2019 qcm pacer lineup - the quad cities marathonqcmarathon.org/documents/2019_pacer_bios_v6.pdf ·...
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2019 QCM Pacer Lineup
Half/Full Pace Pace/Mile 2019 Pacer
Full 3:05 7:03 Phil Young
Full 3:15 7:26 Tommy Ries
Full 3:25 7:49 Mike Mallon
Full 3:35 8:12 Sean Prunchak
Full 3:40 8:23 Matt Jackson
Full 3:45 8:34 Grant De Roo
Full 3:55 8:57 Daren Schumaker
Full 4:00 9:09 Mary Toohill
Full 4:10 9:32 Nicole Callahan
Full 4:25 10:06 Shawn Loy
Full 4:30 10:17 Jake Taylor
Full 4:40 10:40 Yvonne Regan
Full 4:55 11:15 Steve Lutz
Full 5:10 11:49 Coming Soon
Full 5:25 12:23 Valerie Thompson - run/walk
Half 1:30 6:52 Nicholas Luedtke
Half 1:40 7:38 Bill Garrett
Half 1:45 8:00 Julie Johnston
Half 1:50 8:23 Becca Mallon
Half 1:55 8:46 Meghan McLaughlin
Half 2:00 9:09 Rachael Ash
Half 2:10 9:54 Andy Brown
Half 2:20 10:41 Danielle Wangsness
Half 2:30 11:27 Terri Buzea
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:05 (7:03/mile)
Phil Young, Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 33 / Owner, Fleet Feet - Davenport
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 2:29 / 1:10
Personal Running Goal(s): Help others find joy and success with the sport; run a fast 50 Mile at
The Hennepin Hundred
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 30 marathons
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Recently won Stage 1 at the
TransRockies Run. Elevation, climbing, heat, distance, strong competition; it had all of the
adversity and I had a perfect day. You don't get many of those.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Quad Cities Marathon!
Previous Pacing Experience: QCM '16/'17/'18, CRANDIC '18/'19
About Me: Jesus follower, husband to Jackie, father to Sydney, Ginny and Ivy, Cubs fan.
Coffee, pizza, beer.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:15 (7:26/mile)
Tommy Ries, Jr., Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 31/Store Manager at Fleet Feet Sports Davenport
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 2:25:49/1:06:59
Personal Running Goal(s): Run hard. Have fun.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 10 or so marathons, I stopped counting/about 30
half marathons
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Grandma's Marathon 2013 was the
only marathon that I felt smooth, comfortable and evenly paced from start to finish, it also
happens to be my fastest marathon time to date.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Grandma's Marathon Duluth MN
Previous Pacing Experience: QCM 3:05 pace group leader x 3
About Me: I started running when I was 8 or 9 and immediately fell in love with the sport. I ran
competitively all the way through high school and college. Since graduating from Augustana
College much of my time has been spent spreading the love of running onto others; working full
time in running retail, coaching both kids and adults, helping organize local races and events, et
cetera. Running has always been one of my favorite things to do, and sharing that with others has
become an important part of my life. I figured that pacing for the QC Marathon would be another
perfect opportunity to help others revel in the sport.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:25 (7:49/mile)
Mike Mallon, Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 53/Quality Manager, AT&T
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon – 2:37:30; Half Marathon – 1:12
Personal Running Goal(s): Complete a sub-3:00 hour marathon in 5 consecutive decades. I’ve
got the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and 10’s covered. Need to keep it rolling until January 2020. I’ll be
racing the full marathon at Indy on 11/9.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: About 30 marathons
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Twin Cities 2016 – Fought through
calf cramps from 22-25 for a 2:50:50 (3rd AG) finish.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Boston because it’s the Super Bowl of our sport (even
during cold, wet and windy conditions – oh, hey there 2018 😊). But the Quad Cities Marathon
is a very special event and showcases our community so well. We are fortunate to have such a
premier event to call our own.
Previous Pacing Experience: QCM half & full several times, Charlotte, Detroit, Illinois x 4
About Me: I’ve been running/racing for nearly 40 years and I still love to lace ‘em up and race.
