2019 qcm pacer lineup - the quad cities marathonqcmarathon.org/documents/2019_pacer_bios_v6.pdf ·...

2019 QCM Pacer Lineup

Half/Full Pace Pace/Mile 2019 Pacer

Full 3:05 7:03 Phil Young

Full 3:15 7:26 Tommy Ries

Full 3:25 7:49 Mike Mallon

Full 3:35 8:12 Sean Prunchak

Full 3:40 8:23 Matt Jackson

Full 3:45 8:34 Grant De Roo

Full 3:55 8:57 Daren Schumaker

Full 4:00 9:09 Mary Toohill

Full 4:10 9:32 Nicole Callahan

Full 4:25 10:06 Shawn Loy

Full 4:30 10:17 Jake Taylor

Full 4:40 10:40 Yvonne Regan

Full 4:55 11:15 Steve Lutz

Full 5:10 11:49 Coming Soon

Full 5:25 12:23 Valerie Thompson - run/walk

Half 1:30 6:52 Nicholas Luedtke

Half 1:40 7:38 Bill Garrett

Half 1:45 8:00 Julie Johnston

Half 1:50 8:23 Becca Mallon

Half 1:55 8:46 Meghan McLaughlin

Half 2:00 9:09 Rachael Ash

Half 2:10 9:54 Andy Brown

Half 2:20 10:41 Danielle Wangsness

Half 2:30 11:27 Terri Buzea

QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:05 (7:03/mile)

Phil Young, Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 33 / Owner, Fleet Feet - Davenport

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 2:29 / 1:10

Personal Running Goal(s): Help others find joy and success with the sport; run a fast 50 Mile at

The Hennepin Hundred

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 30 marathons

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Recently won Stage 1 at the

TransRockies Run. Elevation, climbing, heat, distance, strong competition; it had all of the

adversity and I had a perfect day. You don't get many of those.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Quad Cities Marathon!

Previous Pacing Experience: QCM '16/'17/'18, CRANDIC '18/'19

About Me: Jesus follower, husband to Jackie, father to Sydney, Ginny and Ivy, Cubs fan.

Coffee, pizza, beer.


Tommy Ries, Jr., Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 31/Store Manager at Fleet Feet Sports Davenport

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 2:25:49/1:06:59

Personal Running Goal(s): Run hard. Have fun.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 10 or so marathons, I stopped counting/about 30

half marathons

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Grandma's Marathon 2013 was the

only marathon that I felt smooth, comfortable and evenly paced from start to finish, it also

happens to be my fastest marathon time to date.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Grandma's Marathon Duluth MN

Previous Pacing Experience: QCM 3:05 pace group leader x 3

About Me: I started running when I was 8 or 9 and immediately fell in love with the sport. I ran

competitively all the way through high school and college. Since graduating from Augustana

College much of my time has been spent spreading the love of running onto others; working full

time in running retail, coaching both kids and adults, helping organize local races and events, et

cetera. Running has always been one of my favorite things to do, and sharing that with others has

become an important part of my life. I figured that pacing for the QC Marathon would be another

perfect opportunity to help others revel in the sport.


Mike Mallon, Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 53/Quality Manager, AT&T

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon – 2:37:30; Half Marathon – 1:12

Personal Running Goal(s): Complete a sub-3:00 hour marathon in 5 consecutive decades. I’ve

got the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and 10’s covered. Need to keep it rolling until January 2020. I’ll be

racing the full marathon at Indy on 11/9.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: About 30 marathons

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Twin Cities 2016 – Fought through

calf cramps from 22-25 for a 2:50:50 (3rd AG) finish.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Boston because it’s the Super Bowl of our sport (even

during cold, wet and windy conditions – oh, hey there 2018 😊). But the Quad Cities Marathon

is a very special event and showcases our community so well. We are fortunate to have such a

premier event to call our own.

