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, I’m a nurse in the operating room, and I like to run in the mountains and the woods! Currently, I live in Ballard with my husband.
I ran cross country in high school, came back into running in 2018, and I transitioned from the roads to the trails after running my first ultramarathon, the Grand Ridge 50k, in 2021.
I ran my first 100 mile race at the Oregon Cascades 100, in August 2022. It was a life changing weekend and it has firmly cemented my love for the trail running community.
Sometimes, you’ll find me on the Burke Gilman doing a run commute, but you’re more likely to find me on Tiger Mountain, getting as much vert as I can and hammering down the descents. I’ll be out there more than ever because my A-race for 2023 is the Gorge Waterfalls 100k on April 1st!
If you find me at a race, I’ll have my camera in hand! I love being able to showcase the beautiful places we have to run on here in Washington State.
Looking forward to meeting all of you at upcoming races!
Instagram: @ohaiitsarielle
YouTube: @ohaiitsarielle
Strava: Arielle Ruizo Trumble
Marilou
Eve
Hannah
My name is Hannah and I’ve been running for a little over 10 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 two full marathons including the Chicago Marathon in 2022! I’m so excited to be a part of the 2023 Orca Ambassador Team and make more friendships on the roads and trails!
Jamie
Hi I’m Jamie, first time Orca/ Evergreen Ambassador and super excited about it! Started running the summer of 2019 and fell in love with it! Unfortunately Covid derailed my first real year of racing but Orca luckily made my first half possible by offering virtual options. Since the summer of 2020 I’ve run approximately 25 half marathons countless 5 and 10K’s. Orca and Evergreen have been a huge part of my racing resume. I’m not a fast runner, sometimes I’m near the back of the pack but I’m never made to feel bad about it. I love this community and the people I’ve met though it. I recently ran my first full Marathon and OMG it kicked my a$$ 😆. Hoping to make new connections this year and make stronger ones with the peeps I know.
Matt
Hi Orca Fam; so psyched to be joining the team this year as a freshman ambassador! I grew up in the Seattle area and hated running when I was a kid but started getting into it after college and somehow stumbled my way into signing up for the 2017 Orca Half. The experience was phenomenal and I’ve been hooked ever since running 2 marathons, 11 half marathons, six 10Ks, and lots of other races in between. // Most mornings you can find me running Seattle’s lake, canal, and sound trails or running/volunteering at an awesome Orca Running event. My pet project over the last couple years has been attempting to run every street in Seattle and I’m 77% complete! My pet cat is a 10-year-old rescue named Milly who does not care for running but always greets me when I get home to beg for food. In 2023 I really want to improve my marathon/half marathon PRs with the ultimate goal of someday posting a BQ time and representing Orca in the commonwealth. 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!
Morgan
Jen
I started running 10 years ago this December. My best friend asked me to do San Jose Santa 5k with her; with little training and zero expectations we had a great time and I found a sport I loved. A decade later, I’ve run over 65 half marathons, countless 5 and 10ks, two 30ks (Birch Bay virtual and in-person for 2022!), one marathon, and one 50k. A decade later, I’ve run over 65 half marathons, countless 5 and 10ks, two 30ks (Birch Bay virtual and in-person for 2022!), one marathon, and one 50k. 2012 Jen never could have dreamt that I would love running so much and find such an amazing community with Orca and Evergreen. I’ll be ecstatic to be back for a third year as an Ambassador and can’t wait to get out on the streets and trails and meet more new running buddies.
Ingunn
I was born and raised in Norway, but now live in the gorgeous Seattle area with my husband, two little daughters, and our Italian Greyhound! I first started running a decade ago, but it wasn’t until I was between births in 2016 that I started taking it more seriously and entering races.
I love the joy and endorphins and alone time running gives me, especially on trail. It has been hugely important for my mental health! Most importantly, the community I’ve found in other runners is so accepting and inclusive and positive!
My favorite hobbies are going for long runs in the mountains and then scrapbooking about it when I come home.
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 first time ambassador! I didn’t learn to love running until 2020 when the shut-down halted my work to help keep the cabin fever away. Running was always a chore to me in the past but once I broke 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. In 2022, I ran my first half marathon and proud to say I completed four; three more than I thought I would! Once I broke through that barrier, I’ve now expanded my running bucket list to complete a 30k this spring and hopefully a marathon in the fall. Running for me is more than just time to destress but a time for personal growth and movement therapy. During the day, I’m a wedding photographer and commercial stylist for REI. I also participate in one triathlon a year and I love it! I’m a horrible swimmer so give me your swimming tips please! My hobbies besides running are cooking, road cycling, dreaming of a European vacation to Greece or Croatia, walking my giant Golden Retriever and wine tasting with my best girlfriends. I am honored to represent The Pod as an ambassador and have a tighter running circle of inspirational humans. Cheers to 2023!