Cleveland Marathon Ambassadors

Ambassador Stephanie Teppner

Stephanie Teppner

Ambassador since 2012

Stephanie is a wife, mom of 4, stepmom of 3, and grandma of 1 who is back for her 13th year as an ambassador. She started running in 2009 as a way to help improve her mental and physical health and hasn't looked back. The Cleveland Marathon has been such a positive influence in her life, and she is beyond happy to be back representing the race and city she loves.

A 20-year veteran in the field of public health, Stephanie recognizes the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle and enjoys making races and running a family affair. While she isn't working or running, you will find her spending time with family, attending her kids' activities and sporting events, and spoiling her dog, Loki.

Ambassador Melissa Carney

Melissa Carney

Ambassador since 2015

Melissa Koski Carney is a passionate, long-time Cleveland Marathon ambassador and an avid runner living in the Cleveland suburbs. Originally hailing from New York, Melissa didn't always love running—in fact, she hated the presidential mile in elementary school. It wasn't until after college that she discovered her love for the sport.

Over 15 years ago, Melissa ran her first Cleveland half marathon and was instantly hooked. She has participated in the event nearly every year since, feeling as though she has grown up alongside the marathon. The 5k/half marathon challenge series is her favorite event. The race has been a constant through many phases of her life, from being fresh out of college to becoming a mother of three.

Fun fact: Melissa ran the Cleveland Marathon 10k while nine months pregnant with her daughter and gave birth less than a week later!

When she's not running, Melissa enjoys reading (striving to meet her annual Goodreads challenge), baking, and cheering on her three kids (all under the age of 10), in their various activities. Melissa also works fulltime in internal communications, contributes to Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine, and regularly blogs at I Crashed The Web. She is known as @koskim on social media, including Instagram.

Ambassador Melissa Chamberlain

Melissa Chamberlain

Ambassador since 2015

Melissa is a regular mom who enjoys running in her free time. She has completed a full marathon, over a dozen half marathons and lots of other races. Outside of running, she is a proud mom and stepmom of 4 busy boys. She enjoys spending time with her husband and boys. Since 2010, the Cleveland Marathon has meant so much to Melissa. She has run it next to family and friends, had her sons at the finish line, and even got engaged at the VIP reception dinner. She is honored to be asked back to be an ambassador for the 12th year in a row and loves the people she has met through the organization.

Mary Sutter

Ambassador since 2015

Mary began running as a part of a major weight loss journey, but it has become so much more than that! It is therapy, a way to stay healthy, and has also become a way to see different parts of the country. What better way to see a city than run 13.1 miles through it? Ok… maybe running 26.2 miles through it! This year Mary is coming back after spending the past few years facing several injuries and health issues. She is looking forward to running the streets of Cleveland once again - follow her for info on getting back on course after taking a few detours.

Ambassador Emily Lee

Emily Lee

Ambassador since 2019

Emily has been a runner for over 20 years! She found her love of Half Marathons after running her very first one during Cleveland Marathon weekend in 2014. Since then, she has completed 70+ Half Marathons and owes her love of them to the C-L-E! You can find Emily on the local Hike and Bike trails, pushing her girls in the double stroller after a day of work as a School Adminstrator! Emily looks forward to the most exciting weekend in Cleveland every year, is it May yet?

Spencer Baker New

Spencer Baker

Ambassador since 2021

Spencer ran his first marathon, the Cleveland Marathon, in 2018 and hasn't looked back. This year he looks forward to completing his sixth Cleveland Marathon. Spencer started as a five hour plus marathoner and has achieved a PR of three hours and thirty-five minutes. He loves running for the world of possibilities for self-improvement that it opens up for anyone who chooses to take on a new distance, a new time, or simply to be the best version of themselves on any given day. He has goals of running all six of the marathon majors and running a marathon in all fifty states. Spencer runs to help himself stay healthy, both mentally and physically, and to challenge himself to push beyond his perceived limits. Spencer looks forward to running The Land with everyone this spring!

