Ken got his first taste of running with his high school cross country team. He quickly fell in love with the sport, and the great friendships that it fosters. Although running took a back seat to ‘the real world’ for most of the next 15 years, he returned full force in 2012. Running had been that missing piece (and peace) in life! On April 15, 2013 at the Boston Marathon finish line, running became the single most important thing for him. He struggled afterwards dealing with the inner demons from that experience, but emerged stronger than ever and more committed to the sport and its’ incredible community. He vowed to run more miles, in more places, and with more of the global running family. Yet even that promise was challenged in 2015 when he was nearly killed in a hit and run while cycling. Although all sense of normalcy was lost as a result of that crash and the resulting TBI, Ken could still run… and so he did, without a single day off since early 2016! These days you can find Ken hitching his way to races around the world. With 100+ halves and 100+ marathons completed, covering all 50 states and a dozen countries (including the World Marathon Majors)… you never know where you will find Ken running next! He much prefers pacing to racing, and has paced 75+ races in the past few years. He knows you can’t set your own PR every day, but that you can lead someone else to theirs *every* day! He believes we all have an innate inner strength we haven’t yet scratched the surface of, and is committed to leading others to discovering that strength, plus the growth and PRs that follow! He is excited to have the opportunity to run with all of you - to celebrate our sport, our incredible running community and enjoy some incredible miles together!

1:50 SmartPace Teams

Matt O. - 1:50 pacer

Matt started running cross country in high school after getting cut from the soccer team, and quickly fell in love with distance running. The camaraderie of group runs, the calm of a long solo run, and the thrill of racing are all integral parts of Matt's life. Matt has been a distance runner for 25 years, building up from 5k's to marathons and a couple ultras (not too many of those though!) Matt has completed over 90 half marathons and close to 80 marathons, and has paced over three dozen events. He is looking forward to helping people meet their goals as a pacer!

1:55 SmartPace Teams

Jeff M. - 1:55 pacer

Jeff ran through high school and college to cut weight for wrestling often running 30-50 miles per week. In 2009 he decided to focus on running completing his first half marathon and training for his first marathon. Jeff has completed 33 marathons, 4 50Ks and 1 100K. While striving for continuous improvement in his own running he has a passion for helping other runners achieve their goals.

2:00 SmartPace Teams

Patrick M. - 2:00 pacer

15 year road and trail runner

2:08 SmartPace Teams

Chad N. - 2:08 pacer

Chad did not start his running journey his 52nd birthday. He was challenged by a group of his church peers to complete the Rudolf Run in December 2018. Starting in October he attempted his first run and was only able to run to a light post and walk to the next one. After 2 months he was able to make the 5K in 29:51. During this time he noticed his weight was starting to drop and this became a huge motivator. The 5K progressed to the 10K, to the 15K and finally the Route 66 half marathon in 2019. During this year his weight dropped from 240 lbs to 190 lbs. After completeing the half he fell to the peer pressure to attempt a full marathon. At this point all his training was done on his own. He decided if a marathon was the goal he needed a training program and signed up with Fleet Feet Marathon in Training Program in the spring of 2020. It was during this time the passion of running with fellow runners became apart of who he is. He went from participant to coach and has been coaching for three years. This Stilly Half will be his first time pacing and he super excited to be apart of the 2:15 runners.

2:15 SmartPace Teams

Ashley M. - 2:15 pacer

Ashley has been running since she was a freshman in high school (1999!). She has run a 50 miler, multiple 50k’s, 7 marathons, and over 15 1/2 marathons. She is so excited and grateful to support you on your goal to this 1/2 marathon time!!

2:23 SmartPace Teams

Coming Soon - 2:23 pacer

We are finalizing our last pacer slots!

2:30 SmartPace Teams

Coming Soon - 2:30 pacer

We are finalizing our last pacer slots!

2:38 SmartPace Teams

Elizabeth W. - 2:38 pacer

As a second generation runner, Liz grew up riding a bike while her father ran, traveling out of state for races, and began running as well at age 12. At age 14 her father passed and she felt the innate need to carry on the torch. Liz has been running now for over 25 years, has completed multiple marathons, half marathons, and countless 5k/10k races. After battling severe health issues in recent years, Liz has switched her focus from "being faster" to enjoying the run, and helping others get started in running and reach their goals.

2:45 SmartPace Teams

Bob S. - 2:45 pacer

Running became a part of Bob’s lifestyle during his school years but he didn’t run a marathon until in his ‘50s. He quickly caught the marathon bug and will pass the 200 marathon mark in 2024. He loves to help runners manage their energy, shares running tips and keeps his pace team entertained. His passion even affected his wife who now runs 10-15 marathons a year. Though he no longer puts up Boston qualifier times, he loves helping others achieve their goals and getting them to the finish line on time. When not pacing you can find him busy vegetable gardening and providing consulting services to small businesses across the US.

2:53 SmartPace Teams

Kari J. - 2:53 pacer

Kari went from couch potato to marathon runner in 6 months and has never looked back! She is the first to tell you if she can run a marathon, any fool can! She has successfully completed 25+ marathons, hundreds of half-marathons, and the Goofy Challenge. She has also earned the title of "Ironman" in August 2014 when she successfully completed the Inaugural Boulder Ironman. Her passion is coaching people to the finish, whether it be their 1st event or their 100th. Kari's goal is to get you to the finish line with a smile on your face and to make every mile memorable! Her favorite running quote is "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start".

3:00 SmartPace Teams

Ryne B. - 3:00 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.