Joined in ____
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in July 2025
Half Marathon: 1:29:20, Marathon: 2:52:15
IG & X: @mtkrutz
2024 Last Chance BQ.2:
Running a sub-3:00 marathon (2:58:10), all self-trained, was my most memorable race. It was a 43-minute PR and the result of 2+ years of steady training. The training block and race opened my eyes to the power of how consistency compounds (in life and running).
Chicago Marathon 2019:
I started running thanks to a mix of bad timing and good peer pressure. One of my best friends convinced me to run the 2019 Chicago Marathon with him, but in August of that year (read: 2 months before race day).
Slight problem: I’d never run a real race before and had only a couple of miles under my belt. We were investment banking analysts, convincing ourselves that one weekend “long-ish” run was enough. This would be easy for a couple of former college football players, right? (very wrong.)
With one 16-mile “long run” (was sore for a week) and a lot of ignorance, we gave it a go. Without official entries, given our timely sign-up, we had to buy bibs off Craigslist (sorry, Dan and Julie 😊).
The goal was simple: just finish. We crossed the line a little over five hours later, humbled and hooked.
My parents forced me to do Middle School Track & Field. I hated running, so I opted for the shot put.
I played college football at a small division III school.
My marathon debut time was over 5 hours (Chicago 2019).
Track
Morning
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in June 2025
5k: 23:05, 4M: 28:22, 8k: 35:08, 10k: 43:50, 10M: 1:19:18, Half Marathon: 1:37:27, Marathon: 3:32:44
IG @smash928
A friend convinced me to run the Detroit Marathon as a relay by promising me my leg would only be 3 miles. I worked at it for 2 months to build up the endurance to run the 3 and found out the night before the race that my leg was actually over 6 miles long! Turns out it didn't matter, once I got going and felt the energy of the race I was hooked. The next time I ran a marathon it was for the whole 26.2 (and we are still friends).
Des Linden. I mean, I almost can't even explain why! She's an incredible runner (obviously) she's gritty and tough but she's relatable and inspires me to put in the work to see what I'm capable of.
I have 3 cats.
I studied illustration and love to paint.
I am learning to speak French.
Road, but open to it all!
Late morning
Both
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in May 2025
Half Marathon: 1:20, Marathon: 2:43:28
IG: @warneraustin
Sub 2:40 marathon, sub 1:15 half
I joined the cross country team my junior year of high school, the team culture made me fall in love with the sport of distance running
I coach high school cross country/track and field.
I’ve run 5:50 in the beer mile
I used to work on cruise ships.
Track
Morning
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in May 2025
Mile: 5:59, 5k: 21:24, 10k: 42:35, Half Marathon: 1:32:31, Marathon: 3:09:15, 50M: 7:37
IG: natalie_szeles
Run a sub 3 marathon
Des Linden - "keep showing up"
I have a Bernese Mountain dog (Gibson) who weighs about as much as me.
I was a three sport athlete in high school, making me slightly competitive.
Before my first marathon, I ran a practice marathon just to make sure I could do it.
Trails
Morning
Solo
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in November 2019
Mile: 5:50, 10k: 42:29, Half Marathon: 1:32:54, Marathon: 3:13:39
IG: ankutz12
-To stay healthy and strong, enabling me to race competitively into my master & senior years.
-Sub 3:10 Marathon
BOA Chicago Marathon 2019. I had missed BQ by less than a minute (for the third time in 2 years) just three weeks prior at BQ2 in Geneva. I planned on running the race as a recovery run, have fun, forego the pressure, and take on CIM in December. "Fun" (+ great weather and amazing crowds) got me to a BQ and PR by ~6 minutes, with a perfectly even split. When I'm digging for motivation, I reflect on how genuinely happy I was to check the BQ goal off my list, and look towards accomplishing the next one.
I've never road-raced anything shorter than a half marathon
Favorite Chicago Workout: Navy Pier Flyover hill repeats
In the AK Food Pyramid, champagne is a food group. As is banana bread, butter and peanut butter pretzels
Track
Afternoon
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in April 2025
1500m: 4:24, 5k: 17:04, Half Marathon: 1:18
IG: @k.o.brien
I didn't make the poms or dance teams when a bunch of other friends did, going into high school freshman year. I was feeling untethered and needed something to do afterschool, my dad suggested cross country. Thought, no way I could do that - but still had time to join summer practices, so did my best and eventually didn't need as many walk breaks. The girls were SO sweet and silly. I was lucky to find myself in an incredible running program, bought in, and had a ton of fun competing with some now lifelong besties. Probably one of the best decisions of my life!
NIKKI HILTZ WOO!! They are ridiculously fast, strong, and resilient - and I rally with them for their advocacy work with the queer community. Exciting to see that on the biggest stage of our sport.
I was in a 1500m prelim with them during their last year in college, sitting next to them after the race (lol I did not advance from the round) I said "wow, that was so hard", they were like "yeah I've raced like hundreds of 1500s I feel like and it is always something" - facts.
I <3 braiding hair, I had a braid-stagram called o_braidn.