Ambassador Photos 2026 2

Leah Kilbane

Ambassador since 2021

Running has always been an activity that Leah has enjoyed and incorporated several times a week in her fitness routine, but her true passion for the sport did not develop until she experienced the “runners high” after running her first race in 2015. Leah’s love for the Cleveland Marathon began in 2016 after completing the half marathon. In the summer of 2016, she sustained a hip fracture training for her first full marathon. After a long 6 months of recovery, the 2017 Cleveland half marathon was her comeback race.

Since the injury, Leah has completed numerous half marathons and 4 full marathons. Leah has continued to run for many reasons, mainly for fitness and health, but also for the physical and mental challenge of setting and attaining personal goals. You will see Leah running with her best Runner Girl Gang friends and the Days Dam crew.

The 2026 Cleveland Marathon will be Leah’s 11th year participating in the race and her sixth year as an ambassador representing Cleveland.

Outside of running, Leah is married, a mom to 4 amazing children, and works full-time as the Lead Critical Care Nurse Practitioner for University Hospitals Saint John Medical Center in the Intensive Care Unit. Leah is also a fitness instructor at SPENGA, located in Westlake.

Ambassador Melissa Mankowski

Melissa Mantkowski

Ambassador since 2021

Melissa is a Northeast Ohio native whose running adventures began with track and field and continued through the years as a hobby. Melissa decided to challenge herself and take on her first half marathon in 2013. A few years and a few half marathons later, she completed her first full marathon in 2018. When Melissa isn’t running with her training group Northeast Ohio Fit, she enjoys reading, traveling, and being outdoors. Melissa is excited to be running another Cleveland Marathon race as an ambassador!

Shauna Aylward New

Shauna Aylward

Ambassador since 2022

Shauna was born and raised in Cleveland and has been a runner for over 20 years. She mostly ran 5ks and some miles for fun, but her friend convinced her to sign up for the Cleveland Half Marathon in 2014 and she immediately fell in love with distance running. (She may have also been convinced to sign up for her first marathon immediately after this race...). Since then, she has completed over 30 half marathons, 3 marathons, and even dabbled in the ultramarathon territory with a 50k! However, the half marathon will always be her favorite distance. Not only does she enjoy running for the countless mental and physical benefits, but she loves all the friends she has made throughout Cleveland's running community. Shauna participates in the Cleveland Marathon events every year, and is excited to be returning as an ambassador and representing her hometown marathon!

Ambassador Laraun Clayton

LaRaun Clayton

Ambassador since 2022

LaRaun Clayton is a proud U.S. Army veteran, nonprofit leader, and 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500) with a passion for community impact, movement, and connection. A former ambassador for Lululemon and On Running, LaRaun brings intention and energy to everything he does, from leading in the nonprofit space to flowing on the mat, training at CrossFit, and showing up strong on race day.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Cleveland is home and the city where his heart and work thrive. A lover of tacos, art, and everything Cleveland and a resident espresso martini connoisseur, LaRaun fully embraces the culture, creativity, and community that make the city special. He serves as Vice President of Veterans and Housing Programs at Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana, where he leads initiatives that support veterans and families across the region.

A familiar face with distinctive hair at local 5Ks and 10Ks, LaRaun completed the Cleveland Half Marathon in 2019 and returned stronger in 2021, claiming the half marathon as his race of choice while setting his sights on the Cleveland Full Marathon. Known for his race day fits, always being there for the vibes, and raising his rescue pup Indy-Monroe, LaRaun approaches running and life with joy, resilience, and the belief that we can do hard things.

Ambassador Matt Drol

Matt Drol

Ambassador since 2022

Matt Drol a.k.a. THE running banana has always been a runner off and on, but in 2016 he started running again to get back in shape. In 2018 to keep the running fun, he started taking to the streets in an aPEELing outfit choice, a banana costume. The Cleveland half marathon was the first race he ran as the banana, since then he has taken on obstacle courses, marathons, countless 5ks and dozens of half marathons. Cleveland always holds a special place to him since it was his first race as the banana, and it always peels good to come back home.

