Team

Craig Parris is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of running and walking experience, bringing consistency, curiosity, and a love for the process to every start line. With the half marathon as his favorite distance, Craig thrives on the balance of endurance, pacing, and mental focus that comes with longer efforts. What excites

Jamie Kuder is an experienced runner with 10+ years of running behind her and a love for both the 5K and 10K distances. Over the years, running has taken many forms for Jamie, and now she’s focused on reconnecting with the stamina and confidence that once carried her through longer distances. What excites Jamie most

Heidi Baxter is a dedicated run-walker with 10+ years of experience and a favorite distance of the 10K. For Heidi, consistency, connection, and community are at the heart of her running journey. She joined the RUNColumbus Race Series after a friend invited her to be part of the team—a reminder of how powerful personal connections

Teisha Wise is a runner who finds joy in the simple things—fresh air, open roads, and shared miles. With less than five years of running experience and a favorite distance of the 10K, Teisha enjoys the balance of challenge and rhythm that comes with settling into longer efforts. What excites Teisha most about being part

Ryan Thomas is a newer runner who is quickly discovering the joy of getting to the start line. With less than a year of running experience and a favorite distance of the 5K, Ryan is motivated by movement, fun, and building a healthier lifestyle through running. What excites Ryan most about being part of the

Evan Williams is a runner who sees every race as an opportunity to explore and experience the city. With less than five years of running under his belt and a surprising love for the marathon distance, Evan is drawn to the challenge of long miles and the stories that unfold along the course. What excites

Emily Hansen is a runner who embodies resilience, gratitude, and the power of community. With 11–20 years of running and walking experience and a love for the 5K distance, Emily’s journey hasn’t always been straightforward—but it’s one fueled by heart. After undergoing a hip replacement, Emily wasn’t sure running would ever be part of her

With full hearts, we are proud to recognize Sam Fahmi as the 2025 recipient of the peer-selected Spirit of RUNColumbus Award. This award is reserved for someone who embodies the very soul of our community — individual empowerment, healthy competition, support of one another, and inclusion of all. Sam is all of that and more.

The G.R.I.T. Award honors athletes who exemplify Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity — not just in their results, but in how they show up on the hardest days. This year’s recipient was selected by his teammates, and there could not be a more fitting choice. We are proud to announce Owen Conlan as the 2025