I’m part of a running family with my wife Mary Toohill, Rebecca (former UNI runner), Beth
(Wartburg XC & track alum) and Ben (Bix every year). Pacing is a great opportunity to help
others realize their goals in a sport that I absolutely love.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:35 (8:12/mile)
Sean Prunchak, Wilton, IA
Name/Hometown: Sean Prunchak, Wilton, Iowa
Age/Occupation: 33 / RCI Manager
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Coming Soon – Indy 2019 / 1:30:14
Personal Running Goal(s): Sub 3:00:00 marathon in Indy 2019 and qualify for 2021 Boston
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 0 marathons / 6 half
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: I am most proud of my PR, it had
been a tough year of running for me but dedicating to personal goals and focusing on running
healthy I finally found success. Feels a lot like this year. Exited to put all this hard work to use.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Quad Cities will always be a favorite. It’s a beautiful
course full of familiar faces both racing and cheering all the runners on.
Previous Pacing Experience: I currently don’t have any experience pacing during a half or full,
however I’ve had my own opportunities being paced by some amazing runners and have seen
what’s worked well. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to pace the 3:35 group, and help
others reach some personal goals before I go for my own PR and goal in Indy 6 weeks after the
QC Marathon.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:40 (8:23/mile)
Matt Jackson, East Moline, IL
Age/Occupation: 26/ Engineer
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:13:46 / 1:21:29
Personal Running Goal(s): Qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 7 / 5
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: I am the proudest of my marathon
finish at Ironman Wisconsin 2019 (3:15).
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: The Quad Cities Marathon 2017. It was my first pacing
experience and I loved it!
Previous Pacing Experience: QC Marathon 2017 & 2018
About Me: I live for training and racing! I was hooked after running my first marathon when I
was 19 and completed my first Ironman in 2017. I have done multiple sprints, 2 70.3’s, and 4 full
Ironmans. My main focus is racing Ironman, but I will always be a runner at heart! Can’t wait to
see everyone on the course!
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:45 (8:34/mile)
Grant De Roo, Iowa City, IA
Age/Occupation: 29; Market Research/Consulting
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon: 3:20:04 (St. Louis); Half Marathon: 1:28:18
(Greensboro)
Personal Running Goal(s): 1) Qualify for Boston Marathon; 2) Run Boston Marathon; 3) Run a
marathon in a different country
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: Marathons: 4; Half Marathons: 6
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: CRANDIC marathon (Cedar Rapids/Iowa City) in
2018. I had a PR time in mind and felt very well trained. An injury two weeks before the race kept me from meeting
my goal, but I set aside my ego and decided to just enjoy the race. Turned out to be the best race experience I've had.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: While it may not have been my favorite experience, the Kiawah Island
Marathon in South Carolina has had the biggest impact on me as a runner. It was my first marathon and I struggled
through the last ten miles more than I've ever struggled in a race (before or since). It showed me that I was capable
of completing long races, but that I also had a long way to go in improving my training. I'm still working on
training, pacing, and fueling correctly because of that race. Oh, and "Beware of Alligators" signs were a pretty
interesting feature of the course as well!
Previous Pacing Experience: I paced the Quad Cities Half Marathon in 2017 and loved the experience! Excited to
do it again for the full!
About Me: I'm a transplant from the East Coast (originally from Exeter, NH) and I was drawn to Iowa by my wife,
Stephanie (originally from Bettendorf). We live in Iowa City where I lead my own market research firm focusing on
the higher education and non-profit sectors. Running started becoming a big part of my life in college with jogs
around campus and quickly became a hobby and passion. Since then, running has continued to be my favorite way
to exercise and enjoy time outside. Running also offers a great sense of accomplishment and I'm looking forward to
helping others accomplish their running goals as a pacer!
