Our Upcoming Races 

Gobbler Grind Marathon - 11/24/2024

Words to run by

"If it comes easy, if it doesn't require extraordinary effort, you're not pushing hard enough: It's supposed to hurt like hell." Dean Karnazes

Meet your Pacers for
Gobbler Grind Marathon

Half Marathon Pacers: 1:30 1:35 1:40 1:45 1:50 1:55 2:00 2:05 2:10 2:15 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:35 2:40 2:45 2:50 2:55 3:00 3:10 3:20 3:30

Half Marathon SmartPace Teams

1:30 SmartPace Teams

Robert S. - 1:30 pacer

Robert Stocklaufer is a 24 year old runner who recently qualified for the Boston marathon! He spent 6 years in the Army National Guard where he discovered running. That is when he made the decision to become the fastest runner for his units PT test which he accomplished by running 2 miles in 10:34. He now has a Marathon PR of 2:43:24 when he placed 2nd overall at Revel Rockies marathon in Colorado.
Half Marathon PR: 1:19

1:35 SmartPace Teams

Shane W. - 1:35 pacer

Ten years ago Shane wondered whether he was even capable of crossing a marathon finish line. Just one race though, and he knew he would be back for more. To date he has qualified for Boston twice, with a half marathon PR of 1:21 and a 37:22 10k, discovering along the way a passion that motivates him in all areas of life. Shane enjoys the discipline and community that come from running, and looks forward to helping others on race day make the most of their training.
Half Marathon PR: 1:19

1:40 SmartPace Teams

Dalwyn H. - 1:40 pacer

Dalwyn has been an avid runner since the 8th grade. He's run numerous 5k's and 10k's. His first marathon was Chicago in 2004. He liked it so much, that he went on to run 30 more marathons all over the country. He has also run over 40 half marathons. Dalwyn loves to help others achieve their goals. Whether he's coaching his kids soccer, wrestling or track teams, or running a half or full marathon, he will have a smile and some words of encouragement for you.
Half Marathon PR: 1:31

Xiaolin L. - 1:40 pacer

Xiaolin was passion about running in high school and college, and he started running again when his son Sihan went to college in 2012. He is an avid runner who has completed over 15 marathons in three counties. His goal is to run all world marathon majors in near future and become a six star runner. Xiaolin has paced the Garmin Marathon, Lincoln Marathon, and Kansas City Marathon a couple of times using the Smart Pacing strategy.
Half Marathon PR: 1:27

1:45 SmartPace Teams

Ashok A. - 1:45 pacer

Ashok started running in 2015 and discovered a passion for long distance running. He has since finished numerous marathons and half marathons. He appreciates the support and motivation provided by pacers in those races. He believes in the value of effort based pacing during races. He looks forward to contributing to the running community
Half Marathon PR: 1.25

Chris G. - 1:45 pacer

Chris has run 65 marathons including one in each state, and about twice that many halfs, including pacing for 7 marathons and 40+ halfs. He enjoys distance running because it's excellent practice in not quitting, and entering marathons is good motivation for staying in shape. For Chris as with most geezers, the idea of starting slow is appealing, and the Smartpacing strategy is a lot more enjoyable than running dead even splits. The challenge will be to see how many laughs can be generated the last part of the race.
Half Marathon PR: 1:22

1:50 SmartPace Teams

Sybil O. - 1:50 pacer

The greatest loves of Sybil’s life will always be her husband and their three children, but running is a very close second. She took up running while finishing her education degree at the University of Kansas. She had never run before, but needed a healthy outlet. After a friend convinced her to run a half marathon in 2008, she was hooked. She has been training and racing ever since. Sybil has run countless races of all distances, including the Boston marathon four times. She is excited to train with her running group, KC Endurance, for her 5th time at Boston in April 2024. Sybil can’t wait to help other runners achieve their goals out on the course!
Half Marathon PR: 1:28

Nick W. - 1:50 pacer

Nick was always a runner, but during his first two decades on earth, he avoided races and instead ran on tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Upon moving (back to) Kansas City in 2014, he decided to complete a bucket list item and finish a half marathon. He finished faster than he ever thought possible and was hooked. Since then, he completed multiple races ranging from 5k to half marathon. He ran his best races using SmartPacing, including his most recent half marathon PR. He looks forward to helping you reach your goals whether it's your first race or your 100th!
Half Marathon PR: 1:29

