Meet Your 2026 Elites

Female Elites MarathonMale Elites MarathonFemale Elites Half MarathonMale Elites Half Marathon
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A woman in athletic wear jogs on a sidewalk beside green bushes and a street, representing the elite group for the 2026 Austin Marathon’s 35th anniversary. “2026 Elite” and event logos appear in a teal border. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Valentyna Poltavska

Location: Нью-Йорк

Instagram: Poltavskavalentyna

Marathon PR
2 38 10

Half Marathon PR
1 15 23

 How long have you been a runner?
25

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Lov to run

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Riccardo Fogki , Melancolia

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pasta

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Riccardo Fogki , Melancolia

A smiling runner wearing a medal poses for a photo. The image has a blue-green border with

Joy Jiang

Location: Acton, MA, USA

Instagram: runninjoyfully

Marathon PR
2:46

Half Marathon PR
1:21

 How long have you been a runner?
13

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Running is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Mother’s Daughter by Miley Cyrus

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Mother’s Daughter by Miley Cyrus

A woman in a yellow athleisure outfit takes a mirror selfie indoors, holding a water bottle. The image is framed with

Eunice Mutungi

Location: Kenya

Instagram: Yes

Marathon PR
2:55

Half Marathon PR
1:20

 How long have you been a runner?
7

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Never loose hope today is hard ,tomorrow is worse and the day after tomorrow it will be sunshine.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

He shall be permanent *2 what God has done for me he shall be be permanent*2

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Rice beef

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
He shall be permanent *2 what God has done for me he shall be be permanent*2

A woman in a yellow shirt and black cap smiles beside a young child in a sun hat, both looking into the camera under a clear blue sky. The image is framed with “2026 ELITE Group,” “35th Anniversary,” and Austin Marathon logos. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Careth Arnold

Location: Paonia, CO

Instagram: @i.careth

Marathon PR
2:55

Half Marathon PR
1:23

 How long have you been a runner?
5

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
It’s never easy but always worth it.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Everything Goes- Broods

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Burger

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Everything Goes- Broods

A smiling runner in green shorts and an orange cap breaks through the finish tape at a race. Spectators and banners are in the background. Text reads

Emily Sharp

Location: Germantown, MD, USA

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2:56:21

Half Marathon PR
1:24:54

 How long have you been a runner?
10

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Consistency is key! Find a training plan that makes sense for you and then stick with it.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

A little bit of everything.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza, or anything with cheese.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
A little bit of everything.

A runner crosses the finish line at a race, arms raised in victory. The blue banner reads

Damaris Areba

Location: Grand Prairie

Instagram: damaris arebe

Marathon PR
2:28

Half Marathon PR
1:12

 How long have you been a runner?
25

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
I love Austin Marathon and returning to win for the third time

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Ebenizer

Your favorite post race celebration food:
chicken n Rice

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Ebenizer

A runner crosses the finish line with arms raised in victory, surrounded by confetti, at the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon 35th Anniversary event. Event logos and “Elite Group 2026” text frame the image. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Janet Rono

Location: Grand Prairie

Instagram: janet rono

Marathon PR
2:28

Half Marathon PR
1:12

 How long have you been a runner?
30

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Run to motivate and nurture talents

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

none

Your favorite post race celebration food:
chicken n ugali

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
none

A female runner in athletic gear races on a track, smiling with determination. Spectators watch from green stadium seats as the Elite Group presents the 2026 Austin Marathon & 5K 35th anniversary, with event logos and a blue gradient border. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Sarah Jackson

Location: Austin, TX, USA

Instagram: @slj24

Marathon PR
2:38

Half Marathon PR
1:14

 How long have you been a runner?
26

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Have fun with it!! Join a running club, group runs, find a running buddy – anything that keeps you motivated and accountable to keep showing up!

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Man I Need by Olivia Dean on repeat

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Lots of sushi!!

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Man I Need by Olivia Dean on repeat

A man in an orange jacket stands outside on a grassy field. The image is framed with graphics celebrating the 2026 Austin Marathon & 5K 35th anniversary, highlighting the

Anderson kipyator Chepkwony

Location: Kenya, Nakuru, njoro

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2;24

Half Marathon PR
67min

 How long have you been a runner?
15

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Running is a process,no human is limited.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Remember me

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Chicken and rice

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Remember me

A man with a shaved head and serious expression faces the camera against a white background. The blue and teal border reads

Sammy Kogo

Location: Nairobi

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2:29:12

Half Marathon PR
65:11:00

 How long have you been a runner?
15

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Everyone can win the race

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

No

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Any

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
No

A male runner in athletic gear is racing on a city street. The image features a border with text:

Edwin Koech

Location: Kenya

Instagram: Koech2252

Marathon PR
2:07:13

Half Marathon PR
60:24:00

 How long have you been a runner?
8

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
I advice that lets keep running,a running world is a healthy family.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Keep rolling

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Rice and fruits

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Keep rolling

A male runner in a black Nike outfit with bib 7769 runs outdoors, promoting the 2026 Austin Marathon’s 35th anniversary.