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 3:55 (8:57/mile)
Daren Schumaker, Cedar Rapids, IA
Age/Occupation: 38/Supervising U.S. Probation Officer
Marathon PR’s: 2:58:17 - 2012 Grand Rapids Marathon / 1:27:31 - 2017 New Bo Half-
Marathon
Personal Running Goal: To use my running experiences to inspire others to take an active role
in their health -- and their future, and to use running to keep my body and mind as sound as
possible.
# of Completed Marathon: 17+ sanctioned marathons and 99 "cross-county" marathons as a
part of Team 99 Counties. Between December 2009 and April 2017 Dennis Lee and I literally
ran across each of Iowa's 99 counties to raise money for the American Heart Association.
Inspiration through perspiration!
Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: PR in 2012 -- I never thought that I would break
3:00:00!
Favorite Marathon: Quad-Cities Marathon
Previous Pacing Experience: I've paced the 3:55 group at the Quad-Cities Marathon for the
past several years and it always feels great to pull someone across the finish line!
About Me: My knowledge about Iowa is vast -- if you're from Iowa, I've probably got a pretty
good idea of where your hometown is and have probably been there.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 4:00 (9:09/mile)
Mary Toohill, Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 52 / Personal Trainer
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon – 2:50:51 / Marathon – 1:16:50
Personal Running Goal(s): Running a 50 mile trail race and sub 1:28 half marathon.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 20+ for both
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: 1:16 half at Motorola Half in 1994
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: St. Louis (2:50:51), 1992
Previous Pacing Experience: QC Marathon and paced others personally to PRs
About Me: I love to run but I also love to COMPETE! In the past few years I have even gotten
back into cross country and track competitions. I started running Ultra Marathons this year and
have run two 50k’s so far. I’m looking forward to running my first 50 miler in December. I
enjoy helping others achieve their personal goals, whether it’s a Boston BQ or just finishing
something new-I love watching the satisfaction and pride they feel when they hit the GOAL! I
enjoy running in the woods, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking in my free time.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 4:10 (9:32/mile)
Nicole Callahan, Moline, IL
Age/Occupation: 43/ student aid at Hamilton Elementary/ mom/ wife
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:37/ 1:40
Personal Running Goal(s): To do my first ultra this year, run all 7 world majors, beat my
marathon PR, and just keep running as long as I can!
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 12/ 14
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Chicago Marathon 2017. It was hot
but I held on and toughed it out 400 meters at a time for the last 5 miles to get a PR. Definitely
one of the greatest efforts and test of emotional and physical strengths I’ve ever had.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Boston Marathon
Previous Pacing Experience: 2018 QCM
About Me: I ran all through school up through college at Augustana and then took an 18- year
break before discovering the awesome QCA running community about 7 years ago. Since then
I’ve run over 340 races including 12 marathons, 14 halfs and countless shorter races. I’m a mom
of 3 and love sharing my passion for running and life with others. Along with my husband we
participate in many races as a family. I celebrate others victories as well as my own and I love
cheering on others as they strive for their goals. I’ve never been the fastest - I can hold my own
though ;) - but run for the love of it and the chance to challenge myself. I love being part of a
team and the greater community!
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 4:25 (10:06/mile)
Shawn Loy, Washington, IA
Occupation: Registered Nurse, Kewash Half-Marathon Director, Running Enthusiast
Marathon PR: 3:14
# of Completed Marathon: 91
Personal Running Goal(s): To hit 100 marathons (I’m @ 91??? I think). Run all of the
Marathon Majors & I am currently dabbling in the 7 continents challenge.
Running Accomplishment: 50 States sub 4-hour marathon finisher, with 3:14 as my best.
Previous Pacing Experience: 4 Quad Cities Marathons - Pacing gives me a sense of
accomplishment. I get “the runner’s high” when I help a fellow runner cross that finish
line. I’ve met such fantastic people in the past and look forward to meeting many more!!!! See
you at the starting line!
Upcoming Marathons: Patagonia International Marathon (Chile), Chicago, New York City (as
part of Team Ultra). St. Petersburg, Russia (on my wish list for next summer)
What to bring if you are running in my pace group: Great Attitude, a “I know I can”
mindset, a smile…be prepared to have a great time!!!!