Previous Pacing Experience: QCM half & full several times, Charlotte, Detroit, Illinois x 4

About Me: I’ve been running/racing for nearly 40 years and I still love to lace ‘em up and race.

I’m part of a running family with my wife Mary Toohill, Rebecca (former UNI runner), Beth

(Wartburg XC & track alum) and Ben (Bix every year). Pacing is a great opportunity to help

others realize their goals in a sport that I absolutely love.


Sean Prunchak, Wilton, IA

Name/Hometown: Sean Prunchak, Wilton, Iowa

Age/Occupation: 33 / RCI Manager

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Coming Soon – Indy 2019 / 1:30:14

Personal Running Goal(s): Sub 3:00:00 marathon in Indy 2019 and qualify for 2021 Boston

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 0 marathons / 6 half

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: I am most proud of my PR, it had

been a tough year of running for me but dedicating to personal goals and focusing on running

healthy I finally found success. Feels a lot like this year. Exited to put all this hard work to use.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Quad Cities will always be a favorite. It’s a beautiful

course full of familiar faces both racing and cheering all the runners on.

Previous Pacing Experience: I currently don’t have any experience pacing during a half or full,

however I’ve had my own opportunities being paced by some amazing runners and have seen

what’s worked well. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to pace the 3:35 group, and help

others reach some personal goals before I go for my own PR and goal in Indy 6 weeks after the

QC Marathon.


Matt Jackson, East Moline, IL

Age/Occupation: 26/ Engineer

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:13:46 / 1:21:29

Personal Running Goal(s): Qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 7 / 5

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: I am the proudest of my marathon

finish at Ironman Wisconsin 2019 (3:15).

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: The Quad Cities Marathon 2017. It was my first pacing

experience and I loved it!

Previous Pacing Experience: QC Marathon 2017 & 2018

About Me: I live for training and racing! I was hooked after running my first marathon when I

was 19 and completed my first Ironman in 2017. I have done multiple sprints, 2 70.3’s, and 4 full

Ironmans. My main focus is racing Ironman, but I will always be a runner at heart! Can’t wait to

see everyone on the course!


Grant De Roo, Iowa City, IA

Age/Occupation: 29; Market Research/Consulting

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon: 3:20:04 (St. Louis); Half Marathon: 1:28:18

(Greensboro)

Personal Running Goal(s): 1) Qualify for Boston Marathon; 2) Run Boston Marathon; 3) Run a

marathon in a different country

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: Marathons: 4; Half Marathons: 6

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: CRANDIC marathon (Cedar Rapids/Iowa City) in

2018. I had a PR time in mind and felt very well trained. An injury two weeks before the race kept me from meeting

my goal, but I set aside my ego and decided to just enjoy the race. Turned out to be the best race experience I've had.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: While it may not have been my favorite experience, the Kiawah Island

Marathon in South Carolina has had the biggest impact on me as a runner. It was my first marathon and I struggled

through the last ten miles more than I've ever struggled in a race (before or since). It showed me that I was capable

of completing long races, but that I also had a long way to go in improving my training. I'm still working on

training, pacing, and fueling correctly because of that race. Oh, and "Beware of Alligators" signs were a pretty

interesting feature of the course as well!

Previous Pacing Experience: I paced the Quad Cities Half Marathon in 2017 and loved the experience! Excited to

do it again for the full!

About Me: I'm a transplant from the East Coast (originally from Exeter, NH) and I was drawn to Iowa by my wife,

Stephanie (originally from Bettendorf). We live in Iowa City where I lead my own market research firm focusing on

the higher education and non-profit sectors. Running started becoming a big part of my life in college with jogs

around campus and quickly became a hobby and passion. Since then, running has continued to be my favorite way

to exercise and enjoy time outside. Running also offers a great sense of accomplishment and I'm looking forward to

helping others accomplish their running goals as a pacer!