Ambassador Ryan Green

Ryan Green

Ambassador since 2022

Ryan Green returns as a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, for the 5th time, to continue spreading his love for running. Ryan has been running and competing in just about all sports since he was a child. From basketball, football, and baseball in his school years to MMA, Crossfit and Powerlifting as an adult the one constant sport has always been running. Starting out with Track and Cross Country, he now runs every distance from 1 mile to 326 miles. Of course this includes running his favorite race, The Cleveland Marathon, every year. Through out the week, you can find Ryan running with the Run With the Winners and Good Work Gang run clubs. When he’s not running, he is still running and chasing one of his four high energy children around. Whether it’s going to be your first race or your 50th, he can’t wait to run next to you this spring!

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Jennifer Boerwinkle

Ambassador since 2023

Jen has lived in northern Ohio her entire life, but she didn’t lace up her first pair of running shoes until 2019 while on a weight-loss journey. What started as a step toward better health quickly turned into a passion and one that helped her lose and maintain 130 lbs while completely transforming her life. Jen and her family live in Ashland, Ohio, where she proudly embraces being a “running mom.” She loves showing her children what it looks like to set big goals, work hard, and build a life around health, community, and joy. She has completed 8 marathons, a 50k, countless half marathons, and many shorter races, but the full marathon will always have her heart. She hopes everyone experiences at least one race of any distance, just once, to feel the incredible triumph of crossing a finish line. Jen is honored to represent the Cleveland Marathon and is thrilled to serve as an ambassador for year #4! Let’s gooooo, Cleveland!

Ambassador Joanna Consiglio

Joanna Consiglio

Ambassador since 2023

Joanna's first marathon was the Cleveland Marathon in 2016. She has currently completed 11 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. She has a marathon PR of 3:00:08 and is actively chasing the coveted sub-3-hour marathon. Joanna believes running has improved every aspect of her life. She has quickly become that person who convinces all her friends and family to sign up for a marathon. She is excited to have several of those people joining her on the streets of Cleveland this May!

Outside of running, Joanna owns Modern Motion Chiropractic, where she does chiropractic care and acupuncture. You can also find her hiking the Metroparks with her husband, Matt, and their 2 crazy rescue dogs, Pancake & Ruby.

Bob Holub

Ambassador since 2023

Bob has been running for almost 25 years and super excited to be serving in his third year as a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador! He is a father of two and the proud husband of his marathon running wife, Sarah! Professionally, his work revolves around health & wellness while he serves as the Director of Recreation for the City of Rocky River. Bob has participated in races across the country while living in states from Alabama to Kentucky and some in between. When he's not training for Cleveland, he is on his bike putting in some road miles.

Ambassador Jillian Reyna

Jillian Reyna

Ambassador since 2023

Jillian has been involved in sports from a young age, and in high school, she found her passion for running and never looked back! In college, Jillian proudly ran as a Zip for The University of Akron. Since college, Jillian has gotten into the road-racing world, running half and full marathons. Jillian has run six marathons, including the Boston & New York City Marathons! She loves all distances, but the half marathon is her favorite! She loves running in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit & Cleveland Metroparks for her training.

Jillian is a Distance Running Coach and owns her own coaching business - Rise & Reign Training and Nutrition! She loves making connections in the running community, bringing people together, and helping them achieve their goals. This will be Jillian’s third year as a Cleveland Marathon ambassador, and she is so thankful for this community and all of the friendships she has created with this group of amazing Clevelanders.

Outside of running, Jillian is a girl mom and is so excited to show her daughter how powerful and strong women can be! She looks forward to seeing her daughter along the streets of Cleveland while running this spring. She and her husband, Luis, also have two corgis, Ginger & Zippy, and black cat Tao. She works at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a Senior Project Specialist.

LaRoy Arnwine

Ambassador since 2024

I first joined the YMCA We Run This City youth program during my senior year of high school. I ran the 10K at my first Cleveland Marathon event shortly after graduating from Glenville High School in 2012. Since then, I’ve continued to stay connected with the YMCA by returning as a volunteer, helping with conditioning clinics, supporting programs, and remaining an active participant.

After the COVID-19 lockdown, I returned to running in 2021 by joining Run With The Winners. I ran another 10K in October 2021, which welcomed me back into the YMCA community once again. I also began mentoring many youth through the YMCA Teen Café program, encouraging them to run, get fit, and stay active.

