Dan Kitti

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2024

PRs: 

10M: 1:02:17, Half Marathon: 1:21:13, Marathon: 2:58:08, 50k: 3:51:48, 50M: 6:45:50

Social Handles:

IG: @marathon.addict, Strava: Dan Kitti

Long-Term Running Goals:

To complete a 100 miler.

Running Start:

I started running in 1994 during 7th grade. My dad would speed walk at a local indoor track. I saw a poster for the Arbor Day Tree Trot 5k and signed up for it. I started train for it by running on the track while my dad walked. We made a routine out of it for years. My mom has since then replaced me but I still try to make it from time to time. As for the 5k, I won my age group and been hunting down age group awards at all the small 5k races since then!

Fun Facts:

  • I’ve never missed a day of school since I began in Kindergarten.

  • I was in Phuket Thailand during the 2004 tsunami.

  • In 2023 I completed 74 marathons in 74 days.

Track or Trails?:

Track in the summer, trails otherwise

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Brian Murphy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2024

PRs: 

4M: 25:40, 8k: 30:39, Half Marathon: 1:29:11, Marathon: 3:11:20

Long-Term Running Goals:

I hope to continue to qualify for the Boston Marathon in years to come, and continue to get faster.

Running Start:

My wife Jessica, also a team member, introduced me to competitive running 8 years ago and the sport as well as the community has enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. I enjoy the goal-setting, competition, personal achievements, fitness, and friendships that come with being a part of this sport.

Fun Facts:

  • I am a high school English teacher.

  • I love to travel and experience as many cultures as possible.

  • I met my wife (DWRunning team member) working as a DJ in a nightclub.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Laura Hernandorena

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2023

PRs: 

8k: 38:24, Half Marathon: 1:42:01, Marathon: 3:29:12

Social Handles:

IG: @lbhernandorena

Long-Term Running Goals:

  1. Be a lifelong runner by staying healthy and having fun.

  2. See what I am capable of and chase some big goals in short and long distances.

  3. Maybe dabble with an ultra ... but that's a big maybe and in the future!

Most Memorable Race:

It's a photo finish between the Minocqua Rump Roast 5k during the town's Beef-A-Rama event and Big Sur International Marathon. Cow costumes vs iconic coastline - impossible to choose.

Fun Facts:

  • I lived in Egypt for two years and spoke Arabic quite well (lost a lot in the years since).

  • I know a weirdly large amount of wilderness survival tips given that I live in the suburbs of Chicago, but we are an outdoorsy family and our dream is to have a cabin in Alaska.

  • My husband's family is from Argentina and mine is American Irish, so our three kids have names that work in Spanish and rep the Irish heritage: Daniel (Danny), Tomas (Tommy), and Lucia (Lucy).

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Allie Hull

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2015

PRs: 

Half Marathon: 1:35, Marathon: 3:12

Long-Term Running Goals:

To run a sub-3 hour marathon and maintain good overall fitness for many years to come.

Most Memorable Race:

Chicago Marathon 2016. Everything fell into place and I finished just over an hour faster than the previous year.

Fun Facts:

  • I have a knack for interior design.

  • If I could live anywhere else other than Chicago, it would be London.

  • The only thing I love more than running is walking ;)

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Mid-Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Rachel Ayotte

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:51, 8k: 35:19, 10k: 47:02, Half Marathon: 1:39:25, Marathon: 3:32:52

Social Handles:

IG: @rachayotte

Most memorable Race:

2019 Detroit Free Press Marathon. It was my first marathon and I had no idea what I was doing but had the most fun! I didn’t care about time so I stopped to take beers and churros from spectators along the route.

Running Start:

I ran XC in high school and absolutely hated it. I came back to distance running after graduating college when one of my friends convinced me to sign up for a half marathon. I fell in love with the sport when I was able to do it for fun with friends

Fun Facts:

  • I didn't like pizza until college.

  • I’ve killed every single house plant I’ve ever bought (or been given).

  • The only TV I really watch is trash reality TV. I love anything on Bravo.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Kyle Kirk

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2023

PRs: 

8K: 28:34; 10k: 35:43, Half Marathon: 1:18:44; Marathon: 2:47:58

Long-Term Running Goals:

Be a competitive masters runner across various distances

Running Role Model:

Des Linden - Love her grit and candor. She also wrote one of my favorite quotes that rings true during Chicago winters - "Some days it just flows and I feel like I’m born to do this, other days it feels like I’m trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I’ve got, and to try and be better. My advice: keep showing up."