Daren Schumaker, Cedar Rapids, IA

Age/Occupation: 38/Supervising U.S. Probation Officer

Marathon PR’s: 2:58:17 - 2012 Grand Rapids Marathon / 1:27:31 - 2017 New Bo Half-

Marathon

Personal Running Goal: To use my running experiences to inspire others to take an active role

in their health -- and their future, and to use running to keep my body and mind as sound as

possible.

# of Completed Marathon: 17+ sanctioned marathons and 99 "cross-county" marathons as a

part of Team 99 Counties. Between December 2009 and April 2017 Dennis Lee and I literally

ran across each of Iowa's 99 counties to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Inspiration through perspiration!

Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: PR in 2012 -- I never thought that I would break

3:00:00!

Favorite Marathon: Quad-Cities Marathon

Previous Pacing Experience: I've paced the 3:55 group at the Quad-Cities Marathon for the

past several years and it always feels great to pull someone across the finish line!

About Me: My knowledge about Iowa is vast -- if you're from Iowa, I've probably got a pretty

good idea of where your hometown is and have probably been there.


Mary Toohill, Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 52 / Personal Trainer

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon – 2:50:51 / Marathon – 1:16:50

Personal Running Goal(s): Running a 50 mile trail race and sub 1:28 half marathon.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 20+ for both

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: 1:16 half at Motorola Half in 1994

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: St. Louis (2:50:51), 1992

Previous Pacing Experience: QC Marathon and paced others personally to PRs

About Me: I love to run but I also love to COMPETE! In the past few years I have even gotten

back into cross country and track competitions. I started running Ultra Marathons this year and

have run two 50k’s so far. I’m looking forward to running my first 50 miler in December. I

enjoy helping others achieve their personal goals, whether it’s a Boston BQ or just finishing

something new-I love watching the satisfaction and pride they feel when they hit the GOAL! I

enjoy running in the woods, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking in my free time.


Nicole Callahan, Moline, IL

Age/Occupation: 43/ student aid at Hamilton Elementary/ mom/ wife

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:37/ 1:40

Personal Running Goal(s): To do my first ultra this year, run all 7 world majors, beat my

marathon PR, and just keep running as long as I can!

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 12/ 14

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Chicago Marathon 2017. It was hot

but I held on and toughed it out 400 meters at a time for the last 5 miles to get a PR. Definitely

one of the greatest efforts and test of emotional and physical strengths I’ve ever had.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Boston Marathon

Previous Pacing Experience: 2018 QCM

About Me: I ran all through school up through college at Augustana and then took an 18- year

break before discovering the awesome QCA running community about 7 years ago. Since then

I’ve run over 340 races including 12 marathons, 14 halfs and countless shorter races. I’m a mom

of 3 and love sharing my passion for running and life with others. Along with my husband we

participate in many races as a family. I celebrate others victories as well as my own and I love

cheering on others as they strive for their goals. I’ve never been the fastest - I can hold my own

though ;) - but run for the love of it and the chance to challenge myself. I love being part of a

team and the greater community!


Shawn Loy, Washington, IA

Occupation: Registered Nurse, Kewash Half-Marathon Director, Running Enthusiast

Marathon PR: 3:14

# of Completed Marathon: 91

Personal Running Goal(s): To hit 100 marathons (I’m @ 91??? I think). Run all of the

Marathon Majors & I am currently dabbling in the 7 continents challenge.

Running Accomplishment: 50 States sub 4-hour marathon finisher, with 3:14 as my best.

Previous Pacing Experience: 4 Quad Cities Marathons - Pacing gives me a sense of

accomplishment. I get “the runner’s high” when I help a fellow runner cross that finish

line. I’ve met such fantastic people in the past and look forward to meeting many more!!!! See

you at the starting line!

Upcoming Marathons: Patagonia International Marathon (Chile), Chicago, New York City (as

part of Team Ultra). St. Petersburg, Russia (on my wish list for next summer)

What to bring if you are running in my pace group: Great Attitude, a “I know I can”

mindset, a smile…be prepared to have a great time!!!!


