I genuinely enjoy encouraging others on their own fitness journeys, whether they’re training for their first 5K or their next Ultra. I bring a positive, down-to-earth energy and believe that showing up, being consistent, and sharing the highs and lows honestly can help motivate others to do the same. Being an Ambassador isn’t just about social media posts to me — it’s about being part of something bigger, helping people feel welcome, and reminding them that they belong at the Starting Line, no matter their pace or background.

The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon holds a special place in my running journey. It was one of my first major races and a pivotal moment that deepened my commitment to the sport. I’ve run it multiple times over the years, watching both the event and myself evolve with each Finish Line. From training through unpredictable Spring weather to racing through the heart of Louisville, every experience has left a mark — physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s not just about race day; it’s about the people, the energy, and the pride of representing our city.

Fun Fact: Running has become more than just a sport for me — it’s a source of discipline, growth, and community. As someone currently training for my first 100-mile race, I know firsthand how powerful it is to set a big goal and grind toward it, one step at a time.

Shane is a Business Change Director at Elevance Health

Contact info:

Email: shane.t.adams@gmail.com

I want to be an Ambassador for the Kentucky Derby Festival mini and Marathon because this race has been part of my life for 25 years. It’s more than a run – it’s a tradition, a community, and a source of joy. I want to inspire others to experience that same connection and passion.

I started running this race about 25 years ago. When I was coaching high school track and cross country, a group of my girls really wanted to run the mini. I worked it into their meet schedule that season and we all trained for it together. To this day, a few of those girls still run the KDF miniMarathon with me.

Fun Fact: I’m a lifelong runner with 40+ years on the road and 25 years of Derby Festival miniMarathons under my belt. I’m still chasing joy, one mile, one race at a time!

Stephanie is a teacher at Holy Cross High School.

Contact info:

Email: slbrun14@gmail.com

Running has been my vice. I have been doing it for over 10 years. I have completed everything from 5Ks to my first Marathon. I’ve also completed a Tough Mudder, Rugged Maniac and Spartan Sprint. It has gotten me through divorce, cancer, job changes, and more. Running and the medals that have come with it have allowed me to be a positive role model for my kids, be healthy, contribute to my success with kicking cancer’s butt and explore the United States (participated in races in Virginia, Illinois, New York and various other states).

I am not the fastest but I would love to share my journey and love with others, to help them understand that running isn’t just a personal journey but a journey experienced by everyone. Running is a community of people coming together for the love of the sport, of being healthy and changing lives.

Fun Fact: My cancer doctor credited running with saving my life. He mentioned that because I was such an active runner, it more than likely localized my cancer and did not allow it to spread. Three days after my third chemo treatment, I laced up my shoes and completed my first marathon – the Marine Corps Marathon. I’ll never forget that. I also completed my first Derby Half Marathon as well.

Brandon is a Site Fire Specialist at Michelin (ASRC).

Contact Info:

Email: brandonaclark37@gmail.com

I want to be a Race Ambassador to represent runners who often feel unseen — those navigating chronic illness, self-doubt, or non-traditional paths. Running has given me stability, strength, and a sense of purpose. Being an Ambassador means I can help create an inclusive, supportive space where others feel empowered to show up exactly as they are — illness, limitations, quirks and all, and still feel like they belong at the Starting Line.

I signed up for my first miniMarathon in early 2020, but the pandemic had other plans — so I ran it virtually. In 2021, I returned for a reimagined version. By 2023, I finally experienced what felt like the race’s original, pre-COVID course. Then in 2025, I took on an even bigger challenge and completed my first KDF Marathon. I attend running events all over Louisville. If there is a social media post about it, chances are I’m there.

Fun Fact: Winking? Not in my skill set!

Hannah works for Norton Healthcare

Contact Info:

Email: kydiehl@gmail.com

I moved to Kentucky in 2020 and kicked off my fitness journey in 2021. That’s when I stumbled into running and have been loving the ride ever since! I am a co-founder of Latinos Run the Ville, and I want to share with my community that the Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon is great race, which I love!

The Derby Festival mini was my 2nd Half Marathon . I had a great PR and was happy about the route.

Fun Fact: I ran my first Half Marathon with no training, no fuel and no proper gear. 10 out of 10, I don’t recommend it, but it’s a great story!

Luis works for Cleveland Construction.

Contact Info:

Email: luis98919@gmail.com

I love sharing the joy of running with people. When I first started running, I hated it, but the minute I became more comfortable and confident in the sport, I realized how amazing the running community is and I want to share that joy with other people.

The Kentucky Derby Festival mini is also a very special race to me. I’ve gotten a personal best at this race both years I’ve done it, and hoping to shave even more time off at the race this year. I am also an extremely positive person on the course, often running in glittter and brightly colored outfits, so I frequently am able to cheer on and hype up runners around me. This year will be my third mini. Since my mom and I started running, we love this race for the Expo, the overall vibe, and the convenience.

Fun Fact: I’m probably on a run or at work. Or reviewing food in my car.

Abby is a Front Desk Agent for Musselman Hotels.

Contact Info:

Email: abbymoutardier@yahoo.com

In April 2017, I did my first Derby Festival Half Marathon. A friend at work encouraged me to attend the Norton training runs, which was truly a life-changing decision. It was my first introduction to the local running community and I gained very close friendships along the way. I specifically remember several Ambassadors that year who took the time to chat pre/post run and the encouragement during. One Ambassador also introduced me to the She Runs This Town group.

