PACERS
Meet this year's pacers!
A pacer helps set the pace for runners in the marathon and half-marathon. Each pacer will have a sign indicating their pace time. Be sure to find them on race day!
James Atkinson
Half-Marathon | pace 2:00
That's me at the finish of the NYC marathon November 6, 2022! My experience includes four full marathons and 16 half marathons. Finished the river bank run 25K every year since 2017 as well. I have been a part of several training groups including the Borgess Run Camp and KAR Beyond training group and this session I am a team leader, maintaining a positive atmosphere for my runners and encouraging them to accomplish their goals!
Andy Boris
Marathon | pace 3:45
My name is Andy Boris and I’m pacing the 3:45 group. I’ve paced the 10 mile Bridge Run in Grand Rapids several times and I’ve paced the Grand Rapids Full marathon several times as well. I ran my first full marathon back in 2006 and I’ve lost 50 +lbs! Now, I’ve ran over 40 full marathons! I love to pace and race! Running is a good addiction. I’ve meet so many people in my life who I never would have met if it wasn’t for my love of running.
LISA BRINK
Half-Marathon | pace 2:15
I’ve been running for 30 years and absolutely love the half marathon distance. I’ve done almost 30 half marathons. I’m also a group fitness instructor, a triathlete, a mom of two, and a social services worker for a local non-profit. For fun I love to travel, climb mountains, find adventures, try new restaurants, and spend time with friends and family. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals and can’t wait to be a part of your race experience in April. I’ll be there to support you, motivate you, and hopefully make it fun from start to finish. Believe in yourself and you got this!
Tommy Clark
Half-Marathon | pace 2:00
I am a former soccer player turned marathoner/triathlete. When I stopped playing soccer I needed a competitive outlet, and ultimately found that in endurance sports. So far in my endurance-racing journey, I have been really enjoying half-ironman and marathon events. I can't wait to get out there and run with you all!
Evan Cole
Marathon | pace 4:45
Evan Cole is an avid runner in the Kalamazoo area. He's excited to be a part of the inaugural Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon. This will be Evan's 15th marathon.
John Cooley
Marathon | pace 4:30
Happy Running! My name is John and I began running in 2018 when I completed the Borgess 5K with my daughter Madison. The following year, my wife decided to train for a marathon and I decided to join her. I ended up running the Kalamazoo Marathon in 2019 and have never stopped running. If my wife complains that I am running to much or for too long I kindly joke with her that it is her fault that I ever started. Since then I have run multiple marathons (around 20), several 50K’s, two 50 milers (one for training), and a 100K. Some days I really enjoy running solo, but I also love taking my Australian Shepard with me whenever possible. The swing in emotion from pain and despair to pure joy is one of the reasons I love to run, and seeing them have success and overcome their own hardships makes me extremely proud. This will be my first time pacing a marathon and I am extremely excited to experience all the highs and lows with you!
Teresa Fulcomer
Marathon | pace 5:30
Hello, Teresa Fulcomer here, I started running in 2008 with Borgess Run Camp. Prior to running, I walked and participated in the Susan G Komen 3 day 60 mile walk. My first half-marathon was Borgess Run for the Health of it. This was before the marathon was added. Since then I have paced all but one of the Winter Blast half-marathons and all the Battle Creek half-marathons. Also, I have paced Glass City in
Toledo and Charlevoix, and Grand Rapids marathons. I enjoy pacing as you always meet new people; some are running their first half or full marathon. To see the excitement on their face when they realize they finished, it’s nice to know you had a hand in helping them achieve their goal. I also made some new running friends pacing that I run with today. I have run four 50-mile and two 100-mile races and have a few of those on my racing schedule this year. Hope to see you on the road or trail. Every day is a good day for a run or walk.
Gus Garza
Half-Marathon | pace 2:
I have been an avid runner for 7 years, and this will be my first time pacing the Ziegler half marathon. I feel blessed to be part of a great running community here in Kalamazoo. My first race was the 10k at the Kalamazoo marathon event, the excitement had a great impact on me, and that lead to more races. I have completed ultras and marathons, however, half marathons are my favorite distance. I love to meet new runners and hear about their goals, as I share mine as well, because you can achieve anything you set your mind to…. Let’s do this!
Jax Heil
Half-Marathon | pace 1:30
A Kalamazoo native, Jax participates in races all across the board, such as the 5k, Marathon, and Olympic Triathlon. Jax picked up running seriously after graduating from college; there's nothing he enjoys more than running alongside others. Some would say the only reason he runs is for the social outlet the sport provides - coincidentally, pacing is all about being social!
Charles Henderson
Marathon | pace 4:00
I have been running for over a decade and have completed at least a dozen marathons and a few ultramarathons. My marathon PR is 3:21 at the Grand Rapids Marathon in 2018. I have been a team leader for several KAR training programs and enjoy the great Kalamazoo running community!