Jake Taylor, Bettendorf, IA

Age/Occupation: 34/veterinarian

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:06 @ Quad Cities in 2008, and 1:25 @ Quad Cities Half in

2009

Personal Running Goal(s): Stay healthy, some day run Western States 100 miler and continue

to run a Western States qualifier every year.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 15 full/6 half, a 7- 50ks and 4-100ks, 1 - 100

miler

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Winning my age group at Quad

Cities in 2008.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Paavo Nurmi in Hurley WI-full marathon/half marathon -

Mines of Spain in Dubuque, IA

Previous Pacing Experience: 3:35 group last year. A new infant son slowed down my pace

group a little this year

About Me: Originally from Spring Valley, IL. I have lived in Bettendorf, IA for 4.5 years. I

caught the marathon bug in college and graduate school and got really fast, then had some health

issues and found ultra and trail running. That has become my new passion and get a few

marathons in a year if I can.


Yvonne Regan, Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 50 / Cosmetics Manager at Von Maur/LMT/Animal rescue/volunteer

Born and raised in England and have resided in Quad Cities for over two decades, after working

on Cruise Liners for 2 years for a London-based company.

Marathon PR: 3:29:25 at Quad Cities Marathon 2014 ~ was my 3rd marathon

Half PR: QC Distance Classic in 1:36:48

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: I have run 8 full and 18 half marathons including

Boston, Chicago and New York (which I time qualified for)

Marathon I am most proud: QCM 2014 when the temp rose the night before to the mid~seventies for the start. I

went to the 3:40 area at the start and thought, oh well, here goes and figured I would try and go for an 8ish pace

based on how that felt in training. Came in at 3:29:25 ~ 8 mins. pace. It was hot! No matter how crazy, impossible

they may seem, when you are thinking about them, chase down those dreams and believe you can achieve any goal

you set for yourself. Discipline and positive thinking and humor in training.

Favorite Marathon: New York.

I had suffered a back injury 7 weeks prior and my training came to a halt.

I wasn't even sure on race morning if I could run as I hadn't run a step leading up to it.

I decided to give it a shot and at the start and met a wonderful girl from Japan who was also nursing an injury that

had also stopped her training. She had flown from Tokyo to be there.

We ran, together, most of way and it still gives me chills when I think about that day.

It was such an amazing, surreal experience and so difficult and painful. The sights and sounds and amazing spectator

support and having my new friend ~ who by the way, spoke very little English ~ got me through.

Previous Pacing Experience: This will be my first PACING responsibility.

I am totally excited and confident in my ability, to take you in at a 4:40 and have a good time while we do it.


Steve Lutz, Chicago, IL

Age/Occupation: 32/UnityPoint Health Office Guy

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 4:34 Nashville Rock N’ Roll Marathon/1:54 Half Marathon

Personal Running Goal(s): Going Sub-24 hours next month at the Hennepin Hundred

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 1 Marathon/4 Half-Marathon. I’m no stranger to

the distance, just to signing up

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Quad Cities Half-Marathon last

year. I ran/paced with my wife, and I feel like she finally got bit by the running bug

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Mines of Spain Trail Half Marathon, Dubuque, Ia

Previous Pacing Experience: A lot of unofficial pacing and group runs, on the Pacific

Crest Trail, they used to call me One-Pace for my consistent speed.

QCM Marathon Pace Group: Run/Walk - 5:25 (12:23/mile)

Val Thompson, Bettendorf, IA

Age/Occupation: 50 - RN

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon 4:20 and Half Marathon 2:06

Personal Running Goal(s): I would like to be become a Certified Running Coach and attend a

Jeff Galloway Session.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 24 Half Marathons, 20 Marathons, 2 8hour ultras,

2 15.5hour ultras, 3 24hour ultras and 1 One Hundred miler ultra

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Disney Marathon 2017 - It was the

year Disney cancelled the half marathon due to weather - my 2 daughters had trained for the half

- they were given the option to "upgrade to the full marathon" - THEY DID IT!!! My husband,

my 2 girls and I all crossed the finish line together!