1:55 SmartPace Teams

Paige L. - 1:55 pacer

Paige started running casually in 2007 and ran her first half marathon in 2012 and hasn't looked back! Paige has run countless 5ks, 10ks, Half Marathons, and 6 Full Marathons. Paige is passionate about running and loves to encourage others in their fitness goals as well. She is looking forward to running with you!
Half Marathon PR: 1:44

Anil S. - 1:55 pacer

Anil absolutely loves running. He took up running as a drunken challenge over Octoberfest and has been a fan of the sport since. He started running in 2018 and is trying to give back to the community by pacing others to their PBs. His 5K PR is 19:49 and Half PR is 1:33:01. Here is his Strava profile is you want to keep up with his runs as he leads up to a race: https://www.strava.com/athletes/5556552
Half Marathon PR: 1:33:01

2:00 SmartPace Teams

Brian H. - 2:00 pacer

Brian began running only several years ago in 2015. In that year, he ran his 1st 5K and soon after that, fell in love with running. Since then, he's ran many more 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, and 2 Full Marathons. He really finds enjoyment in running and that has brought him success, achieving multiple PRs the last couple years. He hopes to pass along the enjoyment and success he achieves in running to the pace group he's with any given day. He wants his runners to think positively. To embrace the race. If you think you can do it, you will do it!
Half Marathon PR: 1:38

Bren W. - 2:00 pacer

Bren runs for her physical and mental health, to strive to better herself every day, and to feel close to God. After beating stage 3 breast cancer, running reminds her that she is more than alive, she is grateful for every step! As a New York City and Boston marathon qualifier, multiple Ironman finisher, USAT All American, with a marathon PR of 3:14, half marathon PR of 1:35, Bren's passion for running is infectious to all around her. She is eager to help you believe the impossible is possible, help motivate you to reach your goals and enjoy the journey!
Half Marathon PR: 1:35

2:05 SmartPace Teams

Megan D. - 2:05 pacer

Megan has been running for most of her life. She ran her first 5K race in 2010 and caught the running bug soon after. She has completed over 55 half marathons and six full marathons. Megan has always enjoyed the social aspect of running and working out with friends. She is looking forward to helping others achieve their goals with Smart Pacing and can't wait to cross the finish line with you!
Half Marathon PR: 1:35

Lynn K. - 2:05 pacer

Running for more than 35 years including 53 marathons with 5 of those Boston Marathons. Have helped successfully pace several Half Marathoners in the 2:00-2:10 finish times and for many individuals striving to finish a race or a specific goal. Really enjoy the social aspect of running and take every opportunity to promote the participation in racing. I really enjoy encouraging other runners. I am the race director for the Pistol Pete 5K/10K race in Perkins. I will not only pace but give advice and encourage you during the race to make for a successful day!
Half Marathon PR: 1:35

2:10 SmartPace Teams

John M. - 2:10 pacer

John started running in 2014 as an inexpensive way of getting in shape. It quickly became his passion as he moved from 5k's to 10k's to half marathons to full marathons. John has participated in 10 half marathons and 7 full marathons. He achieved his long held goal of running the Boston Marathon in 2022. His goal in any race is to have fun and enjoy the atmosphere and surroundings. Pacers have helped him achieve PR's and a BQ in the past and he is excited for the opportunity to pay that forward.
Half Marathon PR: 1:33:08

Jenny R. - 2:10 pacer

Jenny has been running for over 30 years and has completed 44 marathons in 41 states (Boston 3x) with a goal to run one in every state. She has paced over 30 half-marathons and enjoys helping other runners reach their goals. Jenny believes you can achieve anything with patience, perseverance and hard work! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and family including her husband, 2 daughters and dog Coco. Jenny's favorite quote is: "There are no slow runners! You're faster than everyone on the couch!" 🤪 Jenny is energetic, motivating and a little crazy! She likes to have fun and make memories while running, so hopefully this race is a story to remember! 🥇
Half Marathon PR: 1:35