In a job I was assigned to lead high schoolers in a songwriting class w/ 0 experience but we learned together!
ICE CREAM FIEND! Always down for a sweet treat.
Lil bit of both, but not too technical trails pls :)
Morning
With Friends
Winter
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in July 2024
8k: 28:29, 10M: 1:02:23, Half Marathon: 1:22:37, Marathon: 2:50:48
Strava: Jake Moy
Anchorage Marathon 2017 - between the bear warnings, chasing a deer at mile 15, winning my age group and BQ'ing (okay small race but still counts!), and kicking off an epic weeklong hiking trip with Chrissy (now wife and DW teammate), it was a keeper. To think we only signed up because it was just $10 more than the half!
I ran XC and track in high-school back home in Buffalo (GO BILLS). I wasn't the fastest or most talented, but running early taught me invaluable life lessons around commitment, embracing discomfort, and teamwork. I still hear some of my coaches' voices whenever I work out ("cutting corners makes you lose your edge!"). It'd take a few more years after college before I'd rediscover joy in running, but it's been a true gift.
My earliest memory is vomiting at my 5th birthday party during "Happy Birthday".
The English muffin is a marathon carb-load staple that otherwise has no place in my diet.
My 3rd date with my wife was a run! We got a little lost...you should ask her about it.
Trails
Morning
Solo on the easy days, with friends on the hard days.
Winter
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in January 2025
5k: 21:17, 8k: 33:50, Half Marathon: 1:34:53, Marathon: 3:21:48
Instagram: itschrissymoy, Strava: Chrissy Moy
Copenhagen Marathon 2024. Jake (husband and DW teammate) and I started off our honeymoon here. It was truly special!
When I was a senior at Northwestern, I started jogging as a way to get outside when the weather was nice. Before then, I had never completed more than a 5k fun run. Each week, I went longer and further south along the lake until one day I reached Edgewater and “discovered” the Lakefront Trail. I ran my first marathon a few months later – in San Francisco, my hometown. Hooked ever since!
I eat beets the day before every race.
I grew up playing softball and was a pitcher.
I’ve been gluten free since 2002.
Track
Late morning :)
Both!
Winter
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in October 2021
1500m: 4:50, Mile: 5:11, 3000m: 10:44, 5000m: 18:46, 6k (XC): 23:54, 8k: 32:13, Half Marathon: 1:33:38
IG: buckstaff99, Strava: Anna Buckstaff
Keep having fun :)
Lauren Fleshman! I love how she advocates for women and health in sports plus the bonus writing she shares.
I'm in the top 1% of Taylor Swift listeners on Spotify.
I'm a Packers fan even though I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs; my freshman year at Marquette, I had to remind myself I was in Wisconsin every time I saw a hint of green and gold.
My favorite food is Mac and Cheese, there is no such thing as too much cheese.
Track meet, but it’s raining!
Afternoon
With Friends
Winter
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in December 2023
Half Marathon: 1:38, Marathon: 3:28
IG: @linaalvino.dpt
Be able to run into my seventies! I'm all about longevity and taking care of my body so I can enjoy the sport for as long as possible.
Boston Marathon 2021. It was my first Boston and I truly tried to take in the experience and enjoyed every moment. It was such an amazing atmosphere on a historical course!
I spent a month in India this year.
I'm a pelvic floor physical therapist.
I used to compete in classical piano contests.
Trails
Morning
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in March 2025
5k: 18:38, 8k: 30:27, Half Marathon: 1:23:28, Marathon: 3:08:44
IG: @clairrychristmas
I would like to run all 7 world major marathons someday (2 down, 5 to go) and want to run a sub-three hour marathon (hopefully someday soon).
My most memorable race was the 2023 Lacrosse Half Marathon. I had signed up one week before the race to go run it with my older sister who was 5 months pregnant at the time and wasn't expecting all that much. The night before I looked at my sister and said "you know what? I think I'm going to win tomorrow" and ended up running my PR and being the first female finisher and tenth finisher overall. I won my first race, and my sister ran the full half while incredibly pregnant, major wins for both of us. :)
I flew to Dublin just to see Taylor Swift last summer.
I’m a grilled cheese connoisseur and order them everywhere I go.
I played the tuba in the marching band in high school.
Trails
Morning
Both :)
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in February 2025
5k: 16:40, 8k: 27:17, Half Marathon: 1:16:42, Marathon: 2:48:07
IG: @jbward8
Eventually, achieve a sub 2:30 marathon!
The 2023 Chicago Marathon was my first marathon. I ran the marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was one year after my wife was diagnosed with Lymphoma (and eight months after being declared cancer-free!). It was an emotional day for my family as we celebrated my wife beating cancer. The energy of the crowd, energy of the other runners, and pushing my body to the limit got me hooked on long-distance running.
I grew up playing midfielder in soccer. However, I think running was always my true calling.
I moved to Chicago from Utah after I graduated college with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
I can't cook but love to watch cooking competitions.