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 4:30 (10:17/mile)
Jake Taylor, Bettendorf, IA
Age/Occupation: 34/veterinarian
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:06 @ Quad Cities in 2008, and 1:25 @ Quad Cities Half in
2009
Personal Running Goal(s): Stay healthy, some day run Western States 100 miler and continue
to run a Western States qualifier every year.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 15 full/6 half, a 7- 50ks and 4-100ks, 1 - 100
miler
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Winning my age group at Quad
Cities in 2008.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Paavo Nurmi in Hurley WI-full marathon/half marathon -
Mines of Spain in Dubuque, IA
Previous Pacing Experience: 3:35 group last year. A new infant son slowed down my pace
group a little this year
About Me: Originally from Spring Valley, IL. I have lived in Bettendorf, IA for 4.5 years. I
caught the marathon bug in college and graduate school and got really fast, then had some health
issues and found ultra and trail running. That has become my new passion and get a few
marathons in a year if I can.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 4:40 (10:40/mile)
Yvonne Regan, Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 50 / Cosmetics Manager at Von Maur/LMT/Animal rescue/volunteer
Born and raised in England and have resided in Quad Cities for over two decades, after working
on Cruise Liners for 2 years for a London-based company.
Marathon PR: 3:29:25 at Quad Cities Marathon 2014 ~ was my 3rd marathon
Half PR: QC Distance Classic in 1:36:48
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: I have run 8 full and 18 half marathons including
Boston, Chicago and New York (which I time qualified for)
Marathon I am most proud: QCM 2014 when the temp rose the night before to the mid~seventies for the start. I
went to the 3:40 area at the start and thought, oh well, here goes and figured I would try and go for an 8ish pace
based on how that felt in training. Came in at 3:29:25 ~ 8 mins. pace. It was hot! No matter how crazy, impossible
they may seem, when you are thinking about them, chase down those dreams and believe you can achieve any goal
you set for yourself. Discipline and positive thinking and humor in training.
Favorite Marathon: New York.
I had suffered a back injury 7 weeks prior and my training came to a halt.
I wasn't even sure on race morning if I could run as I hadn't run a step leading up to it.
I decided to give it a shot and at the start and met a wonderful girl from Japan who was also nursing an injury that
had also stopped her training. She had flown from Tokyo to be there.
We ran, together, most of way and it still gives me chills when I think about that day.
It was such an amazing, surreal experience and so difficult and painful. The sights and sounds and amazing spectator
support and having my new friend ~ who by the way, spoke very little English ~ got me through.
Previous Pacing Experience: This will be my first PACING responsibility.
I am totally excited and confident in my ability, to take you in at a 4:40 and have a good time while we do it.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 4:55 (11:15/mile)
Steve Lutz, Chicago, IL
Age/Occupation: 32/UnityPoint Health Office Guy
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 4:34 Nashville Rock N’ Roll Marathon/1:54 Half Marathon
Personal Running Goal(s): Going Sub-24 hours next month at the Hennepin Hundred
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 1 Marathon/4 Half-Marathon. I’m no stranger to
the distance, just to signing up
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Quad Cities Half-Marathon last
year. I ran/paced with my wife, and I feel like she finally got bit by the running bug
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Mines of Spain Trail Half Marathon, Dubuque, Ia
Previous Pacing Experience: A lot of unofficial pacing and group runs, on the Pacific
Crest Trail, they used to call me One-Pace for my consistent speed.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: Run/Walk - 5:25 (12:23/mile)
Val Thompson, Bettendorf, IA
Age/Occupation: 50 - RN
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon 4:20 and Half Marathon 2:06
Personal Running Goal(s): I would like to be become a Certified Running Coach and attend a
Jeff Galloway Session.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 24 Half Marathons, 20 Marathons, 2 8hour ultras,
2 15.5hour ultras, 3 24hour ultras and 1 One Hundred miler ultra
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Disney Marathon 2017 - It was the
year Disney cancelled the half marathon due to weather - my 2 daughters had trained for the half
- they were given the option to "upgrade to the full marathon" - THEY DID IT!!! My husband,
my 2 girls and I all crossed the finish line together!
