I embrace spending time with family, writing, reading, baking, and cycling. I started giving speeches competitively at a young age with the local 4-H team and graduated from the University of Georgia with a speech communication degree. This spring, to foster some cross-training, I’m learning how to row and plan to join my rescue dog Romeo on long walks. I’m honored to be an ambassador and look forward to running with all of you this year!
Arielle
Hi there! My name is Arielle and I live in Ballard with my husband. I’m honored to be back for my 4th year as an Orca Running/Evergreen Trail Runs Ambassador! When I’m not working at UW Medical Center as a nurse in the operating room, you can find me on the Burke Gilman or in the Issy Alps on the weekends.
I ran on and off during high school, college, and while studying for the NCLEX to get my nursing license. I picked up running full speed in 2019 and I haven’t looked back, always looking for a new way to push myself and get stronger. I’ve done every distance from 5k to 100 miles and I’ve found something new to love about the sport along the way.
I’m looking forward to vibing with all of you this year! You might find me at the starting line with my camera or volunteering. See you out there!
Instagram: @ohaiitsarielle
YouTube: @ohaiitsarielle
Strava: Arielle Ruizo Trumble
Patrick
Calvin and Kristen Simerson
Hello! Our names are Cal and Kristen, and we are super excited to be continuing into year 2 with The Pod as the first-ever couple ambassadors!
We both started running in 2015-2016, although Cal was in the “3 mile a year club” throughout his 25 year Navy career (sailors have to run 1.5 miles twice a year for their Physical Readiness Test). Once we did our first 5k race in 2016, we were hooked! That sense of accomplishment, badassery, and growth as you begin to conquer different aspects of running is so fulfilling! Plus, the running community is like no other. Since that first race in 2016, we’ve leveled up to some bigger distances, and we both completed our first 100k races in 2023!
Cal is more of a trail runner, and Kristen is more of a road runner, but we often cross over to the other side to run together. We are active in two different run clubs, Mt Erie Runners and Penn Cove Run Club, and Cal also hosts a running group after work on Wednesdays for some of his workmates who are just starting their running journey. Once you add all of this to our training plans, we have a lot of running going on each week!
Aside from running, we love traveling the world, hiking, woodcutting, and we’re just getting into biking. We completed our first multi-day hike in the summer of 2023, spending 5 days completing the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in Japan – it was life changing! We also love trying new restaurants, wineries, breweries, and coffee shops. Most weekends in the summer you will find us camping! We enjoy thrifting and Kristen is always proud to tell people that almost all of her running clothes are second hand…race tees *might* be the only brand new clothes she invests in. We also enjoy researching our heritage – Kristen is a proud member of the Chinook Tribe and Cal recently found out that he has a lot of Scottish heritage…so don’t be surprised if you see him running in a kilt one of these days!
If you see us at a race, please come say hello!
Marilou
Holly-Kate
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 11 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 four full marathons including the Eugene Marathon in 2023 (where I PR’d)! In 2024 I’m looking forward to completing my first triathlon at the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon in June. I’m so excited to be a part of the 2024 Orca Ambassador Team and make more friendships on the roads and trails!
Jamie
Hey y’all Jamie here! So excited to be an ambassador for my second year! After a hike up to Poo Poo Point for a sunrise yoga session the summer of 2019 I was invited to a ParkRun afterwards. As soon as I got home that day, I signed up for a half marathon the next summer. I was high on an adrenaline! I’d caught the bug. I began running regularly and trained for the big day! Obviously that race was cancelled, I was super disappointed. Luckily, Orca Running came to the rescue with virtual races. Iron Horse 2020 was my first half and first Orca race. From that point on I was addicted and once in person racing resumed, I fell in love with this community! In these last few year’s I’ve run countless half’s, 10k and 5ks and one marathon. I run mostly road races but do love the occasional trail race. I also enjoy sweeping races. Volunteering at races is super fun and you may see my 8-year-old son there with me, he loves tagging along. He’ll be racing his first 5K this year. See you out there!
Josh
Hi, all! My name is Josh. I have been a practicing Physical Therapist Assistant rehabbing runners since 2007, I am the Head coach at Orangetheory and a UESCA certified run coach. I started running to get healthier and fell in love with the process. At my heaviest, I was over 225 pounds and my first run in my early 20’s I only made it one block before I had to sit down. Time and consistency is the key to everything and anywhere you want to go. My passion is sharing what I have learned about running to help others find the love and joy that I feel with less mistakes than I made. Trail running and the woods are my favorite but most of my miles are on the road with friends. I’m excited to meet you and share some miles and smiles!
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 35+ races including a 50K, 4 marathons, 15 half marathons, and countless other races.
Most mornings you can find me running on Seattle’s various trails or at an awesome Orca Running event. This year I’m going to focus on shorter distances and try to put up some new 10K and Half Marathon PRs. One fun thing about me is that I have a 11-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 hiking, 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 7th year with the amazing Orca Running Family! I began my running journey in the summer of 2014 and have completed 390+ running events! I love being part of the running community and have made some life lasting friends over the past 9 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 7.5 years old and Paisley who is 9.5 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 12 years now – such a reward 😊
Morgan
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.
Karen
Hello! My name is Karen and I come from the beautiful land of Costa Rica and have lived in WA for almost 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 set the goal to first (and slowly) reach my old distance of 10k without walking. It wasn’t pretty, but with the help of running friends, I achieved it and surpassed it by running a 12k race. Later, those same friends encouraged me to train for my first half marathon… so I did, and ran my first one at the Iron Horse Half!! After that race my focus has been on trail running races, I cannot say I am a full trail runner yet, but almost! (haha), there’s something about running in the forest, power hiking those gnarly hills, trying to not eat mud on the downhills, and the yummy food at the end that brings me a huge sense of accomplishment, peace, and happiness. 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!