Track
Afternoon
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in December 2024
5k: 20:22, 8k: 33:12, 10M: 1:08:57, Half Marathon: 1:32:06, Marathon: 3:11:01
IG: @kspice789
I would love to run a sub-3 hour marathon, but I am happy to keep pushing myself and seeing how close I can get.
My parents made me run cross country in middle school because my aunt was the coach. I had a habit of walking most of the race and sprinting to the finish, but I managed to run the whole time my last race of the season by singing "Alice the Camel" in my head. I can't say I started loving running after that, but it is a core memory and I still use songs and lots of self talk to get through a race.
I love to travel.
I am a huge women's volleyball fan.
I have three girls.
Trails
Morning
Solo
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in February 2025
5k: 17:18, 4M: 23:16, 8k: 28:27, Half Marathon: 1:15:57, Marathon: 2:38:45
Instagram: @dad_runs_chi, Strava: Jan Struhar
Running a 2:30 marathon!
My most memorable race was my first BQ because it was totally unexpected. I went into the race with no cares and ended up running one of my best races. I still wonder if the McDonalds I had the day before was the secret ingredient to a great race.
I have a 2 year old named Sadie and another daughter due in March.
I’ve guided two blind runners through marathons.
My favorite band is Blink 182!
Trails
Morning
Combo
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in February 2025
8k: 28:22, 10k: 34:44, Half Marathon: 1:19:34, Marathon: 3:01:56
IG: @wilkmonster619
To run the Chicago Marathon every year that I am physically able to, and to eventually run a marathon with my daughters (when they are old enough).
My first race was the Halloween Trick or Trot Kids race which was in Lincoln Park when I was 8 years old. I won the race, and forever after became one of the weirdos who enjoyed running.
I have 3 daughters and a wife who support my running habit.
We live in Roscoe Village.
I've hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim.
Trails
Morning
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in January 2025
5k: 19:29, 10k: 41:03, Half Marathon: 1:28:57, Marathon: 3:04:03
Instagram: brian.landau, Facebook: Brian Landau
My near-term goal is to run a marathon in under 3:00. In the long term, I'd like to qualify for the Age Group World Championships. For my age group, that means running under 2:48.
I initially got into running to lose weight. That was over 12 years ago. Now, I run for the challenge - getting faster even as I enter my 50s. I also love the connections I've made over the years. Some might see it as a lonely activity, but for me, that couldn't be further from the truth.
I was born and raised in New York and New Jersey, but for the last 17 years, I've called Chicago my home.
Call me old fashion, but I love reading physical books and writing on physical paper.
Even though I don't cook (well), I love watching the Food Network - one of my favorite channels.
Trails
Morning
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in July 2024
4M: 23:00, 10k: 37:09, 10M: 1:02:40, Half Marathon: 1:19:33, Marathon: 2:57:58
The 2011 Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland. We were living in Europe, and it was my first marathon, which I ran with good friends. The course climbs 6500 ft (1.2 miles) from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg. My wife and two daughters took the cog railway up the mountain and cheered us on along the way.
The August before my freshman year of high school a good friend's dad said, "Hey guys: the high school cross country team invited incoming freshman to the workout tonight. If you want to go, I'll drive you." The snap decision to go for it resulted in a lifelong love of running.
I am a dad of three with extracurricular interests in softball, tennis, and baseball.
I love winter sports and include XC skiing in my winter training whenever I can.
For a native Clevelander, I have an abnormal love of kimchi.
Track
Morning
Solo
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in November 2021
Mile: 4:09, 3k: 8:18, 5k: 14:23, 8k: 24:29, 10k: 30:44, 10M: 57:22
IG: @zach.dale, Strava: Zach Dale
Enjoy the process and maintain a healthy relationship with running
PR in Mile, PR in 5k
Qualify for the Olympic Trials or a USATF Championship
2016 NCAA Midwest XC Regional. My teammates and I qualified for the NCAA championships and brought the Illini back to nationals for the first time in 30 years
I like to skateboard and can land a kickflip.
I frequently drink too much coffee for my own good.
I once beat Craig Engels in an 8k race.
Trails
Morning, but my actions say otherwise
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.
Joined in April 2024
Mile: 4:55, 8k: 27:32, 10M: 59:56, Marathon: 2:48:30
IG: @kyle_lahucik
The 2023 Patagonia Marathon is definitely my most memorable because of the running friends I went with, the stunning setting (snow-capped mountains in the background of the entire course!) and the extraordinary thrill of winning a race on the other side of the world!
I started my running journey on the first day of high school. My brother had just graduated and raved about the Sandburg cross country and track teams, so I figured I'd give it a shot after having played soccer for eight years. The first two weeks were a slog, but I quickly got a hang of it and fell in love with the sport of running. Joining that team was easily one of the best decisions I've made.
I slipped into a poolside cactus during a family vacation in Arizona when I was five years old.
I coach a high school cross country and track & field team.
Lavender is my favorite color, and I'm a little too obsessed (phone case, headphones, key chain, etc. are all shades of purple).
Trails
Morning
With Friends
Summer
Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.