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: How do you pick just one???? All races have a special
memory...I guess some of them are better than others - LOL!
Previous Pacing Experience: I have been an "unofficial" pacer for many of the races I have
participated in and I have mentored some of the Fleet Feet programs over the past few years.
About Me: I am so honored to be a part of your QC race day! I will be using an interval method
of 3 minutes running and 1-minute recovery/walking. Projected finish time around 5:25 (pace
per mile 12:23). However, my true goal is to help you relax and enjoy the race! Join me at any
mile!
QCM Half-Marathon Pace Group: 1:30 (6:52/mile)
Nicholas Luedtke, Appleton, WI
Age/Occupation: 25 / Chemistry PhD Student, University of Iowa
Half-Marathon PR: 1:17:00
Personal Running Goal(s): I want to stay injury free in preparation for achieving my goal of
1:14:59 at the Indianapolis Monumental Half-Marathon (2019). I hope to finally run under 4:20
for a mile in the upcoming track and field season.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: Three half-marathons
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: I am most proud of my third and
slowest half-marathon (Kenosha, WI 2019) where I was extremely confident leading up to the
race which was met with an inability to execute my plans. I am most proud of using this as a
learning experience to shape my character and successfully educate myself in half-marathon
training.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Valhalla 12.4 mi, hosted by Thorsday T.C.
Previous Pacing Experience: Many pacing duties for over the years for track and field events,
800m – 5,000m
About me: I have never seen myself as a talented runner and for my early running years I did
not love it. In 2015, running alone in the countryside, I finally opened my heart and eyes to the
sensation of speed, awareness of freedom, and appreciation of my mobility. Covered in sweat
and tears, I immediately told my college coach my change of heart. To this day, I always look
forward to enjoying the journey. My beer mile PR is 6:27.
QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 1:40 (7:38/mile)
Bill Garrett, Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 43 / Occupation: Financial Representative for Transamerica
Half-marathon/Marathon PRs: 1:24 Half & 3:04 Full
Personal racing goals: Participate in the El Paso half-marathon in 2020. Also, each year to
become a better runner.
Number of marathons/half-marathons completed: I have participated in over 40 half-
marathons and 3 full marathons.
The marathon or half-marathon finish I am most proud of: My first marathon at the Quad
Cities Marathon
Favorite marathon: Quad Cities Marathon
Previous pacing experience: This is my fourth year pacing the 1:40 pace group at the Quad
Cities Marathon. I have also paced the 1:35 pace group for the half-marathon at the Illinois
Marathon in 2019.
About me: I have been a runner for the past 25 years and enjoy running. I graduated from the
University of Iowa with a degree in Economics and have a master’s degree in Criminal Justice
from American Military University. I am involved in the community as a board member for the
Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley. I also serve on the Family Selection Committee
for Habitat for Humanity.
QCM Half-Marathon Pace Group: 1:45 (8:00/mile)
Julie Johnston, Cedar Rapids, IA
Age/Occupation: 35/ small, local business owner
Marathon/Half-Marathon PRs:
3:18:54 (Chicago Marathon Oct. 2011)
1:32:10 (Houston Half Marathon Jan. 2012)
Personal Running Goal(s):
1). Staying healthy & enjoying every adventure!
2). Gunning for a sub 1:32 at the Indianapolis Monumental half this November.
3). Training for a sub 3:18 marathon PR at Boston next April.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons:
• 24 marathons, 11 states, 23 under 4hrs, 12 Boston Qualifiers
• Over 42 half-marathons, most all 1:50 or faster
Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of / Favorite:
Running Boston in 2008 was a huge dream come true for me. At my high school graduation, I
made it a goal to run a marathon before 21 (ran it maybe a bit too young at 19), and Boston
before 25.
Took me struggling through 8 marathons before "earning my BQ". Boston that year hosted the
Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, where I was so excited to witness 2 local Iowan friends
finish 9th & 10th in the nation.