Daniel Bishop

Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2:22:07

Half Marathon PR
1:09

 How long have you been a runner?
21

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
In training, consistency is key. Go out everyday no matter the conditions.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Some call me wierd, but I don’t listen to anything when I run.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Burgers and Coca Cola.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Some call me wierd, but I don’t listen to anything when I run.

A male runner in a white tank top and cap, bib number 1029, races toward the finish, highlighting the 2026 Austin Marathon’s 35th anniversary. The image features “ELITE,” sponsor logos, and the phrase: Meet Your Elite Group 2026. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Jacob Buhler

Location: New braunfels, TX, USA

Instagram: Buhler5980

Marathon PR
2:22:18

Half Marathon PR
1:07

 How long have you been a runner?
25

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Daily consistency is the key to greatness

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

EDM playlist

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Good burger

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
EDM playlist

A smiling man stands outdoors in front of green trees. The graphic border reads

Michael Bailey

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Instagram: @michael_a_bailey

Marathon PR
2:27:26

Half Marathon PR
1:07:05

 How long have you been a runner?
9

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Keep going. Keep showing up. Consistency and a strong “why” will take you a long way. You might just surprise yourself with what your body is capable of when you truly commit yourself.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Hmm..I rarely listen to music when I run, but if I picked a favorite, it would be “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
For me, nothing quite hits the spot like a big burger, fries, and ice cream after a race.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Hmm..I rarely listen to music when I run, but if I picked a favorite, it would be “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine.

A male runner in a black tank top and cap runs in a race, wearing a bib labeled A14142. The image promotes the 2026 Austin Marathon’s 35th anniversary, inviting you to meet the Elite Group, with

Sean Handel

Location: Austin, Tx, USA

Instagram: @sean.handel

Marathon PR
2:22

Half Marathon PR
1:09

 How long have you been a runner?
10

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Consistency is king!!

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Anything Morgan Wallen

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Donuts!

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Anything Morgan Wallen

A male runner in a race bib numbered 106 runs on a road surrounded by greenery. Text reads

Guillaume Ruel

Location: France

Instagram: guillaumeruel97

Marathon PR
02H14’48

Half Marathon PR
01H04’52

 How long have you been a runner?
18

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
All the best, enjoy !

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Big In Japan

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Big In Japan

A focused male runner in a white tank top with bib number 11 competes among the Elite Group. Other runners are visible behind him. The image features a

Bradley Makuvire

Location: El Paso, Texas

Instagram: @bradleymaq

Marathon PR
2:16:22

Half Marathon PR
1:04:48

 How long have you been a runner?
12

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
You are your biggest Fan. Believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

NF- If you want love.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
NF- If you want love.

A marathon runner in a red jersey and bib number 5 holds up a Kenyan flag, smiling after finishing the race. The image celebrates the 2026 Austin Marathon 35th anniversary and highlights its elite group of runners. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Elisha Barno

Location: Grand Prairie

Instagram: elisha barno

Marathon PR
2:08

Half Marathon PR
1:02

 How long have you been a runner?
29

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Running life is the best life

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

kanda bongo man

Your favorite post race celebration food:
chicken n rice

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
kanda bongo man

A male marathon runner wearing a bib labeled

Benard Rotich

Location: Grand Prairie

Instagram: benard rotich

Marathon PR
2:10

Half Marathon PR
1:02

 How long have you been a runner?
25

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Running is my passion

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Lingala

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Chicke and Rice

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Lingala

A male runner from the Elite Group, wearing a black tank top and shorts with bib number 6293, races down a city street. Barriers and spectators line the background, celebrating the 2026 Austin Marathon's 35th anniversary. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Joey Whelan

Location: Webster, NY, United States

Instagram: @Jpwhelan23

Marathon PR
2:09:42

Half Marathon PR
1:04:21

 How long have you been a runner?
25

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Consistency is key

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Guerrilla Radio, Rise Against the Machine

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Burger

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Guerrilla Radio, Rise Against the Machine

A male runner in a black shirt, black beanie, and bib number 74 races past trees and blurred spectators. The graphic spotlights the Elite Group at the 2026 Austin Marathon's 35th anniversary. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Jackson Siddall

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Instagram: @jaxpsiddall

Marathon PR
Don’t have one yet!

