Nancy Hobbs

Nancy Hobbs has been running trails and directing running events since the mid-80s and her articles and photographs about the sport have been published in magazines including Runner’s World, Running Times, Trail Runner, and Ultrarunning magazine. Along with Adam W. Chase, Hobbs is the co author of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, Best Trail Runs: Seattle; Best Trail Runs: Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs; Best Trail Runs: Portland; Best Trail Runs: San Francisco. She is the founder and executive director of the American Trail Running Association, a council member of the World Mountain Running Association, and chairperson of the USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council. She was inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame in 2013. She lives in Colorado Springs, CO, but travels extensively nationally and worldwide to support and promote trail and mountain running.

Honors, Awards, Misc. Info

• Member of Colorado Running Hall of Fame, inducted 2013
• Co-Author: The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, published 2001 The Lyons Press. Second edition published by Globe Pequeot under the Falcon Books (formerly Lyons) brand 2010. Translated into Japanese (2013).
• RRCA Board member 8 years (’87-’02)
• Presentations to clubs and groups on trail running – beginning, advanced, governance.
• El Paso County Park Advisory Board Member May 1999 to Dec. 2000 & Sept. 2002 to Jan. 2006 – Chair 2003 to January 2006 (volunteer position)
• Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Member 2008-July 2013 (volunteer position). Elected Vice Chairperson in June 2011. Elected Chairperson 2012.
• U.S. Delegate to the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) 1998-2000; council member since 2000
• USATF chairperson Mountain Ultra Trail Council 2000-2024 (current term runs through 2025)
• USATF President’s Award 2002 and 2011
• Trailblazer Award, presented at Running USA 2012
• Awarded USATF’s Robert Giegengack Award in 2016 for years of dedication to the sport, particularly pioneering efforts to promote women’s mountain running
• Dedication Award – Sportswomen of Colorado – 2006
• Everest Award, trail running 2006
• Award Winner 1994 Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Heroes (Coloradorecipient)
• Coached Lehigh University’s first intercollegiate cross country team -1984

Mike Bednaz

Mike Bednaz is the Creative Marketing Director for Minus33 Merino Wool, bringing his passion for the outdoors and sustainable living into every aspect of his work. Living in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. With a deep commitment to environmental conservation, Mike advocates for responsible outdoor recreation and encourages others to explore nature while minimizing their impact. His work at Minus33 aligns with his values, promoting high-quality, sustainable Merino wool apparel as an alternative to synthetic fabrics that contribute to microplastic pollution.

With a long career in digital marketing and communications, Mike leverages his expertise to connect outdoor enthusiasts with environmentally responsible gear. He is a strong advocate for reducing wasteful manufacturing practices and eliminating harmful chemicals like PFCs from outdoor clothing. Through his work, he supports the outdoor community by promoting sustainable wool products that enhance performance while protecting the planet. Whether crafting compelling campaigns or enjoying the wilderness firsthand, Mike remains dedicated to preserving nature for future generations.

Michael Doughty

Michael Doughty is a former professional football (soccer) player who retired in 2020 after founding running shoe company hylo athletics

hylo makes the highest performing running shoes with the lowest possible impact.

Susan Clayton

Susan Clayton, founder of RunMitts, LLC, served as a running coach for Back on My Feet, an organization dedicated to assisting those living in homeless shelters. Their early morning runs at 5:30am took place in all weather conditions, even during the bitter cold winter. The icy air would often leave her hands in pain, burning as they thawed. One day, observing a teammate wearing old socks on his hands for warmth, she was inspired to develop a solution. She crafted a prototype for convertible thumbless mittens and through three years of effort, she secured a patent for her invention in 2015 and founded RunMitts, LLC in 2016.

Despite her lack of manufacturing expertise, her prior experience co-owning a successful hair salon for 27 years gave her the confidence to venture into this new endeavor. Unfamiliar with manufacturing and retail, she chose to produce the mittens locally in Maryland, contributing to the growing effort to maintain domestic needle trade jobs. This approach not only benefits her company but also supports local job creation. Over time, she transformed RunMitts, LLC from a direct-to-consumer business into a brand whose mittens are now available in run-specialty and outdoor retailers nationwide, highlighting the strong demand for the product.