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: How do you pick just one???? All races have a special

memory...I guess some of them are better than others - LOL!

Previous Pacing Experience: I have been an "unofficial" pacer for many of the races I have

participated in and I have mentored some of the Fleet Feet programs over the past few years.

About Me: I am so honored to be a part of your QC race day! I will be using an interval method

of 3 minutes running and 1-minute recovery/walking. Projected finish time around 5:25 (pace

per mile 12:23). However, my true goal is to help you relax and enjoy the race! Join me at any

mile!

QCM Half-Marathon Pace Group: 1:30 (6:52/mile)

Nicholas Luedtke, Appleton, WI

Age/Occupation: 25 / Chemistry PhD Student, University of Iowa

Half-Marathon PR: 1:17:00

Personal Running Goal(s): I want to stay injury free in preparation for achieving my goal of

1:14:59 at the Indianapolis Monumental Half-Marathon (2019). I hope to finally run under 4:20

for a mile in the upcoming track and field season.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: Three half-marathons

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: I am most proud of my third and

slowest half-marathon (Kenosha, WI 2019) where I was extremely confident leading up to the

race which was met with an inability to execute my plans. I am most proud of using this as a

learning experience to shape my character and successfully educate myself in half-marathon

training.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Valhalla 12.4 mi, hosted by Thorsday T.C.

Previous Pacing Experience: Many pacing duties for over the years for track and field events,

800m – 5,000m

About me: I have never seen myself as a talented runner and for my early running years I did

not love it. In 2015, running alone in the countryside, I finally opened my heart and eyes to the

sensation of speed, awareness of freedom, and appreciation of my mobility. Covered in sweat

and tears, I immediately told my college coach my change of heart. To this day, I always look

forward to enjoying the journey. My beer mile PR is 6:27.

QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 1:40 (7:38/mile)

Bill Garrett, Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 43 / Occupation: Financial Representative for Transamerica

Half-marathon/Marathon PRs: 1:24 Half & 3:04 Full

Personal racing goals: Participate in the El Paso half-marathon in 2020. Also, each year to

become a better runner.

Number of marathons/half-marathons completed: I have participated in over 40 half-

marathons and 3 full marathons.

The marathon or half-marathon finish I am most proud of: My first marathon at the Quad

Cities Marathon

Favorite marathon: Quad Cities Marathon

Previous pacing experience: This is my fourth year pacing the 1:40 pace group at the Quad

Cities Marathon. I have also paced the 1:35 pace group for the half-marathon at the Illinois

Marathon in 2019.

About me: I have been a runner for the past 25 years and enjoy running. I graduated from the

University of Iowa with a degree in Economics and have a master’s degree in Criminal Justice

from American Military University. I am involved in the community as a board member for the

Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley. I also serve on the Family Selection Committee

for Habitat for Humanity.

QCM Half-Marathon Pace Group: 1:45 (8:00/mile)

Julie Johnston, Cedar Rapids, IA

Age/Occupation: 35/ small, local business owner

Marathon/Half-Marathon PRs:

3:18:54 (Chicago Marathon Oct. 2011)

1:32:10 (Houston Half Marathon Jan. 2012)

Personal Running Goal(s):

1). Staying healthy & enjoying every adventure!

2). Gunning for a sub 1:32 at the Indianapolis Monumental half this November.

3). Training for a sub 3:18 marathon PR at Boston next April.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons:

• 24 marathons, 11 states, 23 under 4hrs, 12 Boston Qualifiers

• Over 42 half-marathons, most all 1:50 or faster

Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of / Favorite:

Running Boston in 2008 was a huge dream come true for me. At my high school graduation, I

made it a goal to run a marathon before 21 (ran it maybe a bit too young at 19), and Boston

before 25.