Instagram: @raremamaruns
Trish
Hi! My name is Trish. I am a runner and soon to be mom of two enjoying life in the PNW. I started running in 2011, and after my first half marathon I was hooked. Since then I’ve run lots of marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and 5ks, sometimes all in a row at the Dopey Challenge, but nothing beats Orca Races!
As a current stay at home mom, running keeps me healthy physically and mentally, and I’ve come to really love stroller runs. When I’m not running you’ll find me sewing, reading, or baking. I love being outside with my toddler, exploring the many nearby trails and parks. I’m looking forward to getting to know the Orca Pod better and trying out some new challenges this year, including some trail races!
Amy K.
My name is Amy and I’m so excited to be a returning ambassador in 2024! I didn’t learn to love running until 2020 when the shut-down halted our lives and to help keep the cabin fever away, I would take myself out on short runs. Running was always a chore to me in the past but once I broke that barrier into longer distances and discovered I was capable beyond what the brain tells us our bodies can’t do, I gained so much confidence and enthusiasm for distance running. I truly believe that even though running is generally an individual sport, we can do so much more together. And this ambassadorship has helped to sky-rocket my running era accomplishments to heights I never believed in being able to do alone! Since starting my young running journey, I’ve ran 9 half marathons and a 30k which led me to my first full Marathon in ’23.. In 2024, I’m not yet sure if a marathon is in my future yet but I’m excited to get after some PR’s this year and dip my toes into trail running a little more! During the day, I’m a wedding photographer and commercial product/wardrobe stylist. I also participate in one triathlon a year- I’m a horrible swimmer so give me your swimming tips please! My hobbies besides running are cooking, road cycling, and lovin’ on my giant Golden Retriever. I am honored to represent The Pod as an ambassador and have a tighter running circle of inspirational humans. Cheers to 2024!
Andrew
Katie
Hello! My name is Katie and I am excited to be an Orca Ambassador again! I’m 42 years old, been married for 21 years and have a 16 year old daughter. I started running when my daughter was 18 months old and got hooked! Running has made me an athlete and that is a word I never thought I’d use to describe myself. I’ve felt pride in myself while running that I’ve experienced before. I ran 3 run streaks of 30+ days during Covid but since then my running journey has faltered with life and mental illness struggles. I’m getting back into a consistent routine and am looking forward to an awesome Run the Green Half. In my “free” time I enjoy baking (I even work as a baker at a middle school), reading, paddleboarding, watching movies, camping and listening to good music- mainly Tom Petty and Taylor Swift! I can’t wait to meet new friends and run some fun miles this year!
Instagram: @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. This year my goal is to run 100 miles within 24 hours which I’m doing to raise funds for The Longest Day with the Alzheimers Association.
Instagram: @coreywanderlust
Theresa
I’m Theresa a PNW transplant who never wants to leave. Currently, I’m a stay at home parent of two boys, but we try to stay home as little as possible. I’ve been running consistently for almost a decade. I play no favorites when it comes to race distances, but pacing friends to reach their goals has been my new favorite kind of race.
When I’m not running, I’m reading, baking, hiking, singing, watching movies, or getting into shenanigans with friends. In 2024 I’m hoping to break through an old half marathon PR and potentially check off some new trail race distances.
Rachel
Hi, My name is Rachel and I’m an accountant by day and mom to a very spunky 6-year-old girl, Remi. My free time is dedicated to running, I’m currently training for my 6th star in Tokyo this March. I live in Mill Creek and absolutely love our local PNW races. I’m a Ragnar junkie and this will be my 2nd year captaining an NWP Ultra team, and 1st year captaining a Rainier Ultra team! Rainier has turned me into a trail lover and I’m planning for more trail this year. My first Orca race was the Iron Horse, 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.
Susan
Hi, my name is Sue, this is my first year as an Ambassador for Orca Running! I’m so excited and can’t wait to be a part of this great group! I’m from Michigan and have been living in WA for 13 years with my husband and 2 kids. I work for an amazing non profit called Step By Step and I’m also the team lead 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 but now it’s been so many that I don’t have the number, lol. My favorite distance right now is the ½ marathon. Over the years I’ve done many things to support girls and women getting into the sport of running. I use running as a stress relief, I wanted more people to get out of running what I do so I went through the RRCA Certification program so I could become a running coach. I never became a paid running coach instead I chose to volunteer my time with Girls On the Run for 3 years and now through Vie Athletics. For run I do run clubs and I convince my friends to run races with me. I’m happy to say that I haven’t lost any friends from doing this!
I can’t wait to run some races with everyone!
Jen Dana
I started running in August 2017, and within the next 13 months I ran my first 5k, 10k, Half, Ragnar NWP, and Blerch Marathon! I started getting into trail running in 2019. My first official trail run was the 2020 Lord Hill 10-miler, and I ran my first ultra (Antelope 55k!) just one month later. Now, I’m training for my first 100-miler (Badger 100!) I love the freedom and peace of mind I get from running. Nearly as much, though, I love the running community’s spirit and willingness to chase goals and help others achieve their goals; this feeling is so strong among the Orca Running and Evergreen Trail Running groups. Oh, also, honorable mention! I love the food at ultra aid stations.
Instagram: @jen_dana