Soj Jibowu

As a former Division 1 Track and Field athlete, the appreciation for products designed for sports performance has been well rooted in Soj Jibowu. Born abroad and migrating to the States at an early age, Soj spent most of his early years involved in athletics and outdoor physical activity. Growing up and identifying new paths have fostered “persistence and curiosity”, traits he holds as reminders to reach for what is possible.

It was in 2015 that Soj came across his first multi-sport race in Chicago Illinois. Captivated by the athleticism, endurance, and displayed work ethic of the participants, he decided to get involved as best possible. 60 races later, Soj found himself imbedded into the sport and cycling lifestyle in a way he never imagined. The love and appreciation for what athletics have brought into his life is real and something Soj has vowed to share to as many people as possible.

Navigating through life and conditioning the mind to pursue the goals of tomorrow have been synonymous in his journey. With a strong background in bio science and physical chemistry, his focus to detail is granular and fueled by passion. This same passion along with his love for athletics has been the drive to create Varlo, and aid all athletes to pursue the goals of tomorrow. Establishing a team of designers, textile engineers, and fellow athletes, Varlo’s aim is to provide best in class products by never sacrificing quality.
With garments built with Italian and Swiss fabrics, crafted with French techniques, Varlo has curated a modern take to redefine the language of performance.

Liz Derstine

Liz is a passionate long-distance hiker and trail runner with an impressive list of accomplishments, including fastest known times for women on trails such as the Appalachian Trail (northbound), Long Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Swiss Via Alpina, and Kungsleden. In addition to her hiking achievements, She is also a Boston-based pianist and composer, creating music inspired by nature and her lived experiences.

Her trail running feats have been spotlighted in major publications like Outside, Runner’s World, Women’s Running, and Trail Running Magazine. She’s been on the cover of Competitor Magazine with the tagline “running by day and music touring by night.” Liz also authors the popular newsletter Pink Feathers, where she shares stories about her adventures and the intersection of music and running.

Liz’s unique blend of artistry and outdoor achievement provide an inspiring and engaging perspective on pushing boundaries in outdoor recreation.

Tamara Mekler

Tamara is the cofounder of Nutshell, sustainable coolers made from coconuts. Tamara started designing coolers for artisanal tuna fisherfolk in the Philippines back in 2018. She and her cofounder moved to a small fishing village to co-design these coolers with the community, and became fed up with all the plastic waste around coolers. Until she discovered nature’s very own insulation, and introduced it to the outdoor industry with the launch of Nutshell Coolers. 

Debbie Tupper

I have run the Boston Marathon since 2006. I work fulltime at MGH in Radiology I started my career at Boston Childrens Hospital – I am 1 of 9 children(Irish / Scottish family) – I grew up in Rockport and married my husband Mike who is also from Rockport and is a Lobsterman – we have two children Michael who is a Lobsterman and Meghan who is a Nurse Practitioner in Gloucester, MA – We all love sports my love for running started after having my first child at 29 – . My father grew up in Newton MASS and lived near the Heartbreak Hill area – he passed away at the age of 59 – I started running Boston in memory of my father after I qualified in Lowell ( I had no idea I would qualify for Boston) – Years Later I was asked to join and run with the Boston Police Running Club for years – I ran the Coast of Maine Marathon last year – I have run the Boston Run to Remember – the BAA ½ – Cape Ann – Backshore Road Race and many fun 5K’s – I love running and encourage my children to live a healthy lifestyle and set goals – I have met some amazing friends on the trail

Jason Fowler

Jason Fowler, 51, is a two time Ironman triathlon World Champion in the handcycle division in 2009 and 2016. Jason won 11 New England motocross championships by age 16. At the age of 17 he became paralyzed from the chest down after colliding with a rock while practicing on his motorcycle. Since his accident he has completed over 150 road races, 50 marathons, and 54 triathlons. Jason currently works as a mental performance coach and motivational speaker. He also has an MBA and worked in the financial & medical device industries over 20 years in various roles.

