#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.

I run as a daily opportunity to move and converse with people I have yet to meet.

 

 

 

 


Letty Uribe – @therunningwinemom

Letty is an avid runner from San Antonio, TX and a mother of 2 girls.  She has been running for about 7 years and loves the marathon distance.  The Chevron Houston Marathon was her very first marathon in 2016. She can’t wait to return and run her 7th consecutive Houston Marathon in 2022.

I run because it’s my time to myself and running makes me feel empowered.

 

 

 

 

Manuel Agudelo Cano – @42tokio

My name is Manuel Agudelo Cano. I am 35 years old and I live in Rionegro, Antioquia-Colombia. I have been a runner for 14 years. I am a coach of amateur runners, in the My Fast K team of Medellin-Colombia. I have run 10 marathons (one of them Chevron Houston Marathon in 2018). My personal best is 2 hours 26 min 49 seconds. My favorite food is burgers. I want to show my students the experience and knowledge acquired through all these years and help them achieve their goals.

I like to run because it gives me discipline and mental strength to achieve my goals. It also keeps my healthy.

 

 

 

Gibar Vargas – @gibar_vargas

Hi, I’m Gibar Vargas. Professional nutritionist and certified diabetes educator. I live in Puebla, Mexico. I’m the father of the family. Since my childhood I have liked to exercise a lot. Correr (Running) has been my lifestyle for 7 years. I’ve run 13 marathons and Houston will be my 14th marathon. My profession motivates me to exercise regularly, as well as to take care of the health of my patients from a clinical and sporting point of view. I am a person who likes discipline and who is happy to exercises, as well as enjoy food and sports trips.

I run because it’s my moment of meditation, of being with me and of feeling happy.

 

 

 


Pedro Colunga – @pedro_itslife

I have come to realize that running can be much more than just a workout. It is also a way to get to know different people and be influenced by their achievements. A way to clear the mind, and a way to accomplish goals you once thought were impossible. Houston, let’s run together again and finish with the power we each have within us!

I run to feel alive!

 

 

 

 

Veronica Goebel – @vgoebruns

My name is Veronica <3. I am a native Houstonian, wife, mom of three, and active member in the local run community. I started running as a dare 5 years ago and became an accidental run addict! This year I’ll be running my fifth Chevron Houston Marathon and am already excited about the training process and crossing the finish line with all of YOU! The Houston running community is the best and I’m excited to represent, encourage and learn from all of HOU!

I run to see how far I can go!

 

 

 

 

Ana Gutierrez – @corro_por_comida

I started running with the illusion of transmitting to my daughter that dedication and discipline is always the correct formula to achieve everything you set your mind to. I feel that running a marathon is an adventure that begins as soon as you dream of getting ready, it is an illusion that grows with each training session and when you feel exhausted you see your friends and training equipment around you and you charge yourself with energy and do it again. This will be my 12th marathon and my second Chevron Houston Marathon and I am very happy and excited to be a spokesperson for all the magic of this event, with a beautiful route, volunteers willing to help create an environment full of motivation and a worth goal of every effort you put in to be able to cross it.

I run because when I run, I feel like I find myself.

 

 

Glenda Newman – @glentastica

Hi, I’m Glenda! I love running in Houston because of our vibrant running community! I love murals, and running gives me a chance to appreciate it from up close! I am also an avid lover of breakfast tacos!

I run because I get to bet on myself and win every single time.

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Dannug – @ddannugchiro

Daniel is a sports chiropractor and co-owner of HealthPro Chiropractic & Acupuncture. In 2017, he co-founded the Champions Running Association (CRA), a running club in northwest Houston dedicated to building a community of runners of all levels to help them achieve their fitness goals. An 11-year legacy runner for the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and virtual marathoner, he’s excited to take you on this journey for his first live marathon.

I run because Movement Is Medicine: mentally and physically.

 

 

 

 

#HouHalf Ambassadors

Dmytrii Dolhov – @dmytrii_dolhov

I am a 27 year old Ukrainian who just moved to Houston 1 year ago and ran my first Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 2021 with a great result of 1:41. The Aramco Houston Half Marathon has a great course which I am excited to run next year because I could not run that course in 2021 due to COVID. I am looking forward to running with a new personal record in 2022 representing the company I work for.

Running gives me an opportunity to develop a strong sense of discipline and bring it even outside of running into my day-to-day life.

