Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“When I first moved to Louisville, I didn’t understand the obsession with the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Derby Festival until I participated and completely drank the Kool Aid myself. Now, I love everything about it, especially the incredible community of runners and supporters. I have run the mini a couple of times, and it holds a deeply special place in my heart.

Last year, I faced a major setback when I broke my foot, which resulted in some time off and weight gain. But I am ready for my comeback, and I want to be a Race Ambassador to show other women, especially busy moms and career women that you can come back stronger. You do not have to be an elite athlete to tackle this course; you just need grit and a community cheering you on.

As an ambassador, I want to use my voice, my passion for community building, and my journey to motivate others who might be doubting
themselves after an injury or a life pause. I am excited to share the reality of training while balancing a full life, use my local networks to spread Derby Festival pride, and help inspire even more people to cross that finish line.”

Campbell’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“I have completed the miniMarathon three times, and participating in it always brings such an incredible energy. Beyond the Derby Festival, I am an active runner throughout the Louisville area, regularly participating in numerous 5ks across our local community. Whether I am racing or cheering on fellow runners, I love being surrounded by the passionate, supportive community that makes Louisville running so special.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“I want to be a race ambassador to encourage people to stay healthy and challenge their self-everyday.”

Deakins’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“I ran my first Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon in 2015. In November of 2022, I suffered a stroke and had to take a couple years off from running. Since my stroke, I have run six half marathons, including three more Derby Festival miniMarathons for a total of 11 races.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“Running changed my life in ways I never expected. What started as a way to manage stress and improve my health became a source of strength, confidence, and community during some of the hardest seasons of my life.

I am a health coach, personal trainer, wife, and mother to an incredible son living with Krabbe disease, a rare and devastating neurological
disorder. As a caregiver, I know firsthand how easy it is to put your own needs on the back burner. Running became my outlet—a place where I could clear my mind, challenge myself, and prove that I was capable of more than I thought.

Over the past few years, I have completed multiple half marathons and am currently training for my first marathon. Along the way, I’ve discovered that running is about so much more than miles and finish lines. It is about resilience, consistency, and showing up even when things are hard. Those lessons have carried into every aspect of my life, from raising my son to helping others improve their health and confidence.

I want to be an ambassador because I believe running has the power to transform lives. I am passionate about building community, inspiring
others to take that first step, and showing that regardless of your circumstances, you are capable of achieving incredible things.”

Derossett’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“This will be my third time participating in the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“The Derby Festival miniMarathon represents so much of what makes Louisville special—community, perseverance, and personal achievement. As someone who has experienced the challenge and reward of training for and completing a half marathon, I want to help others discover what they’re capable of and feel supported throughout their journey.

Running has become an important part of my life, not just because of the miles I’ve logged, but because of the connections it has created. Last year, I started a neighborhood dads run club to bring people together, encourage healthy habits, and build friendships through running. What began as a small group has become a way for dads of different backgrounds and experience levels to support and motivate one another.

That experience showed me how powerful community can be in helping people reach goals they never thought possible. As a Race Ambassador, I would bring that same energy and encouragement to the Derby Festival miniMarathon. I want to inspire first-time runners, share training tips and honest experiences, celebrate milestones, and help make the race feel approachable for everyone.

Most importantly, I want to give back to the running community that has given so much to me. The miniMarathon is one of Louisville’s signature events, and I would be proud to help showcase the spirit, camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment that make it such a special race.”

Gregory’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“My connection to the Louisville running community started shortly after I moved to Louisville in 2014. Looking for a way to meet people and explore my new city, I joined Derby City Run Club and was fortunate to be one of its early core members. Through group runs, I built lasting friendships, discovered neighborhoods I never would have found on my own, and quickly realized how welcoming and supportive Louisville’s running community is. As the years went on, I learned more about the Kentucky Derby Festival and the important role running plays in one of Louisville’s most iconic celebrations. The miniMarathon and Marathon bring together runners of all backgrounds, united by a shared goal and the pride of being part of something bigger than themselves. Since then, I’ve always wanted to be involved and help promote the energy, excitement, and sense of accomplishment that these events create.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“I have taught group fitness for over six years at three different studios. I love encouraging others to show up for themselves and those around them by finding a way to move their body in the best way that works for them. Being a race ambassador would allow me to continue to encourage those around me, to set goals, choose hard things and accomplish those hard things, giving them the same pride I felt when I completed my first miniMarathon.”