George Degen

George Degen began running as a member of his high school cross country team in Madison, Wisconsin, and went on to compete for Carnegie Mellon University as an undergraduate and UC Santa Barbara in graduate school. He joined the BAA shortly after moving to Boston in summer 2021, and has run the Boston marathon each of the last three years. He especially enjoys the challenge of combining marathon training with the indoor track season, pairing long runs in the Newton hills with races at the many wonderful indoor track facilities in Boston. Apart from running, George is a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering at MIT, and enjoys trying new restaurants with his wife.

Sarah Dupré Healy

A former B.A.A. run club member, Sarah Dupré Healy is now a USATF Level 1 Coach and coaches the B.A.A. Running Club and Racing Team. Dupré Healy ran on nine national teams for Canada, winning the 2000 Canadian Cross-Country Championships and the 2001 Canadian 10k Road Racing title, and was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American at Providence College. Dupré Healy lives in Newton, MA with her husband and two teenage sons.

Lorna Campbell

Lorna Campbell, Head of Public Relations has been with the B.A.A. since 2023 and prior to that worked for World Marathon Majors. Lorna’s work includes community relations, organizational positioning, storytelling and crisis communications. She is a sports enthusiast and enjoys connecting with runners and partners to tell their stories through written or in-person spotlights and panels.

Melissa Cornejo

Melissa has been running with TrailblazHers Run Co. since 2023 and took on the LeadHer role in December 2024, all while proudly representing her Salvadoran American roots. As a plus-size runner, sexy pacer, and marathoner, she’s on a mission to celebrate the diversity in running. What once felt impossible—being a runner—is now her passion, and she’s breaking barriers every step of the way. By leading with joy in movement and embracing her own pace, she’s inspiring others to do the same and encouraging them to uncover their inner runner.

After conquering her first marathon at the Boston Marathon in 2024—thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of TrailblazHers—she’s now gearing up to tackle the REAL Boston Marathon, 26.TRUE, in 2025.

When she’s not out running, Melissa works as a corporate dining and events professional who loves doom scrolling, diving into reality TV, and soaking up quality moments with friends, family, and her dog Luna.

Raya Usher

Raya Usher is a dynamic leader and Regional Director of Predictive Fitness in Europe, driving innovation and growth for TriDot, RunDot, and other predictive analytics platforms across the region. Leveraging over a decade of experience in high-performance sports coaching and a decade in business development, Raya combines her expertise in operations, strategy, and athlete coaching to enhance the coaching and training experience for professionals and enthusiasts alike in the Predictive Fitness ecosystem.
Raya also serves as Head of Development for Precision Coaching, where she oversees coach education and development, and as a Subject Matter Expert and Course Instructor for IRONMANU, contributing to the global advancement of triathlon coaching. Her business acumen and athlete-first approach make her a sought-after voice in the endurance sports industry.
With a professional background that includes competitive alpine skiing and podium finishes in triathlon, Raya has a proven track record of balancing the demands of sport and business. Based in Surrey, England, she is married to her business partner, Will Usher, and enjoys life with their two children, dog Poppy, and cat Ember.

Katelyn Tocci

Katelyn Tocci is an ultramarathoner, running coach, and Managing Editor at Marathon Handbook. Originally from Boston, MA, and now based in Costa Rica, she combines her love of running and writing to inspire and educate runners worldwide.

Louis Serafini

Louis Serafini is a Boston based American distance runner and Runna US General Manager. He notably became the 514th American to break the 4-minute mile barrier, achieving a time of 3:59.33 in 2018—a milestone he considers one of his most memorable accomplishments. Louis has also qualified for three Olympic Marathon Trials with his best finish being 35th in Orlando in 2024, showing his consistency and dedication to the sport.
Beyond the mile, he holds a personal best of 2:14:59 in the marathon, set at the 2022 California International Marathon (10th at the US Marathon Championships, and he clocked a notable 1:03:13 in the half marathon at the 2019 Brooklyn Half Marathon. Alongside his running career, he works as Runna’s General Manager of North America.

