AMBASSADORS
Meet this year's Ambassadors!
ZKZM Ambassadors represent the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon and the running community in many ways. They represent enthusiasm, dedication, healthy living, and driving a healthy community. They are leaders and advocates in keeping our bodies moving in whatever way is best for YOU. Responsibilities include posting their personal journeys and experiences on social media and being awesome stewards in and around the community.
Becky Amstutz
I began running in 2009, starting with Borgess 5k run camp, and have been hooked ever since. Very much into the social aspect, I’ve now run nearly 50 half marathons! Coming back from ACL reconstruction I am excited to get back to training for the Zeigler Half Marathon and helping others cross the finish line on race day!
Cece Attwell-Mills
Hello my name is Cece and I enjoy any activities that encourage movement, including running, hiking, biking, and swimming. I'm always looking forward to the next opportunity to support our community while also promoting wellness, whether that's local races or coaching for Girls on the Run. I have done a fair number of biking and running races of various distances and I have to say favorite part of them are the relationships you make throughout training and on race day.
Travis Ault
I feel like a late bloomer when it comes to running, starting in my mid 20's. A friend challenged me to finish a 5k, which was daunting at the time. But I did it! That feeling of completing a race was exciting, and it encouraged me to stretch myself to try longer distances until I felt comfortable. Since then, I have completed 27 marathons, 2 50k's and a 50 miler. My hopes are to complete 50 total marathons and do a 100 miler before I turn 50!
Andy Boris
I started running back in 2005 because I wanted to improve my health and I thought running would be a good way to make social connections. A year later I ran my first marathon. I’ve lost over 50lbs from running and living a healthier life. Now I’ve ran over 40 full marathons! I have met so many people in my life that I would never of met if it wasn’t for my love of running. Because running has provided me with many positive opportunities I have tried to give back to the sport by being a official pacer in several full marathon and half marathon. If I would be selected to be an ambassador I would do my best to promote running and continuing to give back to the sport.
Julian Borst
My name is Julian Borst and I’ve been running for almost my whole life, my mom got me into running when I was about ten years old. My greatest joy in life is to be able to compete in the Special Olympics, I have been to the national games twice for track. Other than running I love knitting, riding my bike, being outside, and enjoying nature and tending to my garden. other sports I enjoy are soccer, cross-country skiing, and basketball.
Salomon Castillo Avila
Runner performing his goals as a person and showing that you can happily run the Kalamazoo marathon!
Nicolette Cole
Running is something I am passionate about. One day, I hope to run the Boston Marathon. Running is a great outlet.
Bridget Corona
Running always shows up for me on my hardest days. It’s a great feeling to be proud of yourself and overcome barriers and obstacles in achieving your goal. As a fitness professional for over 12 years now, I’m passionate about bringing movement into the lives of others to show them just how impactful that can be on all aspects of health! This year the Kalamazoo race marks my 12th running anniversary and I am excited to promote health within the community as an ambassador for this wonderful event!
Anne Darby
I am a 41-year-old mom of 2 (9 and 10) that just began my real running journey in 2020. I strive for wellness. purpose and abundance through physical fitness, mental health, and spiritual well-being. I am a quirky personality with heart and enjoy showing my strengths as well as my faults.
Annika Ehrig Rosario
Annika has been living in the Kalamazoo area for most of her life and started running in High School on her cross-country team. Annika is passionate about health and fitness since she has been through a long health and fitness journey herself. She encourages everyone to come and participate in the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon Race Weekend Festivities by running/walking with friends and family, volunteering, or cheering on participants on the sidelines or at a Spirit Station! If you see her out and about say "hi", or feel free to honk if you see her out running in the area.
Norman Eubanks
I’m a ultramarathon/marathon runner with over 18 years of running experience. Running is my passion and I love to train while coaching others to reach their potential. I believe it’s important to strive to achieve something bigger than you think you can achieve.
Kyle Fleck
I am a college student and local runner of Kalamazoo! Having only recently started running 3 years ago, I instantly fell in love with achieving personal bests and having a good time outside with friends. Running gives us the freedom to explore this wonderful world from a different perspective and I believe that is important for people to experience. My personal goal for ZKZM is to break sub-3 hours in my first-ever marathon. My ultimate goal is to spread the joy of running to my community and to be an inspiration to what we all can truly accomplish. I am excited to toe the line with all of you on May 5th!
Kathy Griffin
I have been a fitness instructor for almost 30 years. I have completed 52 marathons, 5 50ks, 4 50 miler races, along with many 1/2 marathons, 10ks, and 5ks. I also love to bike and walk with my dogs. Love trying to inspire others to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful nature we have around us. In addition to teaching fitness classes part-time, I am a full time Court Administratior for St. Joseph County Circuit and Probate Court and just finished 8 years including President of the National Association for Court Management.
Rosa Haag
Running is life! 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, 2 times Kal-Haven train run 33.5, 5 times Boston runner.
Dawn Hagerty
I ran my first half in 2013 to prove to myself that I could. I found Run Camp in 2014, and found friends who are now family. I've completed 40+ half marathons and I love the spirit of the Kalamazoo run community. I do not love to run. I run because I love the camaraderie, the experience and the satisfaction of completing an event.