2:15 SmartPace Teams

Evan B. - 2:15 pacer

Evan began distance running in 2010 when he started training for his first half marathon. Since then, he has completed 2 full marathons and countless halves. Evan finds pacing to be extremely rewarding and is hoping to deliver a great experience for those aiming to finish very close to their time goals.
Half Marathon PR: 1:35

Andrea W. - 2:15 pacer

Andrea started running to stay in shape after high school. She started meeting up to run with other mom's of young kids after her youngest was born. Those friends encouraged her to sign up for races. She did her first half marathon in 2003 and first full in 2004. Since then, she has completed numerous half marathons and 22 full marathons including Boston! She hopes to help others share in the joy of setting and achieving their running goals through pacing!
Half Marathon PR: 1:41

2:20 SmartPace Teams

Ben B. - 2:20 pacer

Ben picked up running in college as a way to stay healthy and balance the stress of his class work. After his first half marathon in 2017, he’s caught the “race fever” and has participated in 10 half marathons and 3 full marathons. He enjoys the atmosphere that he gets to create when pacing races and helping everyone cross the finish line with a smile on their face!
Half Marathon PR: 1:33

Kirby W. - 2:20 pacer

Kirby has been running since middle school when she started competing in track and field, she continued to run through college as a long sprinter and hurdler. After college she started with longer distance running and triathlons. She’s completed two Ironman 70.3 triathlons, 13 half marathons, and 3 full marathons. Kirby is excited to help runners of all abilities reach their goals!
Half Marathon PR: 1:54

2:25 SmartPace Teams

Sara A. - 2:25 pacer

Sara has mastered running and talking at the same time through her routine early morning runs with friends. She has run over 75 half marathons starting 22 years ago. Her most memorable race has been the Hood to Coast relay in Oregon. Sara enjoys the challenge of half marathons without the intense training of a full marathon. Her favorite races are those running with her daughter. Sara's tip today is to stick with the pacing splits for the first few miles, and then you can plow forward later to beat the pacer. It is always tempting to surge forward at the start of the race. Sara is looking forward to helping you reach your race goal and to enjoy the experience along the way.
Half Marathon PR: 1:43

Michael B. - 2:25 pacer

Mike has completed over 270 marathons in 40 different states. His past pacing experiences have included the Kansas City Marathon, the Lincoln Marathon Go! St. Louis, the Cowbell, and the Olathe Marathon. Mike is passionate about sharing his many running experiences with others and supporting all marathoners in doing their personal best.
Half Marathon PR: 1.37

2:30 SmartPace Teams

Ray C. - 2:30 pacer

Ray started running at the age of 30 to lose a few pounds and be in better health. After a year of a mile here and there he decided to sign up for his first race, a half marathon, and has been hooked ever since. He has completed several half marathons and will complete his first marathon this fall. His favorite thing about running is the camaraderie between runners and how helpful they are with each other in order to achieve their goals. He is looking forward to helping you achieve your goals, whether that be completing your first race, setting a new PR, or just enjoying a run with good company.
Half Marathon PR: 1:52

Wael S. - 2:30 pacer

Wael has been running since 2008. He has completed several ultra trail races, several half marathons and full marathons. He enjoys trail running with the Kansas City Trail Nerds. Wael completed three 100 mile ultra runs with a sub-24 hour finish in Feb, 2014.
Half Marathon PR: 1:38

2:35 SmartPace Teams

Nicole C. - 2:35 pacer

Nicole started running at the age of 14 to cross-train while swimming competitively. She stopped swimming, but kept running recreationally through college as a way to manage stress. She completed her first half marathon in 2003, and first full marathon in 2006. Since then she has completed 9 marathons (including the Goofy and Dopey Challenges), numerous half marathons, 4 half Ironmans and a full Ironman. Nicole is a physical therapist, and is happy to chat about injury prevention for runners.
Half Marathon PR: 1:57

Andrea H. - 2:35 pacer

Andrea started running in 2010 when her mom (in her late 40's!) ran her first half marathon and encouraged Andrea to also pick up running. It was a very slow start, she did not enjoy it at first, but it finally clicked and a love of running was created. She has ran through 2 pregnancies and all the fun life things that two small kids can throw at you! She has a love for pacing because there is no greater joy in her life than to share the love of running with others as well as helping others achieve their goals. Andrea has accomplished many PR goals because of other pacers so she would love to be that person for someone else, either running their very first race or just trying to break a personal record! Andrea's kids think she wins every race she goes to since she comes home with a medal and there is no reason to correct them on that :)
Half Marathon PR: 1:48:31