Kim Levinsky

Kim Levinsky has been at the helm of Sassquad Trail Running since their first “Trail Party” in 2018. Sassquad hosts 10 Trail Parties throughout New Jersey and New York and their mission is to welcome all peoples, paces, and ages to their events. Since that inaugural race, Kim has directed 70 events ranging in distances from 5K up to 150 miles. Kim recently set the Fastest Known Time on the New York Long Path in nine and a half days, becoming the first woman to complete all 358 miles in a single-push.

Alex Cyr

Marathon Handbook’s Senior Gear Editor, Alex is a competitive runner, journalist, and running shoe guru. He’s currently targeting a sub 30-minute 10k.

Michael Doyle

Michael is an investigative journalist, editor, and expert Kipchogeologist based in Toronto, Canada.

With a long career in running journalism, Michael leads up the Marathon Handbook editorial team.

Dylan Bowman

Dylan is a longtime professional athlete and a co-founder of Freetrail, a media and events company in trail running. Dylan is also a member of the Board of the Western States 100, a co-founder of TrailCon, and a co-owner of two race events, The Big Alta & Gorge Waterfalls.

Jeff Booher

Jeff Booher is the Founder & CEO of Predictive Fitness, developer of RunDot and TriDot—AI-powered training applications for runners and triathletes, and their coaches, based on more than 20 years of ongoing research and development.
Jeff is a 4-time IRONMAN finisher, certified USA Track & Field Level I Coach, USA Triathlon Level II Coach, USA Cycling Level III Coach. He earned his BBA in Management of Information Systems from Texas A&M University.
He’s been coaching endurance athletes for more than 20 years including more than a dozen professionals, numerous national and world champion age-groupers, and one member of the US Olympic B Team.
RunDot and TriDot answers questions for athletes and coaches that only technology can answer. Many questions that we wouldn’t even know to ask. It’s training you can trust.
Predictive Fitness’s TriDot platform for athletes and coaches was named the “Best Technology for Data and Analytics (Sports) – 2024” by the internationally acclaimed Sports Technology Awards Group and is the Official Training Platform of IRONMAN®

Alex Hermanson

As a runner, content creator, and donut connoisseur, Alex Hermanson is the internet’s resident “big dude who runs a lot.” An active extrovert at heart, Alex’s love of running and connecting with others has helped him create an online and offline community for a new wave of runners who enjoy long, slow runs, often fueled by donuts. Motivated by inspiring others, Alex encourages his audience to not only be proud of the miles they log, but how far they’ve come on their own running journeys.

Scot DeDeo

Scot lives in Belmont, MA with his wife Amy, their sons Neil and Nat, and their dog Ray, where he partakes in a range of endurance activities.

He currently coaches friends, family, and charity athletes through endurance events of all kinds. 

You can follow his exploits via his blog: http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com

or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/multisportmaniac/

See what current goals are in progress and get a glimpse of what might be next.  He is always looking for a new challenge.

Lindsey Thorne-Bingham

Lindsey Thorne-Bingham is a LeadHer with TrailblazHers Run Co. and a certified run coach. Her running and wellness journey is motivated by the power of the “get to” – We “get” to do this, we do not have to; do it now because one day we might not be able to. Lindsey strives to empower others to find the magic in movement and running. In March 2024, she became a six-star finisher upon finishing the Tokyo Marathon! Lindsey loves family, friends, good food, and adventure. Outside of running, she is a talent acquisition and recruiting professional. She is passionate about building strong teams and communities professionally and personally and is currently Chair of the Board at the Cambridge Community Center.

Tina Muir

Tina Muir is the co-author of Becoming a Sustainable Runner, a practical guide for approaching running in a way that merges runners’ passion for their sport with their concern for their health, their community, and the environment. An ardent environmentalist, she works with major road races on their sustainability initiatives, and is the Sustainability Director for the World Athletics Road Running Championships to be held in San Diego in 2025.

Through her award-winning podcast, Running for Real, Tina starts conversations and shares resources on sustainability, climate change, and how individuals can make a positive difference in their own lives.