In May 2022, I became the first YMCA runner to complete the Cleveland Marathon Challenge Series, reaching the milestone of 29.3 miles. Over the next two years, I continued making history by becoming the first-ever YMCA and Glenville High School alum to be selected as a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador in 2024. That same year, I gave back to my Glenville community by donating my Cleveland Marathon medal to Glenville High School.

The following year, I became the first person from my community to be featured on a Cleveland Marathon highlight poster for the 2025 race. While I don’t run a marathon every year, I stay active by competing in the Tri CLE triathlon each August, which includes swimming, biking, and running. I placed first in my age group in 2023 and also help motivate youth through the YMCA triathlon program, Kids That Tri, where I serve as a big-brother figure and source of inspiration.

Beyond racing, I give back by donating plasma at the Glenville Octapharma Plasma Center to help save lives of people of all ages—youth, young adults, and elders—so they can live longer, healthier lives with their families. I also participate in autism awareness virtual 5Ks to help spread awareness and show how important it is for people like me who have autism to be seen, valued, and recognized as special and vital members of our society.

Ambassador Corey Turner

Corey Turner Jr.

Ambassador since 2024

Corey began his running journey briefly in 2019 with a few fun runs. In 2020, the shutdown put an early closure to his future plans, but this was when he discovered Run with the Winners run club, which set the tone for his running future as he became comfortable with his journey.

Later in 2021, Corey lost 40 pounds and decided to challenge himself with a 10k, and after successfully accomplishing his goal, signed up for another and set a PR. Fresh off the runner's high, he really wanted to put all the hard work to the test and signed up for his first half marathon through the Cleveland Marathon.

He spent 3 months training and in May of 2022, he set out to take on his biggest challenge. It was one of the best moments of his life and really put him in a position to continue growing on this journey. That said, he ran one more half marathon to close out 2022 and wanted to carry the momentum heading into 2023.

Corey signed up for his first full marathon. He was unsure about how he was going to be able to train and prep himself, but he knew that he wasn’t going to back down. He planned out his next 5 months and the big day came. He did better than expected and his mindset wasn’t set on time, but to finish. It was one of his life’s biggest accomplishments. Inspired by such a big feat, Corey wanted to show others this can be done and he’s happy to be representing the Cleveland Marathon.

He’s a father of three (Ages 13, 12, and 9) and works retail full-time. During his spare time, he’s actively involved with his children in sports activities and remains active in the gym to maintain his fitness.

Kayla New Pic

Kayla Prokop

Ambassador since 2024

Hi! I’m Kayla! Just an average runner enjoying life to the fullest.

Running has been an outlet for me since I was around 15, and turning 34 this year it’s WILD to say that I’ve been running more than half my life. I never ran for school or competitive, just literally for me. 2017 I was diagnosed with several autoimmune disorders and basically had to re-train my lungs how to handle running. I ran my first half in 2018 and my first full in 2019. Since then, i haven’t looked back! 2025 i got an all clean bill of health from doctors and im officially off all medications!!

You can usually find me running. When I’m not running I enjoy spending time outside, reading, finding good breweries, cooking, puzzling, and just simply having fun.

From a broken hip in October of 2023, to becoming an ultramarathoner × 3 in 2024. Now 8 marathons later since starting long distance running in 2019, 2026 is set to be a year for more fun running than chasing the distance.

2025 i hit all my personal bests from 10k to marathon. (and you could also say 5k as well if you count it post broken hip!)

As said by friends :

“baddest bitch alive. The end”
“In the toughest of situations you are positive and always have a great smile on your face.”
“Long-running, tattoo-sporting, all-around badass human”
“I run with fluffy doggo”
“Relentless, inspirational, and blissful”
“Badass, strong, inspiring”
“My name is K-Kat, I know this really awesome dude Ryan, I like lightning bugs and I run.”

Ambassador Lindsey Fascione

Lindsey Fascione

Ambassador since 2024

Lindsey has been a runner for 24 years. In middle school, her father used to take her for runs in the Metroparks and that's where her love for running began. Her passion for running really took off in her late 20's, when she began running for a competitive team called CLE Racing. She has run every distance from the mile to the marathon and achieved her first sub-3-hour marathon in 2021.