Michael Kersjes
I ran cross country and track in high school, but didn't really come to love and appreciate running until I began having kids and was able to share it with them. Since having kids, I've taken to running 5ks up to 20ks pushing them in strollers. I've run 2 marathons so far, GR and Kalamazoo, and I got hooked. I enjoy running with my friends in KAR and sharing the experience with others through community and fundraising.
Taylor Lawrence
I am a born and raised Kalamazooligan! I got into running to create relationships and ended up making life-long friends after my first run camp. I completed my first full marathon at the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon last year in 2023. The race I am most proud of is completing a half-marathon while being seven months pregnant with my son, Jack, in 2017. He now continues to participate as a runner in the PNC Kids 1K. I can’t wait to cross the finish line with you on May 5th!
Amanda Lloyd
I began running back in 2013 when I decided to quit smoking and become the healthiest, I could be in my 30's. I went from not being able to running a 5k without out stopping to running 22 races in 2019. I challenge myself every year to reach PR's and see how many races I can do. I have a small circle of people I run with or sometimes even do a race solo. If I sign up that means that I am committed.
Matthew Nesbitt
I'm a 37 year old former mediocre high school cross country runner. I'm looking to get better than I ever was at running next year. I plan to run several 5ks, 10ks and half marathons next year and 2-5 marathon distance or longer races. I have always been at my best when I'm running and I need and want to be there again.
Dominique Passanante
I’m a local strength coach, U.S. Marine, and avid runner! The 2019 Kalamazoo half marathon was my first ever half and made me fall in love with long-distance running. Since then I’ve been traveling the country running half marathons, marathons, and Spartan races. I originally started running to rehabilitate myself from a serious knee injury I got from the military, it started with me forcing myself to run, and then it turned into not being able to wait for my next run!
Cole Pavc
I picked up running in November of 2021 when my wife organized a local 5k event. By April of 2022 I completed 75 Hard for the first time, and my first half marathon. A few different nagging injuries kept me from completing my goal of running a marathon in 2023. I’ve recently picked up cycling so I can keep up on my cardio and come out of the gate strong in 2024 for when I complete my first marathon and train to go even further.
Ashlee
Penning
Hi! I am Ashlee. I am a Domestic Violence survivor and started running 5 years to help cope. Running has shaped me into the strong woman and Mother I am today! I love sharing my passion for running and fitness and how it can change your life! I coach Varsity and Jr. High Cross Country and Jr. High Track and Field for Decatur Public Schools just south of Kalamazoo. I have ran 3 marathons, several half marathons and 5k’s. I just completed my first 50k this April on the Kal-Haven Trail Run. The Marathon is my favorite distance. I would love to be apart of the ZKZM ambassador program to share my training journey and encourage others to run. The Kalamazoo Marathon will be my 4th marathon and training to catch that BQ I have been chasing!
Rachel
Plankenhorn
I'm a 32-year-old toddler mom who LOVES challenge and adventure. I have completed shorter races in the past, but since finishing my climb to Kilimanjaro two years ago, I'm trying to do something that pushes me every year, not only for myself but to show my kiddo that ANYTHING is possible!
Jared Snyder
I am a 42 year old Dad of 4 kids and happily married. In my spare time I am out training for running distance races. I use the low heart rate approach to running and it’s amazing that you can train slow to become a fast runner. I have won my age division and have been in the top 10 in a lot of local 5k racing with my best time overall at in my 40’s being 20:48. My best is high school 5k time was 16:19! I know what it takes to achieve goals and I would be a great help and motivator.
Amy
Schmeding
"Hello! I'm back at it again! My name is Amy Schmeding, self titled ""the world's most okayest runner!"" Running is such an important part of my personal 'journey; it has helped me stretch myself to accomplish physical goals and keep myself mentally and physically healthy! Last year, I ran in, and completed 3 1/2 marathons in 2 months! I ran in the Zeigler 1/2 marathon in late April 2023 in Kalamazoo, MI, the Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon in Cincinnati OH in May 2023, and then the Seaway 1/2 Marathon in Muskegon MI in June 2023! I have also run in several 5ks and 10ks throughout the years! Ready to challenge myself again, this spring, I have signed up for the FULL 26.2 Zeigler Marathon! I am looking forward to sharing my running journey with you, as I get ready to complete my first full marathon!"
Kevin Theisen
Graduate of Western Michigan University and have lived in Kalamazoo for the last 20+ years. I've been married to my wife Jen for 11 years, and we have a 9 year old daughter Kit. We're big Disney fans and go whenever time (and money) allows. I love both road and trail running. 30+ marathons and ultras lifetime and looking for more.
Ginger
Tiffany
My name is Ginger and I love to run! One of my greatest joys is sharing my passion for running with others. I love watching people set a goal, work for it, and ultimately cross the finish line!
Adrienne Wiltzer
I have been running for 8 years and I absolutely love the Kalamazoo running community. My favorite race is the Kalamazoo Marathon. I also love an excuse to get new shoes.