Fun Facts:

  • I grew up in South Florida. Whenever I mention that to someone they immediately follow it up by telling me one of their grandparents lives there.

  • I have two awesome kids, Sam and Amelia.

  • I still have all my wisdom teeth

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

John McCloskey

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2023

PRs: 

800m: 1:59.96, 1500m: 4:07.94, 5k: 15:57, 8k: 25:58, Half Marathon: 1:14:14, Marathon: 2:39:19

Social Handles:

IG: john_mccloskey1

Long-Term Running Goals:

I would like to run all of the world majors and continue to run at a high level for many years to come.

Most Memorable Run:

In college my team would do a yearly trip up to our teammate's family cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Every year we would do a half marathon tempo run from a local camp called HoneyRock. One year one of our teammates had a stress fracture, and could not run, so we pulled him all 13.1 miles in a homemade rickshaw.

Fun Facts:

  • I'm passionate about coconut water.

  • I cap off every day with a frozen chocolate covered banana.

  • In high school I received a partial scholarship offer to play the video game NBA2k for a college.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Yuriy Kvartsyanyy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in September 2023

PRs: 

5k: 19:03, 8k: 31:14, 10M: 1:06:51, Half Marathon: 1:26:49, Marathon: 3:03:38

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 3-hour marathon, complete all 6 marathon majors

Running Role Model:

Scott Jurek - for his unique approach to running beautiful places and lifestyle.

David Goggins - for his dedication and inspiration to go beyond and above.

Fun Facts:

  • The marathon is my favorite distance

  • I’ve watched every Formula 1 race since 1994

  • I enjoy good coffee, ice cream, and running new places

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Andres Herrera

Andres Herrera - DWRunning

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:54, 5k: 16:27, 4M: 22:41, 8k: 27:36, 10M: 57:40, Half Marathon: 1:14:37, Marathon: 2:36:07

Most Memorable Run:

At the beginning of every college cross country season my entire team would drive out to this massive forest preserve in the middle of Ohio. We would run in packs through winding trails, hills, and rocky terrain. It was a pretty brutal long run. At the end of the run was this watchtower we could climb to get an amazing view of the forest. I always looked forward to it because it was one of the first runs of the year where the entire team would be together.

Running Start:

I always wanted to join a sport growing up that I had a decent chance of competing in, but I never had an idea of what sport since I wasn't the most athletic kid. A friend of mine on our high school's cross country team convinced me to join and I never looked back.

Fun Facts:

  • I can't whistle

  • There is a 6 year age gap between myself and each of my three sisters (I'm the second oldest)

  • I bought a lot of house plants at the beginning of the pandemic

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Zack Sweet

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2023

PRs: 

5k: 16:38, 4M: 22:14, 8k: 27:54, Half Marathon: 1:17:46, Marathon: 2:40:03, 50k: 4:00:08

Social Handles:

IG: @zacharysweet_

Long-Term Running Goals:

Qualify for all of the world majors, break 2:30 in the marathon, and stay healthy and fit enough to run and race into my 70s and 80s.

Running Start:

I started running in 6th grade when my mom signed me up for a 5 mile race. I was on swim team at the time and she kept signing me up for 5k and 5 mile races until I joined cross country in 8th grade. My grandma was another reason why I started running and why I run. She started running in the late 1970s and continued running marathons into her 60s. Seeing her passion for running really motivated me to want to run.

Fun Facts:

  • I speak German.

  • My first marathon was the 2008 Frankfurt Marathon when I was 17. I had no idea how to train and my longest run in training was 11 miles. I ended up running a 3:02 and could barely walk for 3 weeks after the race! It scared me away from marathoning until I ran my first 50k in spring 2022.

  • I've been to 41 national parks, with the goal of visiting all 63. When I'm not running, hiking is my next favorite hobby.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Sean Lopez

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in September 2023

PRs: 

5k: 18:22, 8k: 32:36, 10M: 1:04:09, Half Marathon: 1:25:33, Marathon: 2:58:53

Social Handles:

IG: @seanlope

Long-Term Running Goals:

To negative split a marathon. Beat my Uncle's best marathon time of 2:54:11.

Running Start:

I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2013 to get in shape after law school. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Fun Facts:

  • In addition to running, I've completed five Ironman triathlons and one Belgian Waffle Ride.

  • I have a dog named Charlie who enjoys recovery runs.