Lindsey currently works full-time as a nurse practitioner and coaches some running friends on the side. One of her greatest joys in running is seeing her friends succeed. Her first Cleveland Marathon was in 2015 and she placed 2nd in the 10k in 2023 and 2024!

Running is such a metaphor for life, if you can get through a marathon you can get through anything. Lindsey loves this community so much and she cannot imagine her life without it. She hopes to see you all out at the Cleveland Marathon events this year!

Ramon Claudio

Ambassador since 2024

Ramon is a proud father, devoted husband, and passionate barber and barber instructor. Owning and operating Top of the Line Barbershop in Old Brooklyn, OH, has allowed him to connect with the community and share his expertise.

Running has become an integral part of his life, especially in the early hours of the morning when the world is still asleep. It serves as more than just physical exercise; it has become a crucial component of his mental health routine. After the loss of his best friend, running provided solace and healing.

The Cleveland Marathon holds a special place in his heart as it was the first marathon he ever participated in. At the age of 20, he completed the half marathon, igniting his passion for long-distance running. Now, in his 40s, he is challenging himself to conquer full marathons, striving for personal growth and improvement, but above all, cherishing the incredible feeling of crossing that finish line.

Ramon is excited to represent the Cleveland Marathon as an ambassador, sharing his love for running and inspiring others to embrace the transformative power of this sport. Let's chase our goals together and celebrate the joy of accomplishment!

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Rebecca Stewart

Ambassador since 2025

Rebecca grew up in northeast Ohio and probably tried every other sport other than running but in 2012, she finally found her niche. She started running daily and in 2013, she showed up at the IX center for the Cleveland Marathon expo and signed up for the half marathon. This is where it all started and started traveling around Ohio to complete other 13.1 courses.

In 2017, she signed up for her first full marathon and became a first time Cleveland Marathon finisher.

If you don't find her running locally, you can find her traveling all over and running for Team Ultra. Over time, she has now completed 15 full marathons and other half marathons including the Nike Women's Half Marathon D.C, The United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, the Brooklyn Half Marathon and the Gasparilla Distance Classic. She is a Glass City and Houston marathon finisher, a two-time Columbus and Chicago finisher, a four-time Cleveland Marathon finisher and a five-time NYC Marathon finisher.

Besides the CLE marathon and Team Ultra, she is also a member of a nationwide running crew, Wahoo! Running and also reps other running brands.

For years, she was so focused on running for time, but when she lost her sister, her WHY changed. She found what she needed in the running community and started running for the joy and everything else it brings. She is so excited to join the Cleveland Marathon Ambassador's family and expanding the joy throughout because Cleveland is HOME! She is so excited for May and looking forward to running with all of you!

New Ambassador Brad Lamb

Brad Lamb

Ambassador since 2025

Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, Brad ran his first ½ Marathon in 2013 and Full Marathon in 2014. Both were with the Cleveland Marathon and has not looked back. In 11 years, he has completed 8 marathons, 16 ½ Marathons and countless 10 Milers, 10ks and 5ks across the US. But by far The Cleveland Marathon is the best because of the great atmosphere and amazing tour of the City of Cleveland.

Brad is a husband and a father of 2 kids, who he enjoys running with! He is active in his community as a member of the Westlake Board of Education and works for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Brad is also a diehard Buckeye and graduate of THE Ohio State University.

New Ambassador Michael Evans

Michael Evans

Ambassador since 2025

Michael Evans (AKA Mevans) is a 39-year-old lifelong Ohioan, currently living in North Canton. Michael is also a lifelong runner, but only recently completed his first full marathon in the fall of 2023. He loves outdoor adventure and active lifestyle, and he can never sit still! He enjoys running as a member of the Canton Running Club, the Portage Lakes (PLX) Running Club in Akron, and the PLX North Running Club in Cleveland. Michael has a goal of running a race in each of the 50 states, and a goal to run a half marathon in each of the major Ohio cities.

Outside of running, Michael works full time for Cleveland Clinic as Director of Government Relations. He has a passion for volunteering in the community and serves as Chair of the Board of the Greater East Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Board President of the Prevention Action Alliance, and an associate board member of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. Michael was a recipient of the 25 Under 35 Movers & Shakers Award from the Cleveland 20/30 Club, the 30 For The Future Award from the Greater Akron Chamber, and the Twenty Under 40 Award from the Canton Regional Chamber.