 

 

 

Rola Elzoor – @relzoor

Rola is a mother of 2 daughters. She moved to Houston in 2000 and has been running the city streets since then. She has completed 7 Chevron Houston Marathons and the 2022 race will be her 10th Aramco Houston Half Marathon. She is an avid runner who participates in most races around the city. Her obsession is purchasing running shoes. Running is part of her life!

Running empowers me physically and mentally.

 

 

 

 

Lillian Wanjagi – @slowkenyanrunner

My name is Lillian, a mom, runner and higher education professional. I run to stay active and healthy but my favorite thing about running is the wonderful community it has brought in my life. Katy Area Running Club is my local running community. I have run the Chevron Marathon three times and the Aramco Half marathon four times. My ultimate goal is to earn that legacy status so I have 6 more Aramco Halfs to go. I love everything about Houston Marathon Weekend – this year race weekend will be a little extra special because after 22+ years in Houston, I will be making a work related move out of state later this summer so coming home in January to run Houston will be such a gift – I am so ready for expo, staying in downtown, participating in all the pre-race activities, eating all the great food at downtown restaurants, and of course race day. I can’t wait to take this journey to January 2022 to #RunHou with all of you.

I run because I experience great satisfaction from setting personal goals and persevering until I achieve them.

 

 

Sara Manderscheid- @sayrahrunshappy

I am a certified run coach living in Boulder, Colorado. Running is not only my passion, it’s my career too! I train beginner to advance road and trail runners, it’s rewarding to see my athletes reach new PR’s, find confidence and feel strong. I ran my first marathon in 2019, qualifying for the Boston Marathon this fall. I’m excited to race Houston again with a goal of running a sub 90 minute half marathon, which is also my favorite distance to race!

I run to test my limits and for community, connection, endorphins, and coffee.

 

 

 

 


Courtney Dunham – @insydegrind80

Courtney Dunham is an optimistic, 40 year old woman with many titles to juggle, but runner was not one of them until May 2020. After only one year of putting her feet to the pavement, Courtney has discovered an energy that makes her a better mother, daughter, aunt and sister. As an overall health advocate, Courtney believes in inspiring people to just give themselves a chance. A Chance to discover the person within that they didn’t know existed just as she did.

I run because what I once thought was dumb, has now become essential to and for my life mentally and physically.

 

 

 

Michelle Dang – @michelledangmd

Dr. Michelle Dang is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician and fellowship-trained in integrative medicine. She is a certified yoga instructor as well as a Lagree certified trainer and health coach. She loves all things related to health and wellness, fitness, and loves cooking! Dr. Dang hosts a weekly podcast for women’s health and wellness where she chats with her guests on women’s health topics. She also created a fitness group for women physicians, Fit Female Physicians, with her favorite motto from Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Above all, try something.”

I run because I always want to keep challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone. Because you are alive, anything is possible – Thich Nhat Hanh

 

 

Amy Creel – @amyleecreel

Amy Lee Creel is a Houston native who fell in love with distance running only a few years ago when she trained for and completed the 2020 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Amy seeks to inspire and build up others through work, creative writing through her blog, and her children’s book. Her two sons are her pride and joy, and she strives to lead them by example in faith and serving with community outreach organizations.

I started running to help with mental clarity and exercise, and I keep running because of the amazing community and friendships I’ve made along the way.

 

 

 

Leticia Esparza – @letty_runs_happy

I started running as a teacher in the fall of 2015 mentoring students from Katy Students Run and training them to run their first Half marathon. The 2016 Houston Marathon was also my first official 5k and Half Marathon and I have gone back to run multiple times. I moved to Fort Worth that same year and have continued running which is how I have gotten to meet so many people in a town where everyone is welcoming. I have a ten year old that also runs and his goal is always to PR.

I run to stay healthy and because I love the social aspect of running.

 

 

 

Albert Mendez – @trebla1969

My name is Albert Mendez. I am a proud Husband, Father and Papa. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and eating lots of soft serve ice cream!

I run for my physical and mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

Rodrigo Indiani – @runaround_sp

I’ve had bronchial asthma since I was 7 years old and running was a great challenge that I was determined to achieve. So I trained for swimming for many years and did various treatments to control the disease. The disease improved a lot and when I stopped swimming I decided to put into practice my old dream. I started running in 1995 and my greatest pleasures are: traveling with my family and running. Houston is a special place for my wife and I. It was our first trip to visit her best friend. She lives in Katy, TX.

I run because I consider it a way to say thank you for the health and improvement I’ve had in relation to the disease.