#HouMarathon Ambassadors
John Bjornstad – @bjornsjp
My name is John Bjornstad and I am a PSCM Category Specialist at Chevron. I am a Father to three great young men. I enjoy church, watching my kids play sports, running, lifting weights, riding motorcycles, hiking and anything outdoors. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout in 20o2 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management.
I run because it allows me to think and I love the runner’s high when I am done.
Marcelo Valdez – @cronicasdeunrunner
I am a proud husband, father, musician, follower of Jesus. I wasn’t born or raised in Houston, but I’ve been living her since 2015. I started feeling like a true Houstonian the moment I crossed the finish line of my first Chevron Houston Marathon back in 2019. I am in love with this city and everything Texan related.
I run to prove to myself and others that when you set a goal, no matter how crazy it seems, you CAN, and WILL achieve it if you set your mind on it.
Ryan Terry – @ryan_runs_hou
My name is Ryan Terry. I was born and raised in Houston Texas. I have been actively running since 2013. 2022 will be my 8th Chevron Houston Marathon.
I run because it gives me confidence to make me feel as if I can conquer anything.
Emilia Benton – @emmiemarieb
Emilia Benton is a freelance journalist covering health, running, and fitness for publications such as Runner’s World, Women’s Running, SELF, The Houston Chronicle, and more. She is also a 10-time marathoner and is aiming to qualify for Boston at the 2022 Chevron Houston Marathon, which will be he eighth time running the race. As a Peruvian-American Latina, Emilia is especially passionate about highlighting diverse voices within the running community through her work as a writer. As a race ambassador, she is especially excited to have a hand in spotlighting the diversity of the Houston running community, helping to showcase how it makes the event the great race that it is.
I run for the personal sense of accomplishment, to showcase the diversity within my community, and to uncover what I’m truly capable of.
Christi Crow – @coltswish
I am a busy Mom who began running after the loss of my oldest son, Colt, to cancer. I am now a 7x marathoner! Chevron Houston Marathon weekend is my favorite race weekend in the great state of Texas and I look forward to running it every year!
I run in memory of my son, and to honor all those who can’t.
Shannon Cleary – @shan.runs
I’m Shannon Cleary. As a lifelong resident of the city of Houston, I am super excited for the opportunity to be an ambassador for the 2022 Chevron Houston Marathon. Beginning my freshman year of high school through my current senior year at the University of Houston, I have developed a clear passion for running. I can’t wait to share my full marathon journey from now through January with all of you!
I run because it helps me stay inspired in all areas of my life, and it motivates me to be the best version of myself.
Viviano Landin – @run_with_viv
I’ve been running for about 7 years. I’m friends with numerous running clubs around town. I train with Njord Running, I run with the Freaks Running Club on Friday nights and you can find me every Monday at RunOn Riveroaks.
I run to keep moving forward!
Terry Love – @bmrhoucaptain
I’m Terry Love, captain of the Black Men Run Houston chapter. I’ve always enjoyed running, but I decided to run my first half marathon in 2012, and the experience was so great that I’ve been hooked, chasing medals, PRs, and working on a goal to race in every state since then. I’ve run over 25 Half Marathons, 6 Full Marathons, and countless other races.
I run because it is truly a place of catharsis, and allows me to test my physical and mental endurance each time I begin a run.
JC Lippold – @jclippold
JC Lippold is the founder of 5K Everyday Conversations, a movement to remove the words “I am not a runner” from common language. A 30-time marathoner, JC runs to be in close proximity to people doing miraculous things and the stories they carry. A mindset coach & community organizer, JC hails from Brooklyn Center, MN, and is stoked to run Houston for a second time! Check out JC’s mindset, movement and meditation offerings at app.jclippold.com.
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