Additionally, Michael enjoys international travel, bar trivia, hiking, biking, working out, and spending time with his 15-year-old rescue chihuahua, Slider. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and loves rooting on the Buckeyes. If you’re bored, you can catch Michael in some of his appearances on national game shows ($100,000 Pyramid on ABC and We Are Family on Fox).

Michael is excited to become an ambassador for the Cleveland Marathon, as it brings together two of his favorite things: Cleveland and running. He hopes to energize and inspire individuals to hit the pavement and embark on an unforgettable running journey in The Land.

Ambassador Darryle Torbert

Darryle Torbert

Ambassador since 2025

Darryle Torbert is a lifelong resident of Cleveland, having split his youth and adolescent years between East Cleveland and the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland. He is a graduate of Collinwood High School, and attended college at John Carroll University.

Darryle’s love of running began in his sophomore year when he joined Collinwood High School’s cross-country team. He was an all-league runner in each of his three years running for his high school alma mater. He took a break from running for about a decade after graduating high school. He returned to running in 2012. The impetus for his return - the unexpected passing of a good friend who actively ran half-marathons.

In May 2012, Darryle completed his hirst half-marathon - the Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus. Darryle joined a group of friends who vowed to run as a dedication to their deceased friend. After running in that race, he rediscovered his love of running. Since that race he’s completed more than ten marathon relays, several half marathons, and three full-marathons. He hopes to set a PR at the Cleveland Marathon on May 18, 2025.

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Themelina Xenikis

New Ambassador!

Themelina started running back in grade school, never imagining she’d return to it years later. What began as a weight-loss and mental-health journey quickly turned into a full-on passion.

Originally from Youngstown and newer to Cleveland, Themelina found her sense of belonging through the local running community. As a member of Run with the Winners Run Club & Run SLOhio, she credits these groups for making her feel truly at home and part of the community she had always hoped to find.

Outside of running, she is an HR professional and the owner of her own photography business. Themelina is thrilled to represent the 2026 Cleveland Marathon and hopes her journey encourages others to start, return to, or fall back in love with running.

Aaron Horak

New Ambassador!

Aaron began his running career in the spring of 2024 when he broke his hand and was unable to work out. Trying to stay active, he began going on walks and runs throughout parks in the Cleveland area which led to him signing up to run several 5K’s and half marathons. In 2025 he ran his first full marathon, which was the Cleveland Marathon. Turning out to be such a special day he knew he would be back in 2026. He is honored to have been selected to be an ambassador. The Cleveland Marathon will always hold a special place in his heart, he has plans to run it every year and is looking forward to Cleveland Marathon weekend! Always, he thanks his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mort Brand

New Ambassador!

Mort Brand is an Eastside Cleveland native and proud Kent State University alumnus who has spent the last decade championing the empowerment and well-being of men of color. Through a growing online community, he has become a dedicated voice for men’s health—encouraging others to pursue their fitness goals, embrace self-growth, and show up in the world as their fullest selves.

After trading his high-school track spikes for max-cushion running shoes in 2019, Mort discovered a passion for long-distance running that continues to push him beyond the limits he once thought impossible. Guided by one of his favorite quotes, “It always seems impossible until it’s done” (Nelson Mandela), he approaches every challenge with resilience, intention, and an unwavering commitment to raising the bar.

On weekends, you can almost always find Mort chasing new personal bests in 5K and 10K races—usually while sporting a sharp, signature race-day look. Driven, disciplined, and deeply community-minded, he uses every mile, message, and moment to inspire others to do what once felt out of reach.

Krissy Murphy

New Ambassador!

Krissy is so incredibly stoked to bring her enthusiasm for marathoning and meeting new running friends, as she takes on the Cleveland Marathon for the very first time in 2026!

A veteran marathoner (as of publishing time, she has completed 45 full marathons, including the World Marathon Majors), she believes the best way to learn about new cities and the people who live in them is to fully immerse herself in the local running scene, something she cannot wait to do in Cleveland.