2:40 SmartPace Teams

Kim C. - 2:40 pacer

Kim started running to lose the "baby weight" after her youngest turned 2. She fell in love with running, especially the half-marathon when she completed her first half (The KCM Half) in October of 2012. She enjoyed the race experience so much that she completed her second half just 4 weeks later. Since starting, Kim has completed 71 half marathons and over 50 5K & 10K runs and is a member of Half Fanatics. Kim's goal is to run to have fun and enjoy the journey.
Half Marathon PR: 1:57

Pamela D. - 2:40 pacer

Pamela is a Kansas City native, has been a runner for years and recently started pacing half marathons. She is a first grade teacher and a Girls on the Run at her elementary school! Pamela enjoys staying active, traveling and cooking/eating! Pamela has ran nearly 100 half marathons and 10 marathons around the states. She enjoys running trips with friends and sharing the LOVE of running with others! Pamela will motivate and encourage ALL runners to do the BEST and to reach their GOALS!
Half Marathon PR: 1:52

2:45 SmartPace Teams

Tom M. - 2:45 pacer

Tom ran track and cross-country in high school and mostly 10K’s during and after college. After a couple decades of work and family obligations his physician told him to exercise. Running was familiar and races provided measures of progress. He’s run over 40 marathons, including Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, and London along with local marathons, half marathons, 10 and 5K’s. He experienced the advantages of the SmartPacing system and is delighted to share that with you, whether this is a first race, a PR attempt, or a comeback race. He will ease you into an efficient pace, going slow in uphills and faster in downhills, along with strategic walk breaks at aid stations. He’ll encourage you, distract you, and entertain you to your goal. He has paced numerous races over several years and enjoyed helping runners achieve their goals.
Half Marathon PR: 1:39

Julie W. - 2:45 pacer

Julie Weatherford started running races in 2010 after the birth of her son. She coached both track and cross country for years, and loves to help people improve their running. She has run lots of 5k's, 10k's, half-marathons, and 8 full marathons. She is excited to help others have a fun and successful race!
Half Marathon PR: 1:56:38

2:50 SmartPace Teams

Candy H. - 2:50 pacer

Candy's passion for running started in the 80's when she ran cross country and track in college. After graduating, she still had that competitive drive so she began racing triathlons. Her racing background includes over 100 triathlons/duathlons, Chicago and Boston marathons, numerous road races at different distances, and five duathlon world championships. Candy works as a wellness coach and fitness instructor so she brings her passion for running and health to those she leads. She is inspired by people wanting to get into the running world. She loves encouraging first timers and seeing athletes of all abilities push themselves simply to improve on from where they began.
Half Marathon PR: 1:47

Bethany L. - 2:50 pacer

Bethany has been running since 2018. She decided to sign up for a 5k for a good cause, did some minor training, and completed it without walking. Considering she couldn't run a quarter mile before this small training, this was huge progress. This launched her into her distance running journey. If others could set big goals and run fun races, then so could she. Since then, Bethany has run numerous 5k, 10k, and random distance races along with 8 half marathons and her first full marathon back in November 2023. She has had wonderful family and friends along her journey that have encouraged her to be better, train smarter, and dream big. One of those dreams was becoming a pacer. She never imagined herself becoming a pacer but being the encourager and goal setter she is, this seemed like the perfect fit. This is her first year pacing half marathons, and she is excited to jump in, cheer on, and help new friends meet their goals.
Half Marathon PR: 1:56

2:55 SmartPace Teams

Laura B. - 2:55 pacer

Laura's first 5k was in 2010 and then first half marathon in 2012. Since then she has completed 50+ Half Marathons and another 20+ 5k/10ks. She loves the post-run feeling after every race and getting to experience that feeling with first timers makes it even better! Laura has paced many friends to a successful finish and enjoys the full race experience. Steady pace, walk through each aid station, joking and smiling are all part of pacing with Laura. Laura knows we are all stronger than we think and gently encourages everyone to keep moving forward. "You can do it!"
Half Marathon PR: 1:57