  • I’m a Wisconsin Badger

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Joon Park

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2016

PRs: 

5k: 19:43, 8k: 32:36, 10M: 1:10:35, Half Marathon: 1:31:29, Marathon: 3:14:48, 50M: 9:57

Social Handles:

IG: @joonkyupark, Strava: @Joon Park

Long-Term Running Goals:

Boylston Street

Most Memorable Race:

Ironman Melbourne. The only marathon that I didn’t want to end.

Fun Facts:

  • I trained boxing/Jiu Jitsu during my running break and loved it.

  • I started my own business 3 years ago and it’s been way more stressful and way more fun than I ever imagined.

  • Running tried to quit me but I can’t quit running.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Katherine Wuestenfeld

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:33, 5k: 19:32, 4M: 27:32, 8k: 32:20, 10k: 41:00, 10M: 1:08:54, Half Marathon: 1:27:48, Marathon: 3:07:40

Social Handles:

IG: @katherun26.2

Long-Term Running Goals:

My number one goal with my training is to enjoy the process and I really want to focus on keeping running fun as I try to push the limits of what I'm capable of. My big, scary goal is to one day run a sub-3 hour marathon.

Most Memorable Race:

My first Boston Marathon (2019) was my most memorable race because it took me 6 years to qualify for the race and meant so much to me just to be able to line up for it. It was one of those amazing days where everything just comes together and although everyone told me it's really difficult to PR at Boston, I ran with so much joy after a great buildup and ended up setting a big PR that day which was just icing on the cake!

Fun Facts:

  • I'm a really big running nerd and love following the pro side of our sport

  • I'm a full-time running coach & personal trainer

  • Home with my husband and our rescue dog, Lola, is my favorite place to be.

Track or Trails?:

I really love running on all surfaces and appreciate how accessible our sport is no matter where we are!

Morning or Afternoon?:

Late morning? Lol

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Jenny Aguilar

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:42, 5k: 19:19, 4M: 26:03, 8k: 30:55, 10k: 41:39, Half Marathon: 1:29:12, Marathon: 3:18:53 50k: 4:31:20

Social Handles:

IG: @littleoljenny

Long-Term Running Goals:

My #1 long-term running goal is to break 3 at the marathon and to break (5:30) in the mile.

Most Memorable Race:

Most memorable race would have to be Chicago 2022 because I trained and documented the entire journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon 2022. The race conditions were not ideal but I still PR'd my marathon time by 5 minutes and qualified for Boston!

Fun Facts:

  • I've rated over 200+ craft beers

  • I’m half Guatemalan & half Mexican

  • I ran my first marathon at the age of 16

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Zack Fishman

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2023

PRs: 

800m: 1:59, 1M: 4:48, 3M: 15:41

Social Handles:

Strava: ZeeFish, Twitter: ZBFishman

Long-Term Running Goals:

To surpass my high-school peak and knock off some years-old PRs, especially in the mile and 800m.

Most Memorable Run OR Race:

On my birthday in 2018, I ran an indoor race as the second leg in our 4x400m relay for my college club team. I received the baton just barely in first place and stayed there, although another runner was on my tail the whole time. As we rounded the final bend and he got too close while trying to pass, our legs got tangled and I crashed to the ground — drawing a loud collective gasp from the crowd. Disoriented from my first-ever fall in a track race, I slowly peeled myself off the ground and picked up the baton, before scrambling to hand it off.

My teammate got sympathetic claps on his first lap — and then surprised cheers in the second as he entered third place! My speedy mid-distance coach took it from there and somehow was the first to cross the finish line! Despite my scraped-up legs, it was a wild and exhilarating birthday meet to share with my teammates.

Fun Facts:

  • I'm a lifelong Illinois resident: I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, attended college in Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, and reside in the Windy City to this day. It's a great state filled with great people!

  • I can play 7 instruments — my top three are drums, clarinet, and guitar.

  • I'm a proud owner of a sassy black lop bunny named Spruce.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Brittany Alvarez

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:09, 5K: 17:28, 4M: 23:10, 8K: 28:27, 10k: 36:14, 10M 1:00:38, Half Marathon 1:17:20, Marathon 2:42:52

Social Handles:

IG: Bmatteson

Long-Term Running Goals:

Continue to make running a rewarding/enjoyable part of my life and to keep chipping away at those PR’s

Running Start:

I’ve always been a runner. I grew up playing soccer and ran cross-country in high school. It wasn’t until 2021 that I got back into competitive running. I joined a run club during Covid just for the social outlet, but was soon signed up for my first marathon (Chicago 2021). I’ve been hooked ever since.