Meb Keflezighi

Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time and is the only man in history to win the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. He is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, founder of the MEB Foundation, is committed to helping runners become the best versions of themselves, and to nurturing the sport of running for the next generation. Meb now offers coaching services and utilizes RunDot as his training platform of choice.

Dena Lewis

Dena Lewis is the passionate force behind Running Mate, an innovative app
revolutionizing runner safety. After enduring two assaults while running, she embarked
on a mission to create a safer environment for all runners. Through Running Mate, Dena
offers a reliable platform where runners and mates undergo thorough background
checks, ensuring peace of mind for all involved. Think of Running Mate as the Uber for
runners, providing a ground breaking solution to enjoy runs without fear.
Dena’s journey is fuelled by her profound passion for running and unwavering dedication
to her family. As a mother and a long-time advocate for female runner safety, her goal
with Running Mate is to raise awareness of this crucial issue and to keep runners safe.
With over two decades of experience as a runner, including participation in numerous
ultras, marathons, triathlons, and shorter races, Dena brings a wealth of first hand
knowledge to Running Mate. Her extensive background in corporate America and
entrepreneurial spirit as a three-time founder uniquely position her to lead this
endeavour.

Before founding Running Mate, Dena used her degree in Business Administration from
Florida State University to forge a successful career in Medical Device Sales and
Management, holding various leadership roles over15 years. Despite her demanding
professional pursuits, Dena remains deeply connected to her roots in retail, having
owned three businesses throughout her career.
Based in Florida, Dena and the Running Mate team thrive in an environment conducive
to year-round running adventures. Their dedication to empowering runners and
promoting safety resonates with athletes worldwide, making Running Mate a
transformative force in the running community.

Des Linden

In April of 2018, Des Linden braved headwinds and torrential rain to become the first US women’s champion at the Boston Marathon since 1985. Her win was one for the record books as she bested the field and the worst conditions in race history. In the spring of 2021, Des set the World Record for the 50k, running 2:59:54. In the fall of 2023 Des set the US Master’s Marathon Record, running 2:27:35.

Des, a two-time U.S. Olympic Marathoner, finished 7th at the Rio Olympic Games. She got her start at Hilltop High in the San Diego suburb of Chula Vista, California where she earned All-State honors. Linden attended Arizona State University where she was an All-American in both cross country and track. After graduation, she moved to Rochester, Michigan to join the Hansons Brooks Distance Project. She currently trains in Northern Michigan and continues representing Brooks.

In 2011, Linden wowed the marathon world with her near-win at the Boston Marathon. Her runner-up finish, an incredible 2:22:38, set an all-time U.S. record on the Boston course and made her the third-fastest American ever at the time. Linden was named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week for her performance.

In 2015, Des participated in the Boston Marathon which featured a strong international field and the top three US marathoners. She finished as top American and held on for a 4th place finish, less than 45 seconds from the win. In doing so, she bested two former Boston champions, a Berlin and Rotterdam Marathon champion, and the World Junior Record Holder.

In the summer of 2015, Des earned a Silver Medal at the Pan-Am Games in the 10,000. In early 2016 she finished 2nd at the US Olympic Marathon Trials, she followed that up with a runner-up performance at the US Half Marathon Championships before heading to the Rio Games. Other career highlights include earning her spot on the US Olympic Team at the 2012 LondonSummerGames with a runner-up performance at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (2:25:55), a runner-up performance at the 2013 US Half Marathon Champs, 11th at the 2009 Marathon World Championships (2:27:53) and multiple top-five performances at four of the six World Marathon Majors: her Boston runner-up in 2011, a 2nd at the 2010 Chicago Marathon (2:26:20), a 4th at the 2017 Boston Marathon, and 5th place showings at the 2008 Chicago Marathon (2:31:33), 2013 Berlin Marathon (2:29:15) and 2014 NYC Marathon (2:28:11) where she was the top American. Earlier in 2014, she clocked an impressive 2:23:54 in Boston. Most recently, in the fall of 2018, Des won the Rock ’n’ Roll Philly Half in 1:11:49 and finished 6th at the New York City Marathon with a swift 1:12:00 back half. Des returned to the BostonMarathon in 2019 and finished 5th, that fall she led the NYC Marathon field through the half marathon in 1:11:40 and finished as top American in 6th place in the 4th fastest American time in history on the historic five-borough course.