Half Marathon PR
63:15:00

 How long have you been a runner?
13

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Build your life around running, not your identity. I live many lives, but my whole life isn’t running.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

What You Saying – Lil Uzi Vert

Your favorite post race celebration food:
A big greasy burger and fries. There’s nothing like it.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
What You Saying – Lil Uzi Vert

A female runner in athletic gear competes in a road race alongside the Elite Group, with spectators and other runners in the background. The image promotes the 2026 Austin Marathon & Half Marathon 35th Anniversary event. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Rachel Schwab

Location: Austin, TX USA

Instagram: @rachelkschwab

Marathon PR
2:56

Half Marathon PR
1:25

 How long have you been a runner?
4

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Positive self talk is the 🔑

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Man I Need (Vandelux Remix) by Olivia Dean

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Three way tie between a big cheeseburger, pizza, or a steak dinner with all the sides. An ice cream sundae is always a must.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Man I Need (Vandelux Remix) by Olivia Dean

A smiling runner crosses the finish line with one arm raised, making a gesture. The race banner and sponsor logos are visible, along with trees and people in the background. Text below reads

Emma Lopez

Location: Lubbock, Texas, USA (birthplace); resident of Austin, Texas

Instagram: @emrolo04

Marathon PR
N/a

Half Marathon PR
1:21:37

 How long have you been a runner?
13

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Keep it fun and never take it too seriously! It’s a privilege to have a body that allows us to do what we love.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Ya Ya by Beyoncé

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Frozen yogurt

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Ya Ya by Beyoncé

A woman wearing sunglasses, a striped shirt, and denim shorts stands in shallow water with a rocky cliff in the background. The turquoise border highlights

Katherine Deegan

Location: Boulder, CO, USA

Instagram: katdeegan

Marathon PR
2:49

Half Marathon PR
1:21

 How long have you been a runner?
8

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Consistency is key and listen to your body!

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Moral of the story by Ashe has been a particular favorite of my recently… but you will always find the 1975, Glass Animals, Janelle Monae, and Taylor Swift on there

Your favorite post race celebration food:
BRUNCH!! Which definitely includes and oat milk cappuccino & maybe some avocado and lox

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Moral of the story by Ashe has been a particular favorite of my recently… but you will always find the 1975, Glass Animals, Janelle Monae, and Taylor Swift on there

A group of runners, part of the 2026 Elite Group, including a woman in a peach sports bra and navy shorts, race past trees and a wooden fence. The image features

Taylor Galliete

Location: NY, NY, USA

Instagram: @taylorgalliete

Marathon PR
3:03

Half Marathon PR
1:27

 How long have you been a runner?
11

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Learn to love the process and enjoy the journey -progress is rarely linear.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

I Had Some Help – Post Malone

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Gourmet bagels and iced lattes!

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
I Had Some Help – Post Malone

A female runner wearing race bib 1420 is competing outdoors. Focused, with trees and a white fence behind her, she’s highlighted as part of the Elite Group for the 2026 Austin Marathon & 5K 35th anniversary. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Mina Glenesk

Location: Austin, Texas

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2:53

Half Marathon PR
1:22

 How long have you been a runner?
4

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Be patient and stay consistent!

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Cruel Summer

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Any kind of ice cream

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Cruel Summer

A female runner in athletic gear races on a road during the 2026 Elite Group marathon event; spectators and orange cones line the route. Text reads “2026 Elite, 35th Anniversary, Austin Marathon Half Marathon and 5K.”. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Michelle Murray

Location: Greenlawn, NY

Instagram: micmurr1125

Marathon PR
N/A

Half Marathon PR
1:18:58

 How long have you been a runner?
10

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Motivation is the spark that starts your running journey, but discipline is the engine that drives you to reach your full potential.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Too Easy by Connor Price

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Chocolate chip pancakes

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Too Easy by Connor Price

A male runner in a gray athletic tank top is mid-stride during the 2026 Elite Group race. The image is framed by a teal border with text reading

ABDELGHANI ISMAILIALAQUI

Location: Fès

Instagram: Nothing

Marathon PR
2:28:43

Half Marathon PR
1:05:26

 How long have you been a runner?
20

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Nothing

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Nothing

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Nothing

A male runner in a light blue tank top and shorts races outdoors, wearing bib number 263. The image is branded for the 2026 Austin Marathon’s 35th anniversary, highlighting his place in the elite group with “ELITE” boldly displayed at the bottom. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Alejandro Gonzalez

Location: El Paso, Texas, USA

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2:30

Half Marathon PR
1:14:55

 How long have you been a runner?
11

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
No human is limited. Run with your heart and everything will be possible.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Enter Sandman by Metallica