I believe my journey from a New Year’s Resolution 5k that has escalated all the way to an Ironman is proof that you CAN start from no running to amazing achievements. I love giving advice to others based on my own experience, between cross training, nutrition, and anything else that’s usually something newbies have to learn. I truly love watching runners grow, both their athleticism and confidence along the way. I had so many strangers help during this journey and it would be a dream to get into a position where my role is to inspire and encourage others to achieve their goals, as well as building the connections that I have made.

Fun Fact: In January 2016, I set a New Year’s Resolution goal to run a 5k and get in shape. I ran my first Kentucky Derby Festival Half in April 2017 with the help of the Norton Sports Health Training Program. Since then, I have completed countless Halfs, five full marathons, and a full Ironman! I’ve  lost 100lbs in the process!

Tracy is a Director at ZipLiens

Contact Info:

Email: tracylochs@icloud.com

Running has been one of the most transformative parts of my life, and it all began right here in Louisville. I moved here in 2010, met my husband, and ran my very first Kentucky Derby Festival mini. That race sparked a lifelong love for running. Though I moved away in 2016 for my husband’s job, I recently returned to the city that still feels like home. It feels like the perfect time to give back to the running community that gave me so much.

In 2022, I was hospitalized with COVID and nearly lost my life. I credit running not only for my physical recovery, but for giving me something to strive for again. One year later, I crossed the Finish Line at my first post-COVID Half Marathon. Since then, I’ve completed an Ultra, a 72 mile Relay with my family and recently registered for my first Triathlon. Running has done more than heal my body. It has helped me grieve the unimaginable loss of my daughter in 2023. It has become my therapy, my outlet, and a way to keep moving forward, even in the darkest moments. I want to be a Race Ambassador to encourage others and to show that running can be so much more than exercise. It can be healing, freeing, and empowering.

Fun Fact: I ran my first Half at the Kentucky Derby Festival mini back in 2012 and fell in love with running. From an Ultra to a Triathlon, it’s helped me heal, grieve and grow. After years away, I’m back in Louisville – baking, racing and ready to share the joy!

Emilia is Assistant Constituent Relations for the Mayor’s Office/Louisville Metro Government

Contact Info:

Email: emilia.zacker@gmail.com

I want to be a Race Ambassador because I can be an example to folks that running includes all shapes and sizes. I’ve been overweight for a Half Marathon, and this year will be my first healthy weight running the Half. I want to encourage people to see what they are capable of and stop letting their minds think they can’t conquer the 13.1 or 26.2 miles, like I have in the past. I want to use this opportunity to make new connections in the running community and build life-long running relationships.

I was first introduced to the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon at a Packet Pick-Up with my husband years ago and just got hooked. Right there, I decided to sign up for my first Half Marathon! Since then, I have completed two miniMarathons. This year I will complete my third Half Marathon.

Fun Fact: I am a 45-years-young woman that uses running as an outlet and to stay healthy for my family. I’m a first generation Cuban American. I used to say that you would only see me running if someone is chasing me, now I run for the fun of it!

Damary is a Billing Director for Norton Healthcare.

Contact Info:

Email: dqueen80@icloud.com

I would love to encourage people to try running for your overall health, mental health, and to meet new friends and encourage others. Running has been such a blessing and stress reliever this year.

2025 was my first time running the Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and now I am addicted! I am running another race in November to prep for the next Derby Festival mini.

Fun Fact: A friend and I started a running group in Bullitt County – the Bullitt County Run Club – a couple months ago so we can recruit more people to run with us!

Tiffany is a Sales Operation Manager for Kpler

Contact Info:

Email: tiffanyd.quinn1@gmail.com

I love running and I also love sharing that joy with other people. Running has shown me that my body is capable of doing things I never thought possible, and it’s something I have tried to share with my friends and family over the years. This year, as a lot of people I know have begun to enjoy the sport, I have found it really rewarding to be able to talk about running and sharing goals, training tips, and just generally encouraging them to keep on getting stronger. Seeing them achieve their goals and pushing themselves past what they thought they could is so cool, and I’m so grateful to be a part of that journey.

Being a Race Ambassador gives me the opportunity to share all of this with the Louisville running community. After my Marathon, I took a little bit of a hiatus from running, and running the KDF Marathon Relay helped me find my love for it again. As I got back into running, I’ve participated in various running events in Louisville, and I would love to get more integrated with the community through this program. Also, on a more personal note, I’ve never seen someone that looks like me (first generation South Indian) in these spaces, and I want to be that person for other little Indian girls – so that they can see that they are capable of doing anything they put their mind to do doing.

Fun Fact: My day job is being an engineer. But by night (early evening), I run. I prefer inclement conditions and running with no headphones.

Sneha is a Software Engineer at GE Appliances

Contact Info:

Email: sneha8899@gmail.com

I’ve run the Kentucky Derby Festival races the past two years — including my first Full Marathon last year, and I’m still smiling (and slightly limping)! I love hyping up race day, cheering others on, and showing that running can be fun, even when it hurts a little. Let’s make miles memorable!

Each race has been a reminder of how special this community is. From start lines to sore legs, I’m all in for the Festival and can’t wait to rep the race as an Ambassador.

Fun Fact: I’ve run the Kentucky Derby Festival races the past two years — starting with the Half, then leveling up to my first full Marathon last year.

Jake works for LockNet.

Contact Info:

Email: jacob.eugene.wenz@gmail.com