Linden studied psychology at Arizona State University. A self-proclaimed bacon aficionado, her hobbies include reading and writing, collecting assorted whiskeys, drinking Linden X Two Coffee, throwing first pitches at Major League ballgames, relaxing with her dogs Atlas and Boston, listening to good music and outrunning her husband, fellow marathoner, and Kona veteran, Ryan Linden.

Photo Credit: Carrie Cox

Laz Lake

Lazarus Lake (aka Gary Cantrell) is the man behind the revered and feared Barkley Marathons. Known to many as one of the toughest races on earth, the route involves 5 x 20 miles laps and 66,000 ft of unmarked ascent in and around Frozen Head Park in Tennessee. It has been completed only 18 times by 15 runners since 1989.

Laz is as much of an enigma as his races, which also include the Last Annual Vol State and last-man-standing sufferfest Big’s Backyard Ultra. A serious ultra runner himself, Laz recently finished a 3,365-mile walk across the US and joins us exclusively to chat about what it takes to finish one of his races.

Nicole Armbrust

Nicole is a performance physical therapist and running specialist who left the “traditional” model of clinical physical therapy ten years ago.  Instead of waiting to have injured runners come to her,  she started her own company, Jumpstartrunning, to help runners optimize their bodies and teach them to mitigate injury.  She is 49 years old and recently experienced the “joy” of perimenopause/menopause and wants to help other female athletes prepare and thrive during this transition. She and the majority of her clients are masters athletes who recognize that running strategies from our twenties no longer serve us and a “jumpstart” is in order to enhance our running for performance and longevity.

Nicole has been a runner and a physical therapist for the past twenty four years. She completed the Boston Marathon sixteen times, along with forty-something marathons and an Ironman. She has not had an injury in almost twenty years and wants the same for ALL runners. She knows that runners love to run – not rehab. Her mission is to keep runners healthy, happy and strong so they can enjoy a lifetime of running.

Nicole currently resides in Massachusetts, but has virtual clients across the country using a hybrid model of coaching, consulting and courses. She is currently training for her seventeenth Boston Marathon – fifth in a row – and has been chosen to run with the 2024 Boston Athletic Association Gives Back Marathon Team.

Tom Hooper

Tom decided to combine his love for racing and his skill for bringing people together in order to create SIX03 Endurance.

Tom’s knowledge of endurance racing, road races, and obstacle course racing granted him access to a plethora of like minded athletes. He put out the call and gathered a handful of athletes with various backgrounds to create what is now SIX03 Endurance.

He has hosted Multiple USATF National Trail and Mountain Championships and is currently a USATF -MUT Staff member.

Dave McGillivray

Founder & President of DMSE Sports, Race Director, Philanthropist, Motivational Speaker and Accomplished Athlete.

From his extraordinary 1978 run across the U.S. to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to serving as technical director then race director of the BAA Boston Marathon since the 1980s, McGillivray has helped organize more than 1,400 mass participatory events since founding DMSE Sports in 1981, while raising millions for worthy causes close to his heart.

Kelly Roberts

Kelly Roberts is the unlikely force behind the popular blog and women’s running community,  the Badass Lady Gang (now in nearly 20 cities around the world). The self-proclaimed former President of the “I f*cking hate running club” has helped hundreds of thousands of people run everything from 5Ks to marathons and is a coach to thousands of runners every year.

A force in the body-positive movement, Kelly’s body-positive movement #SportsBraSquad is redefining what strength looks like by helping thousands of women around the world ditch their shirts along with their insecurities.

Kelly has graced the cover of Women’s Running Magazine’s body issue, was named by Women’s Running Magazine as one of 20 Women Who Are Changing the Sport of Running (And the World), was named by Competitor Magazine as one of 12 Influential and inspiring runners under 30 is the host and creator of the Run, Selfie, Repeat podcast which has been downloaded over 2.5-million times worldwide.