Fun Facts:

  • In junior high I participated in the high jump and long jump because I was intimidated by the running events

  • I played collegiate soccer

  • I have an adorable Australian Shepherd, Ripley!

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Ben Bocher

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2023

PRs: 

5k: 15:24, 4M: 20:53, 8k: 25:10, 10M: 55:27, Half Marathon: 1:09:40, Marathon: 2:27:38

Long-Term Running Goals:

  • Write a book on the "Spiritual Exercises of Running" that suggests opportunities to race faster and, more importantly, enjoy the adventure!

  • Race WITH others, encourage others ;)

Most Memorable Run(s):

Most touching: My first run with my first child – her head surrounded by a neck pillow and more blankets than she needed, the stroller complete with windshield keeping her toasty in the October air. Dipped the front wheel in Lake Michigan’s waters, as if to baptize her. She slept through it all 😊

Most stimulating: Rome - end of work trip, saw Coliseum and other ruins, St. Peters, the Pantheon, crossed the Tiber… many times

Most awe-inspiring: Bryce Canyon – up, down, orange spires that turned to yellow, green, and gray depending how many eons of time I descended or ascended…. And at 8000 ft, this was the first time I truly noticed elevation!

Fun Facts:

  • My favorite races are those my wife and two daughters watch and cheer!

  • I’ve run my fastest 5k, half marathon, and marathon as a master's runner.

  • I am missing part of my left great toe (due to a bad day) - that was second time I was told I would never run again. This is fun because I am still running! ;)

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Kristin Dailey

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2023

PRs: 

5k: 16:55, 4M: 22:17, 8k: 27:47, 10M: 58:19, Half Marathon: 1:15:05, Marathon: 2:36:54

Social Handles:

IG: @just.kristind

Long-Term Running Goals:

To see how fast this 40+ year-old body can go while bringing awareness to Fragile X Syndrome.

Running Start:

Running has always been my fallback exercise for mental and physical health. It was the only form of exercise I was coordinated enough to do:)  I was inspired to run my first marathon three years ago by a kind stranger. I winged it, and I was hooked.  I'm now on a mission to prove you're never too old to chase big goals.

Fun Facts:

  • I volunteer at a charity called Special Spaces where I design dream bedroom makeovers for children battling cancer.

  • I love to cook, and I spend a lot of time creating in the kitchen.

  • I ran my first marathon at 40.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Either - anytime is a good time for a run

Solo or With Friends?:

A balance of both

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Julia Ordzowialy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2022

PRs: 

5k: 17:53, 8k: 28:38, 10M: 1:01:30, Half Marathon: 1:20:15, Marathon: 2:48:57

Social Handles:

IG: julia_ordzowialy

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 2:50 marathon & place well in Masters Events

Running Start:

I started running in my 20s in medical school. I was previously a competitive figure skater for 18 years, through college, so when I moved to Chicago for medical school I needed some sort of activity to replace the figure skating. Running was the thing I could most easily fit around my schedule.

Fun Facts:

  • I have 4 kids and have gotten faster after each one.

  • Sushi and a glass of red wine is my favorite pre-race meal (the night before obviously).

  • I often (most of the time) listen to classical music when I run.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both! I like my alone time but also like running with others.

Summer or Winter?:

Fall and early winter. I hate hot weather.

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Alvaro Montoya

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2022

PRs: 

5k: 16:35, 8k: 27:44, 10M: 55:27, Half Marathon: 1:14:09, Marathon: 2:32:03

Social Handles:

IG: montoyamora

Long-Term Running Goals:

Trying to get faster as I'm getting older. Sub 2:30 in the mid-term and have the health to run for many more years while being competitive in the long term.

Most Memorable Race:

My first run ultra above 50 miles at the Honk Kong 100K ultra marathon. It change my perspective of the meaning of long distance running, I didn't know I could run for 13 hours straight. After that race, long runs in a marathon cycle didn't seem that long.

Fun Facts:

  • I just crossed the Grand Canyon "rim-to-rim-to-rim" with a bunch of crazy friends just for fun, and without much training. I don't know if calling that fun or just stupidly epic.

  • Due to work I have the chance to travel quite a bit and been lucky to run in a lot of cities and different countries. Running helps to discover a place very quickly and can be a good way to find balance when you travel often.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Mornings, but not super early...typically that ends up being an afternoon run most of the days.

Solo or With Friends?:

Both. Depending on the day and the goal for that day.

Summer or Winter?:

More than the summer, I like days with longer natural light hours.

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.