Gray’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“I ran the Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon in 2025 and 2026. In 2025, I also completed the Louisville Triple Crown and that was the first year I had ever run longer than a few miles.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“As someone who is from Louisville, I’m proud of traditions like the Kentucky Derby Festival that make our city so special. I want to be a Race Ambassador for the Derby Festival because I’m passionate about fitness, community, meeting people where they’re at in their journeys, and encouraging them to achieve their goals—whatever they might be. It would be an honor to represent an event that brings people together and showcases the pride and spirit of my hometown. Ultimately, I hope to help others celebrate their milestones and experience the incredible sense of community this event creates along the way. Serving as a Race Ambassador would allow me to give back to a festival that is such an important part of Louisville and to share my enthusiasm with runners and spectators alike.”

Landis’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“The first time I ran the Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon was 2019. My dad is a lifelong runner and approached me with the idea to do it together. I was 19 at the time and had long since traded my running shoes from cross country in for soccer cleats. But I really wanted to do something like this with him, so I agreed. With slightly less than adequate training, I managed to keep up with him and cross the finish line. It wasn’t my strongest performance, but I was hooked.

Then, came COVID.

Like many people, the pandemic was full of ups and downs for me and my fitness journey, and it wasn’t until 2022 while I was living abroad in Spain that I laced up my running shoes again. I trained better this time around, and I completed the Madrid half marathon while shaving 26 minutes off my time from 2019. Not long after, I moved home to start grad school and kept running as much as I could while working full time and going to school at night.

When I graduated and got my first job, though, I was back at it full steam ahead and I was so excited to get to return to the Derby Festival miniMarathon stronger than ever before in 2025, unfortunately, a week before the race I broke my foot and couldn’t run. So, I waited. I waited a whole year for the opportunity to do it once again. After plenty of PT, stretching, and strengthening exercises, I was finally ready to begin training for the 2026 race. It wasn’t an easy road, but I kept my head down and my chin up. After months of training, race day had finally arrived, and I was able to beat my personal best by 22 minutes. And now I’m already looking forward to the race next year.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“I want to be a Race Ambassador because I love helping people believe that the finish line is for everyone—not just experienced runners. Whether someone is training for their first 5K or their first marathon, I want to inspire them to take that first step and prove to themselves that they can do hard things.”

Lewis’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“My connection to the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon started long before I ever pinned on a race bib. Growing up in Louisville, I remember watching my Uncle Jimmy run the Derby races and thinking how incredible it would be to one day be part of that tradition. Years later, I crossed that same starting line, and now, six Kentucky Derby Marathon finishes later, the race has become one of the highlights of my year. It’s more than a marathon to me—it’s a hometown tradition that reminds me how far determination can take you.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“I want to be a race ambassador because the Louisville running community and the Kentucky Derby Festival have played a huge role in my personal growth. I recently shared a post reflecting on my three Derby Festival miniMarathon experiences that really resonated with my followers. I talked about how much I struggled my first two races, and how my most recent one was the most meaningful even though it wasn’t my fastest. It made me realize I don’t have to be perfect, or even fast, to inspire others or call myself a runner. This race and this community are truly for everyone.

My own journey has had plenty of ups and downs, but no matter my pace, I’ve always felt welcomed at the Derby Festival miniMarathon and Norton Sports Health Training Program. I want to help others feel that same sense of belonging and possibility. I’m especially inspired to apply this year because of the support I received from ambassador Damary.

Last year, I encouraged a coworker to try running for the first time. I coached her through a Couch to 5K program and promised to cover her entry into the 2026 Derby Festival miniMarathon if she stuck with it. Unfortunately, after I paid a woman to transfer her bib to my coworker, she did not complete the process fully on her end and we didn’t realize this until after the transfer window had closed. I reached out to Damary, who stepped in, calmed me down, and connected us with the right people to fix everything. That experience showed me how impactful an ambassador can be. I want to be that person in someone else’s story. The one who supports, encourages, and helps remove barriers. I want to be a trusted resource and a loud advocate for this race.”