When Krissy is not logging miles (or yapping online to her running crews), she works in Sales for the travel industry, and strives to be the cringiest Millenial mom to her two daughters, aged 10 and 7.5

Lauren Nanni

New Ambassador!

Lauren is a Life Coach, a proud Clevelander, and a person passionate about personal growth. She signed up for her first Cleveland Half Marathon at the end of 2022 as a challenge to herself. As a former collegiate sprinter, the distance world seemed impossible. Fast forward 3 years, Lauren has now ran 3 half marathons and is scheduled for her first full marathon at the beginning of 2026.

Running is one of her favorite ways to show up for herself, to strengthen her mindset, and a way to enjoy the music and the moment. Marathon weekend has become a tradition she loves being a part of—from the electric energy to the high vibes, it’s one of the best times in the city. Her personal and professional mission is to promote possibility and she is now using distance running as a platform to continue to live out and amplify that mission.

Outside of running, Lauren is fueled by a great cup of coffee and even better conversation. She has a passion for travel, is devoted to pasta Sundays, and cherishes time with her big Italian family—especially her husband, her dog Bane, and her two-year-old daughter. Let’s go 2026!

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Priya Seshan

New Ambassador!

Priya Seshan lives in Brooklyn, NY but is a still a Clevelander at heart! Her lifelong love of running was fostered early; as a teen, she joined her local high school’s cross country and track team and ran the sand and hills at Edgewater Park in Cleveland on a daily basis with her teammates. Decades later, Priya has completed countless races, including 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons, and a 50 mile ultramarathon. She is TCS New York City Marathon “streaker,” having finished the race a total of 15 times (and counting!). Priya is a certified run coach and holds both VDOT02 and RRCA coaching certifications.

Outside of running, Priya is a school social worker in New York City public school’s alternative school district, where she counsels adolescents ages 17-21 who are studying for their GED diploma. Priya is also employed as an adjunct professor and teaches masters level courses in social work.

Running has exposed Priya to so many unique experiences, opportunities, people, and places over the years! In a world where things are ever-changing, running has served as a constant for Priya, and she is proud of her longevity in the sport. She is very excited to be part of the 2026 UH Cleveland Marathon Ambassador Team and is looking forward to running the streets of Cleveland in May!

Kelley Wheelock

New Ambassador!

Once upon a time, running was just one of several forms of cardiovascular exercise Kelley might choose from. She and running drifted apart over the years. But years later, she began to crave doing something she couldn't currently do...run. Return to run, particularly with an injury history from things like dance, yoga, and gymnastics, was a process! In the spring before the 2024 Cleveland Marathon, she found herself visiting the race website more and more often in an attempt to work up the courage to sign up for her first organized race: the 5K! That race (and its amazing vibes) was the race that instilled a deep passion and truly made her love running. She's honored to be an ambassador for the race that has had such an impact on her running journey.

Outside of running, Kelley loves to take walks with her husband and rescue chi-terrier Lily Bug, cheer for Ohio State football and our Cleveland sports teams, and to sing and act. She is a clinical pharmacist, and passionate believer in the many physical and mental health benefits of running and physical activity.

Clare Caywood

New Ambassador!

Clare moved to Cleveland three years ago and has loved exploring everything the city has to offer… often on foot! She started her run streak over 700 days ago and has never looked back. While most days she logs exactly one mile, she’s also tackled countless 5Ks, multiple 10Ks (including the Cleveland Marathon 10K), a half marathon, and proudly completed the 2025 Cleveland Marathon.

Clare — also known as @clarearline — works for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and is originally from St. Marys, Ohio. Running has become her favorite way to connect with both the city she now calls home and the community that inspires her every day.

Jonathan Gruich

New Ambassador!

Jonathan is thrilled to be joining the team as a first year ambassador. As a personal trainer by trade, Jonathan believes that movement is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and long-term health. As a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, his mission is to empower and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to move with intention, build confidence, and strive toward becoming the best versions of themselves. Whether supporting seasoned athletes or those beginning their fitness journey, Jonathan is committed to helping others recognize that every step forward is meaningful. He can’t wait to “run the land” with all of you!

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