Took me struggling through 8 marathons before "earning my BQ". Boston that year hosted the

Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, where I was so excited to witness 2 local Iowan friends

finish 9th & 10th in the nation.

The next day, Marathon Monday, inspired me to run a near 10 minute PR on that historic course.

It was an emotional day and weekend that I, surprisingly, was far more prepared for than I

realized.

Now, I'm finally going back with a huge team of friends next year!

Half-Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of / Favorite:

(Aside from pacing QCM.... ;)

Houston was the host for the 2012 men's & women's Olympic Marathon Trials, and I PRd by

nearly 2 minutes in the half the following day. I still remember nervously passing America's

Sweetheart, Joan Benoit Samuelson, on the course, and wondering what in the world I was

doing! Then, it dawned on me, she was just out running the half "for fun" with a friend that

morning. She and her friend finished within a minute or 2 behind me. Her "easy pace" is still my

race pace, and she's nearly 3 decades my senior. What an incredible human!!! I was so humbled.

Previous Pacing Experience:

Grateful to have paced the 1:40, 1:45, or 1:50 half every year at QCM since 2009. "Joe Mo" &

his team put on SUCH a fun, well-organized, national-class event!

Also had the privilege of pacing a (then) complete stranger for the whole second half of the

Leadville Trail 104mi Run in Colorado this past August. What an adventure & joy to see my new

friend complete his 3rd 100+mi distance & finish my first "ultra" with him in the process!

About Me:

Our 2011 QCM 3:35 Marathon Pacer, David VandeWalle, has unofficially "paced" me to both

my half and full PRs, and I have bonded and clung to pacers in other races as well.

I know some may call it a mental advantage to have an encouraging friend running a race

alongside you, but I just feel as though it's teamwork.

I am so honored to give back, and return the favor by helping YOU make your half marathon

goal a reality on Sunday morning!

While running together, you'll probably hear me talk your ears off about dogs, traveling,

gardening, and singing (I promise I won't as we run!), and climbing 14ers in the Rockies. As

well as keep us on pace, my job is to help you know what is coming up on the course, encourage

you through rough spots, and drive you insane with crazy stories of the hilarious, unbelievable.

and nearly illegal situations I can get myself into. I am your running Golden Girl, ala Rose

Nylund.

By the way, you can't miss me! My pacer hat decor matches my personality!!!! It'll get us LOTS

of cheers, which I hope helps lift your spirits with a smile.


Becca Mallon, Davenport, IA

Age/Occupation: 25 years old, Dietitian

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: No marathon PR- yet! Half marathon PR 1:27:35

Personal Running Goal(s): Break 1:25 in the half, qualify for Boston, and have FUN with

running!

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 5 half marathons

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Des Moines 2018- my watch

died during the first mile, and I still managed to PR!

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Rocky Mountain Half in Estes Park, CO- the views were

so stunning that the 4 miles of continuous uphill didn’t bother me!

Previous Pacing Experience: I am the offspring of the pace team leader, so hopefully some of

his pacing skills have rubbed off on me (or maybe it’s genetic!)


Meghan McLaughlin, Iowa City, IA

Age/Occupation: 21 / Student studying Computer Science and Engineering at the University of

Iowa

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:27 / 1:37

Personal Running Goal(s): My current goal is to set a PR at the Chicago Marathon this

October!

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 5 Marathons/ 6 Half-Marathons and 1 50k!

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: 2018 Seattle Rock 'n' Roll

Marathon - it was my first marathon after a disappointing race in Fall 2017 - I cut over 30

minutes off of my time and qualified for Boston on a challenging course.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Chicago Marathon - my first marathon and an amazing

race energy.

Previous Pacing Experience: I paced the QCM 1:55 group last year.

About Me: I was born and raised near the Quad Cities and am currently finishing up my last

year of school at the University of Iowa. I been running most of my life - track and XC in high

school, then started running marathons in 2016. After graduating college I plan to move to

Seattle, WA where I hope to start doing more ultra races!