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza and lemonade.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Enter Sandman by Metallica

A smiling male runner from the Elite Group holds up a finisher medal after a race, wearing a white

Alan Catana

Location: Houston, Tx, U.S.A

Instagram:

Marathon PR
Not training for a marathon

Half Marathon PR
1:09:33 first half

 How long have you been a runner?
5

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
It’s all about GRIT.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Don’t have one

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizzaaa

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Don’t have one

A male runner in a white tank top, red shorts, and race bib 1360 competes in the 2026 Austin Marathon and 5K 35th Anniversary. Meet Your Elite Group with event logos and graphics celebrating this milestone race. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Shane Kelliher

Location: Akron, Ohio

Instagram: shanekelliher.41

Marathon PR
2:25:39

Half Marathon PR
1:10:50

 How long have you been a runner?
10

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Be consistent, have fun with the process, and don’t give up! You might be one run away from a breakthrough…

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Slow Motion – Jonas Brothers

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Beer

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Slow Motion – Jonas Brothers

A young runner from the Elite Group, wearing a

Caleb Hershey

Location: Lebanon, PA

Instagram: @caleb.hershey

Marathon PR
N/A

Half Marathon PR
N/A

 How long have you been a runner?
10

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
The more consistent you are and the more volume you do the better you will be.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Chicago by Yasin Byn

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Apple Pie and Vanilla Ice Cream

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Chicago by Yasin Byn

A male runner in a

Rickey Armstrong

Location: Amarillo, Texas, United States

Instagram: rickey_armstrong06

Marathon PR
N/A

Half Marathon PR
1:13:06

 How long have you been a runner?
6

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Be patient and stay consistent. The biggest gains don’t come from rushing fitness, but from stacking months of smart and intentional training and trusting the process.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Paranoid By Black Sabbath

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Whataburger or In-N-Out Burger

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Paranoid By Black Sabbath

A male runner in a white tank top and purple arm sleeves smiles as he crosses the finish line. His bib reads

Kevin Petow

Location: Austin

Instagram:

Marathon PR
2:35

Half Marathon PR
1:09

 How long have you been a runner?
23

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Listen to your body and take a day off if you think you need one.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

All My Life – Foo Fighters

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Burger and Fries

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
All My Life – Foo Fighters

A man wearing sunglasses and a gray shirt drinks from a water bottle next to an open car trunk on a dirt path. The image features a teal border with

Taylor Smith

Location: Austin, TX

Instagram: tayloraubreysmith

Marathon PR
2:47

Half Marathon PR
1:13

 How long have you been a runner?
8

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Have some variety in your runs. Way too many people start running by making every run the same level of difficulty (likely too hard), don’t be afraid to take easy runs legitimately easy.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Linger
-Cranberries

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Rice crispy treats after literally every single run

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Linger
-Cranberries

A male runner with a red beard and light hair, wearing a white tank top and bib, runs outdoors in sunlight. The border reads

Carter Campbell

Location: Greenwood Village, CO, USA

Instagram: @carterwcampbell

Marathon PR
2:29

Half Marathon PR
1:14

 How long have you been a runner?
14

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Not every day, every month, or every year is going to go well. But being able to weather the hard times makes the goals achieved that much greater. Never stop pursuing your dreams.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Who’s Having Fun? – DRAIN

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza and a great beer.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Who’s Having Fun? – DRAIN

A group of runners, wearing race bibs, compete in the Austin Marathon as steam rises around them. The image highlights the 2026 Elite Group and

Mace Galliete

Location: Austin, TX, USA

Instagram: N/A

Marathon PR
2:55

Half Marathon PR
1:16

 How long have you been a runner?
9

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
You don’t have to be fast, you just have to be faster than your siblings (shoutout to my sister, Taylor, and brother, Elijah, who are racing too!).

Training with family and friends only enhances the experience.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Numb / Encore – JAY-Z, Linkin Park

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Whataburger (or any fast food) chased by some ice cream.

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Numb / Encore – JAY-Z, Linkin Park

A man with his arms up stands proudly, with an elite group of people gathered in the background, looking towards 2026. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Oscar Acosta

Location: Bogotá, Colombia

Instagram: @oscar_runnerco

Marathon PR
2:22:03

Half Marathon PR
1:07:11

 How long have you been a runner?
16

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring runners?
Enjoy every kilometer, whether there are many or few.

 What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?

Run to the hills – Iron maiden

Your favorite post race celebration food:
A good steak with potatoes and beer

What is your go to song on your running playlist right now?
Run to the hills – Iron maiden