Pat Huot
Half-Marathon | pace 2:5
Pat began running later in life. His first event - Run Through The Lights - sponsored by Gazelle Sports, in Kalamazoo, got him completely hooked on running. Pat has completed the gamut of events from 5k to full marathon. Since 2018 Pat has become more excited to participate in events while leading pace groups. The excitement and thrill of helping other runners to achieve their goals and finish their races has become very fulfilling for him as he has progressed through his older, middle years.
Arya Jayatilaka
Half-Marathon | pace 2:30
I have been a runner for ~ 25 years and have completed 10 marathons and more half marathons; some of these as a pacer . Let us run together to achieve our goal and make it a fun and memorable experience. See you at the starting line.
Andrew Kaylor
Marathon | pace 3:15
Hey everyone! My name is Andrew and I am a long-time Kalamazoo resident. My running journey began at Kalamazoo Central and K College as a part of their cross country programs. My first marathon experience came in Quito, Ecuador at 10,000 feet of elevation and to say that I underestimated the difficulty of the marathon is putting it lightly. I hit the biggest of walls around mile 20, got sunburnt in the process, and took a few years away before making a second attempt. My second and following marathons have gone much better and I now feel that I have a grasp on pacing, nutrition, and the training required for this event. I have helped pace multiple half marathons and am excited to begin pacing in the BIG event! Expect me to give words of encouragement, get the crowd pumped up, and together we'll set new PR's in the process! See you on April 23rd!
Josh Kensler
Marathon | pace 4:30
I am married and a father of four. I started running about 10 years ago. I've run several marathons and a few ultra-marathons, the longest so far is 60km. I love everything about running and have never paced a race before so I am really looking forward to pacing the first Ziegler Kalamazoo Marathon!
Derek Kraus
Half-Marathon | pace 1:45
I am a Holland, Michigan native that loved sports at an early age with the goal of being a college basketball player. That plan didn't go well, and I found myself enjoying the sport of running which led me to be a walk-on at Northwood University. While at Northwood University my coach helped me drop from 17mins in the 5k to the mid 14s. I soon grew fond of the sport, loving the community, and growing with every mile. I've competed in multiple long distance races over the years. With my current goals, I really want to bring the sport to life for others by helping them achieve their goals. What better way then to become a pacer? I am also a former high school coach / mentor.
Amanda Lacy
Half-Marathon | pace 2:15
My name is Amanda Lacy and I've been running for 17 years and pacing many local races for the last 11 years. I started running mostly to get in shape and be active, but I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed it and found a deep passion for the sport. This passion is what gets me out for a run everyday. Over the years, I've discovered running isn't just physical exercise anymore, it makes me happy, gives my life balance, I reconnect with myself and it is a part of who I am. Of course running isn't always blissful, it's hard and there are many ups and downs. It humbles you and sometimes you find yourself walking away from a run or race with your head down. But, these struggles can teach you so much. That's when there are lessons to be learned and it builds mental toughness. I embrace it and keep moving forward! The great thing about running is you don't have to be fast, tall or short to be a part of this amazing sport. You just have to be willing to get out the door and put one foot in front of the other! Then you'll find out just how rewarding running can be!
Gary Lambert
Marathon | pace 4:00
My name is Gary Lambert, Jr. and I am one of the 4 hour Pacers for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Full Marathon. I'm the president of Kalamazoo Area Runners and have run 14 marathons. I have been a pace leader for the Beyond Summer and Winter training programs for 3 years. I am a mental health counselor and own a practice in Portage. I've been running since high school, which is more years than I care to admit, over 30 at this point.
Aly Lipari
Marathon | pace 5:00
My name is Aly and I'm excited to pace the 5:00 hour 2023 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon! I love to run on roads and trails and see the world, and I also enjoy hiking, swimming, and paddling, anything that gets me outside. My first marathon was the Kalamazoo marathon four years ago and since then I've run six marathons and 12 ultramarathons. I would love to help you achieve your marathon goals, whether this be your first or 50th. This is my first time as pace leader, but I run with a pace group often and have benefitted immensely from the knowledge, encouragement, and jokes from run friends. The best part of running is the people I've gotten to know and can't wait to run with you!
Stacey Newton
Half-Marathon | pace 3:00
Hi, I’m Stacey! I’m excited to be one of your 3 hour pacers for the half marathon! I have completed about 20 marathons, (New York City being my favorite), 30 half marathons (Detroit being my favorite), 7 ultra marathons, and one 50 miler. Out of all of those distances, the half marathon distance is my favorite! I cannot wait to see you at the starting line on April 23, 2023!