Rachael Ash, Bettendorf, IA

Age/Occupation: 26 years old / Physical Therapist at Genesis

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Madison Marathon 4:10 and 1:47 Galena Half Marathon.

Personal Running Goal(s): Never think of running as a job or a chore, enjoy all my runs and

stay healthy.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 1 marathon, 5 half marathons.

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: All of them.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Drake Relays Half Marathon, it is always fun to run on

the blue oval!

Previous Pacing Experience: First time pacer at the QCM! I am very excited and cannot wait to

help others achieve their running goals!

About Me: Growing up I despised running long distances. If it was more than a half mile, I was

grumpy. I hit college and running became my stress relief. Today, running is a huge passion of

mine and I feel so honored to be able to share this passion with others and help to pace the QCM.

When I am not running, you can find me at Whitey's. I am in love with ice cream and good

Chinese food. I enjoy hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, biking, and trying to play my new

Ukulele. I look forward to meeting the runners at the QCM and if you know any good puns,

please come find me.


Andy Brown, Moline, IL

Age/Occupation: 37 – Title 1 Tutor/Math Teacher & H.S. Tennis Coach

# of Completed Ultra/Marathon/Half-Marathons: 9 Ultra/9 Full/15 Half

Favorite Marathon: Illinois Marathon (Proud University of Illinois Alum)

Half Marathon: Mines of Spain Trail HM - Dubuque, IA

Most proud of: Potawatomi 50 miler

Pacer Experience: Paced the 2:10 half marathon group (2x) and the 5:10 marathon group (1x) at

the previous 3 Quad Cities Marathons.

About me: Been running consistently for the last 10+ years and have enjoyed every day of it.

Lucky to be a part of the QC running community and to represent two of the finest running

groups in history: Q.C. Trail and Ultra Runners a.k.a. Q.C. TUR(d)s and The Quad City Hash

House Harriers a.k.a The Dirty Pirates!!!


Danielle Wangsness, Cedar Rapids, IA

Age/Occupation:41/Kindergarten Teacher

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon-3:41 Half-1:38

Personal Running Goal(s): To stay healthy and injury free. Looking forward to trying a

mountain 50 miler and 48 hour race in 2020.

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: So many, I’ve lost count. My first marathon was

in 2000. I have run many trail and road races ranging from 5k to 100 mile distances.

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Helping pace my husband to his

first half finish at Sturgis Falls.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Flying Pig holds a soft spot for me, as it was my 1st

marathon.

Previous Pacing Experience: I helped pace the 2:00 group at the 2018 NewBo Half. I’m

excited to help the 2:20 group this year at QC half!


Terri Buzea, Coal Valley, IL

Age/Occupation: 52/ Financial Services Consultant DuTrac CCU

Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon 5:10 & 2:20 Indy Mini Marathon-Half

Personal Running Goal(s): 2:30 Half Marathon Pace

# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 6 Marathons & Approximately 25 Half

Marathons

Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: My first marathon in 2000 QCM. I

had several people tell me I would never finish the training nor would I finish the race. I proved a

few people wrong.

Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: 2012 Bermuda Triangle Challenge. 1 mile run on Friday

night in the rain, 10k on Saturday a very hilly course & Half Marathon on Sunday in sun & high

humidity. The race takes place every January.

Previous Pacing Experience: 2012 & 2013

About Me: I have been a lifelong resident in the Quad Cities. If you don’t see me on the local

bike paths running or biking, you may find me out golfing a little. After several years of not

pacing the 2:30 group, due to my husband’s health issues & passing away and my own foot

injury I have found my way back to the pacing duties. I have witnessed adversity

firsthand. Have a positive attitude is what I will be providing on the 13.1-mile journey through

the QC area.

With that being said let’s get this party started

2019 qcm pacer lineup - the quad cities marathonqcmarathon.org/documents/2019_pacer_bios_v6.pdf ·...

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