Miles’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“The 2023 Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon was my second half marathon. I finished in 2 hours and 36 minutes. I went to almost every training run, but kind of fell off the wagon the last two weeks and didn’t get the PR I was hoping for. In 2024, I convinced my husband to do the race with me, but icy conditions made us miss a lot of training runs so we ended up walking a lot of the race (I’ve since invested in YakTrax!).

In early 2025 I’d completely given up on my running journey and thought I’d never run again due to depression and 90lb weight gain. But in November 2025, something clicked and I decided to take my life back. I restarted my running journey from scratch with the ultimate goal of doing a spring half marathon. Kentucky Derby Festival was the obvious choice for a redemption race. I trained my heart out and had an amazing time at training runs with my friends. I ran the most enjoyable half marathon of my life at the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and crossed the finish line with tears of joy in my eyes.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“Born and raised in Louisville, I have a deep love for this city and the people who make it such a special place to call home. My running journey began through local races like the Triple Crown and the Derby Festival miniMarathon, when a previous employer encouraged employees to participate. At the time, I was several pounds overweight, had no running gear, and was unsure of what I was capable of—but I decided to take that first step.

Crossing those early finish lines changed my perspective. I discovered the confidence that comes from setting a goal, showing up, and accomplishing something that once felt out of reach. Running became more than exercise; it became a source of strength, community, and personal growth.

Since then, I have completed two full Ironman races, twelve half Ironman races, multiple half marathons, two marathons, countless 5Ks and 10Ks, and trail races ranging from 5K to half marathon distance. While I am proud of those accomplishments, what means the most to me is the connection I have found through local races and the opportunity to encourage others along the way.

I want to be an ambassador because I believe in the power of community, movement, and representation. I know what it feels like to start from the beginning, and I want to help others feel welcomed, supported, and inspired—whether they are chasing a personal record, walking their first 5K, or simply looking for a place to belong. Being an ambassador would allow me to share my love for Louisville, celebrate local events, and encourage others to experience the joy and confidence that can come from taking that first step.”

O’Connell’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon holds a very special place in my heart because it was my first-ever miniMarathon and the race that truly introduced me to the Louisville running community. Being able to complete that milestone in my hometown made the experience even more meaningful, and it helped spark a lasting love for local racing. Since that first Derby Festival miniMarathon, it has become a tradition for me, and I have participated nearly every year since.

As a Humana associate, I am especially proud that my company sponsors an event that brings people together and supports the health, wellness, and community spirit of the city we serve. The Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon are more than races to me; they represent Louisville at its best: welcoming, encouraging, energetic, and deeply connected.

I have also had the pleasure of participating in the Norton Sports Health Training Program, led by Stephanie Fish, which further strengthened my connection to the local running community. Stephanie and I are both former Louisville Landsharks board members, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for the work she does to support runners of all levels. I love being able to support her, the program, and the broader Louisville running community in any way I can.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“I want to share what I’ve learned and help others get to the finish line in whatever way best suits them. I already regularly volunteer at Joe Creason Parkrun (free weekly timed 5k) and volunteer many of the local runs and triathlons, so I am ready to help people get pumped up to do what they never thought was possible.”

Roundtree’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“2024 was my first Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon. I honestly didn’t think I could do it. With the help of the free Norton Sports Health Training Program training program, I did. Within the next 12 months I had done four full marathons, nine half marathons, three Olympic distance Triathlons, and three 70.3 Ironman events. I’ve learned how to keep myself and others motivated (and accountable) to making and crushing goals.”

Why did you choose to be an ambassador?

“I think one of the cool things about being able to support a local race through an ambassador program is it brings you together with people you might not already know within the running community. I’ve been an ambassador for the Urban Bourbon before and paced it numerous times and would love to extend that to our local Spring race.”

Timmerberg’s history with the Kentucky Derby Festival Humana Marathon and miniMarathon:

“I have been part of Louisville’s running community since 2019 and have participated in the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend six or seven times.”