3:00 SmartPace Teams

Sharon J. - 3:00 pacer

Sharon started running after having 3 kids and was "bitten" by the marathon bug. Sharon has completed 24 marathons (her favorite marathons are the NY marathon, Big Sur marathon and the Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin marathon), the Disney Dopey 48.6 mile challenge, One 50k, more than 200 half marathons locally, across the country and internationally, is a "Double Agent" (member of both the Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs national running clubs), KC Express Member, Team Beef member, Black Girls Run member, National Association of Black Marathoners member and a member of the 100 half marathon club. She looks forward to helping others reach their goals and possibly sharing the thrill of crossing the finish line with those that are new to running half marathons. Sharon uses a Galloway run/walk strategy which will allows for a fun, comfortable, strong finish.
Half Marathon PR: 2:19

Jessica L. - 3:00 pacer

Jessica started running in 2008 after her second son was born. She always admired runners but wasn't sure if she had what it takes. She quickly found out that you don't have to be an expert to put on those running shoes and just give it a try. Starting out with running 10 seconds at a time then walking and building up to running 30 seconds and then minutes, she was on her way to train for her first half marathon. "That experience of crossing the finish line makes you feel like you are on top of the world and can accomplish anything!" She has now ran over 25 half marathons and completed her 5th marathon in 2019. Jessica's passion for running has turned in to a way of life where she says "Running is good for the body, mind and soul". She looks forward to helping others reach their goals as they cross finish line together.
Half Marathon PR: 2:07

3:10 SmartPace Teams

Ryne B. - 3:10 pacer

Ryne has always enjoyed running since he was young; however, he fell in love with distance running in 2016, when he ran his first half marathon. Since 2016, Ryne has ran over 25 half marathons and 10 marathons. Besides running, another way that Ryne like to keep in shape is by doing crossfit. When Ryne is not training for his next race, he works as an accountant and officiating softball, baseball, and basketball.
Half Marathon PR: 1:55

Lori A. - 3:10 pacer

Lori is the mother to 3 children and began running long distances while a graduate student in St. Louis. Since her first marathon in 2001, she's run 8 marathons and many other shorter distance races. She recently has decided to tackle a new goal, ultramarathons, after completing the Market to Market 50K in October 2013. Her first 50 miler is in April 2015. She loves her training runs when her children and husband can join her on their bikes. Lori is looking forward to helping other achieve their running goals!
Half Marathon PR: 1:55

3:20 SmartPace Teams

Matt A. - 3:20 pacer

Growing up I hated running. I'm a bigger guy and running was just not fun. I never ran any races until I started dating my wife 23 years ago and at first it was just 5ks or fun runs/walks. I ran my first half-marathon in 2014 and learned while training what my comfortable pace was for training and that made all the difference. I have run 5 half-marathons, over a dozen 10k's and a 21-mile trail race as well as many other smaller distance races over the past 10 years. I am new to pacing, but looking forward to helping others meet their goals!
Half Marathon PR: 2:19:39

3:30 SmartPace Teams

Lisa P. - 3:30 pacer

Lisa started training in earnest with a local running group in the summer of 2013 after being lapped by a chihuahua at the Plaza Dog N Jog. She has completed numerous 5 and 10K’s, 20+ half marathons, 2 marathons, and a 50K. Her mantra is “life is too short not to have fun”. She looks forward to helping others reach their goal of finishing a half marathon using the Galloway run/walk method resulting in a positive experience on race day.
Half Marathon PR: 2:38

Manna C. - 3:30 pacer

Manna started out racewalking with the Heartland Race Walking Club in June 2018 at age 52 to fill a gap after her son went off to university. She qualified for Senior Games in Albuquerque, NM and placed second in both 1000M and 5000M events the following year. She found the Galloway run/walk technique in January 2019 and the rest is history. Since then, Manna has completed 12 half marathons, 4 marathons, 3 ultra marathons and numerous virtual half and marathon distances due to the pandemic. She hopes to share her experience and encourage others as they reach for their running goals.
Half Marathon PR: 2:35

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