The next day, Marathon Monday, inspired me to run a near 10 minute PR on that historic course.
It was an emotional day and weekend that I, surprisingly, was far more prepared for than I
realized.
Now, I'm finally going back with a huge team of friends next year!
Half-Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of / Favorite:
(Aside from pacing QCM.... ;)
Houston was the host for the 2012 men's & women's Olympic Marathon Trials, and I PRd by
nearly 2 minutes in the half the following day. I still remember nervously passing America's
Sweetheart, Joan Benoit Samuelson, on the course, and wondering what in the world I was
doing! Then, it dawned on me, she was just out running the half "for fun" with a friend that
morning. She and her friend finished within a minute or 2 behind me. Her "easy pace" is still my
race pace, and she's nearly 3 decades my senior. What an incredible human!!! I was so humbled.
Previous Pacing Experience:
Grateful to have paced the 1:40, 1:45, or 1:50 half every year at QCM since 2009. "Joe Mo" &
his team put on SUCH a fun, well-organized, national-class event!
Also had the privilege of pacing a (then) complete stranger for the whole second half of the
Leadville Trail 104mi Run in Colorado this past August. What an adventure & joy to see my new
friend complete his 3rd 100+mi distance & finish my first "ultra" with him in the process!
About Me:
Our 2011 QCM 3:35 Marathon Pacer, David VandeWalle, has unofficially "paced" me to both
my half and full PRs, and I have bonded and clung to pacers in other races as well.
I know some may call it a mental advantage to have an encouraging friend running a race
alongside you, but I just feel as though it's teamwork.
I am so honored to give back, and return the favor by helping YOU make your half marathon
goal a reality on Sunday morning!
While running together, you'll probably hear me talk your ears off about dogs, traveling,
gardening, and singing (I promise I won't as we run!), and climbing 14ers in the Rockies. As
well as keep us on pace, my job is to help you know what is coming up on the course, encourage
you through rough spots, and drive you insane with crazy stories of the hilarious, unbelievable.
and nearly illegal situations I can get myself into. I am your running Golden Girl, ala Rose
Nylund.
By the way, you can't miss me! My pacer hat decor matches my personality!!!! It'll get us LOTS
of cheers, which I hope helps lift your spirits with a smile.
QCM Marathon Pace Group: 1:50 (8:23/mile)
Becca Mallon, Davenport, IA
Age/Occupation: 25 years old, Dietitian
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: No marathon PR- yet! Half marathon PR 1:27:35
Personal Running Goal(s): Break 1:25 in the half, qualify for Boston, and have FUN with
running!
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 5 half marathons
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Des Moines 2018- my watch
died during the first mile, and I still managed to PR!
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Rocky Mountain Half in Estes Park, CO- the views were
so stunning that the 4 miles of continuous uphill didn’t bother me!
Previous Pacing Experience: I am the offspring of the pace team leader, so hopefully some of
his pacing skills have rubbed off on me (or maybe it’s genetic!)
QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 1:55 (8:46/mile)
Meghan McLaughlin, Iowa City, IA
Age/Occupation: 21 / Student studying Computer Science and Engineering at the University of
Iowa
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: 3:27 / 1:37
Personal Running Goal(s): My current goal is to set a PR at the Chicago Marathon this
October!
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 5 Marathons/ 6 Half-Marathons and 1 50k!
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: 2018 Seattle Rock 'n' Roll
Marathon - it was my first marathon after a disappointing race in Fall 2017 - I cut over 30
minutes off of my time and qualified for Boston on a challenging course.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Chicago Marathon - my first marathon and an amazing
race energy.
Previous Pacing Experience: I paced the QCM 1:55 group last year.
About Me: I was born and raised near the Quad Cities and am currently finishing up my last
year of school at the University of Iowa. I been running most of my life - track and XC in high
school, then started running marathons in 2016. After graduating college I plan to move to
Seattle, WA where I hope to start doing more ultra races!
QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 2:00 (9:09/mile)
Rachael Ash, Bettendorf, IA
Age/Occupation: 26 years old / Physical Therapist at Genesis
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Madison Marathon 4:10 and 1:47 Galena Half Marathon.
Personal Running Goal(s): Never think of running as a job or a chore, enjoy all my runs and
stay healthy.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 1 marathon, 5 half marathons.
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: All of them.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Drake Relays Half Marathon, it is always fun to run on
the blue oval!
Previous Pacing Experience: First time pacer at the QCM! I am very excited and cannot wait to
help others achieve their running goals!
About Me: Growing up I despised running long distances. If it was more than a half mile, I was
grumpy. I hit college and running became my stress relief. Today, running is a huge passion of
mine and I feel so honored to be able to share this passion with others and help to pace the QCM.
When I am not running, you can find me at Whitey's. I am in love with ice cream and good
Chinese food. I enjoy hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, biking, and trying to play my new
Ukulele. I look forward to meeting the runners at the QCM and if you know any good puns,
please come find me.
QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 2:10 (9:54/mile)
Andy Brown, Moline, IL
Age/Occupation: 37 – Title 1 Tutor/Math Teacher & H.S. Tennis Coach
# of Completed Ultra/Marathon/Half-Marathons: 9 Ultra/9 Full/15 Half
Favorite Marathon: Illinois Marathon (Proud University of Illinois Alum)
Half Marathon: Mines of Spain Trail HM - Dubuque, IA
Most proud of: Potawatomi 50 miler
Pacer Experience: Paced the 2:10 half marathon group (2x) and the 5:10 marathon group (1x) at
the previous 3 Quad Cities Marathons.
About me: Been running consistently for the last 10+ years and have enjoyed every day of it.
Lucky to be a part of the QC running community and to represent two of the finest running
groups in history: Q.C. Trail and Ultra Runners a.k.a. Q.C. TUR(d)s and The Quad City Hash
House Harriers a.k.a The Dirty Pirates!!!
QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 2:20 (10:41/mile)
Danielle Wangsness, Cedar Rapids, IA
Age/Occupation:41/Kindergarten Teacher
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon-3:41 Half-1:38
Personal Running Goal(s): To stay healthy and injury free. Looking forward to trying a
mountain 50 miler and 48 hour race in 2020.
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: So many, I’ve lost count. My first marathon was
in 2000. I have run many trail and road races ranging from 5k to 100 mile distances.
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: Helping pace my husband to his
first half finish at Sturgis Falls.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: Flying Pig holds a soft spot for me, as it was my 1st
marathon.
Previous Pacing Experience: I helped pace the 2:00 group at the 2018 NewBo Half. I’m
excited to help the 2:20 group this year at QC half!
QCM Half Marathon Pace Group: 2:30 (11:27/mile)
Terri Buzea, Coal Valley, IL
Age/Occupation: 52/ Financial Services Consultant DuTrac CCU
Marathon/Half-Marathon PR’s: Marathon 5:10 & 2:20 Indy Mini Marathon-Half
Personal Running Goal(s): 2:30 Half Marathon Pace
# of Completed Marathon/Half-Marathons: 6 Marathons & Approximately 25 Half
Marathons
Half-Marathon or Marathon Finish I am Most Proud of: My first marathon in 2000 QCM. I
had several people tell me I would never finish the training nor would I finish the race. I proved a
few people wrong.
Favorite Marathon/Half-Marathon: 2012 Bermuda Triangle Challenge. 1 mile run on Friday
night in the rain, 10k on Saturday a very hilly course & Half Marathon on Sunday in sun & high
humidity. The race takes place every January.
Previous Pacing Experience: 2012 & 2013
About Me: I have been a lifelong resident in the Quad Cities. If you don’t see me on the local
bike paths running or biking, you may find me out golfing a little. After several years of not
pacing the 2:30 group, due to my husband’s health issues & passing away and my own foot
injury I have found my way back to the pacing duties. I have witnessed adversity
firsthand. Have a positive attitude is what I will be providing on the 13.1-mile journey through
the QC area.
With that being said let’s get this party started