Alie Porter
Half-Marathon | pace 3:00
Alie was born and raised in West Michigan and has been a running enthusiast since she moved to Kalamazoo in 2018. She has run 3 marathons, 10 half marathons, and an ultra marathon. Going into this race, she is excited to help others achieve their goals and cross that finish line!
Marisa Royster
Marathon | pace 6:00
I love running and the running community. I’ve been running for about 6 years and have done distances anywhere from 5ks-50 milers. Kalamazoo was my very first marathon & I’m happy it’s back! I love seeing others achieve their goals and I’m excited to be apart of the Zeigler pace team! Let’s run together and have some fun!
Dan Sammons
Half-Marathon | pace 1:30
I ran Cross Country and Track at the University of Dayton, specializing in the 8k, 1500, and Steeplechase. In my advanced age, all of that leg speed has disappeared. So I’m now venturing into the marathon world when not being chased/chasing my 2 boys.
Brad Schmidt
Marathon | pace 3:30
I am currently the head cross-country coach and assistant track coach at Loy Norrix High School. I have coached and taught in Kalamazoo Public Schools in some capacity since 2005. I am a graduate of Onsted High School and Western Michigan University. I have run 17 marathons including every Kalamazoo Marathon since 2011.
Scott Struck
Marathon | pace 5:30
Hello fellow runners! I am really looking forward to pacing the Ziegler Kalamazoo Marathon this year! I have been running steadily for the last 20 years or so and have paced many races in the past. I love both trail and road running, as well as mountain biking, paddling, and hiking. I have run in nearly 250 events, ranging from fun runs on up to ultra marathons of 100 miles. I am a licensed psychologist and a true believer in the positive mental health benefits that come from running. As a pacer, I hope I can help you achieve your goal for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon this year. Welcome, and let’s go run!
Jeffrey Stull
Marathon | pace 4:15
I have been distance running for 11 years, completing 18 marathons including few ultras. I have led many training pace groups over the past decade and look forward to being one of your pacers for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon and helping you to hit your goal.
Scott VanLoo
Marathon | pace 3:30
While running is a big passion of mine pacing races to help individuals achieve that goal that they set out for, that is what drives me to volunteer for these events. If you're looking for someone to entertain you while you push through that wall ... I'm here for you! I started running in 2009 to help shed the weight and now 88 marathons later I’ll be running with you to that finish line. Looking forward to meeting many of you on that race morning as we set out for a successful marathon finish!
Erik Vasilauskas
Marathon | pace 4:15
Erik Vasilauskas lives in Kalamazoo’s Vine Neighborhood where he is a husband, a father, and an artist with Dream Scene Placemaking. A high school coach facilitated his first experiences with distance running in 2006, and a friend helped him to train for his first marathon in 2010. Running remains a meaningful part of his life, and he may all-year-long be found around the Kleinstuck, Chipman and Asylum Lake preserves, the Kal-Haven trail, near campus at WMU, or on the sidewalks of downtown Kalamazoo.
Kim Wason
Half-Marathon | pace 2:30
I have participated in our local summer and winter marathon run camps as a participant and for many years as a team leader. I have also enjoyed pacing races for many years. I am looking forward to pacing this race because it is so fun to meet new runners. I am a social runner and I enjoy supporting and motivating runners through every mile and celebrating when they cross the finish line.
Spencer Waterman
Marathon | pace 3:15
My name is Spencer Waterman. I am a 22-year-old runner originally from the Kalamazoo area. I grew up in Schoolcraft and studied English and writing at Goshen College in Goshen, IN. While studying at Goshen College, I competed on the nationally ranked in cross-country and track teams. Since graduating, I have been pursuing my own goals in the world of marathoning. I am excited to pace this year's Kalamazoo Marathon, and I look forward to meeting each of you! Let's achieve some goals! I'll be with you every step of the way!
Kirsten Wesler
Marathon | pace 6:00
I just moved back to the Kalamazoo area after living in Flagstaff Arizona for 2 years, where I fell in love with trail and ultra running . I have done several marathons, 50ks, 55ks, 60ks and am planning my first 50 and 100 mile ultras this year! I just love running, the running community, and all the friends that running has brought me. I am excited to be able to pace my first time running the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon! It’s definitely a great way to start out being back in Michigan!
Ben Zamzow
Marathon | pace 4:45
I started running 30 years ago but only recently began running marathons with my first being the Grand Rapids Marathon in 2019. Since that time I've primarily been focusing on ultramarathons for my goal races with some of my favorites locally in West Michigan. I missed nearly a year of running from August 2021 to June 2022 due to injury and missed out on running the Boston Marathon which I'd qualified for in 2020. I'm slowly building back having completed the Black Canyon 100k in February 2023 and hope to get my Boston Qualifier later this spring in 2023. I view the marathon as the perfect distance to reward planning and preparation!