Race Ambassadors
Rachel McPhillips
Sometimes, it baffles me that I'm a runner. I'm a girl that used to try to skip the mile run in gym class. Running has changed who I am as a person. My self confidence, for starters. Running shows you that you can do anything that you put your mind to. The self empowerment that comes from setting a goal, and reaching it, is unlike any other feeling. Running has helped me grieve the loss of my mother, and given me the strength to continue forward in some of life's toughest moments. Running isn't just about the hour to myself in the morning. It's given me an amazingly supportive friend group. One that will not only force me out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, but who will also help me remodel my house. Running started with wanting to complete a 5k and mark it off my bucket list, and now I couldn't imagine my life without running. Code: RMCPHILLIPS21
Robin White
The endurance and strength that I have gained mentally and physically help me balance family, work, friends, social commitments, and life in general. It has given me courage and confidence that I never thought that I had. It's not just what I have been able to do. It's also the friends who support me through it all.
Running down Greensprings in the rain during the 2019 race was amazing! What an unexpected and happy feeling! At that moment, I told myself just to enjoy it. I didn't have the stress of keeping a certain pace. It was amazing. Little did I know that this would be my 10k PR. Code: RWHITE21
Ashley Dawson
I didn't discover the love of running after my 40th birthday! I wasn't a runner and didn't know I would love it so much until a friend invited me to join him on a run. Now I continually enjoy the joys of fellowship and competition running brings,and I have made running my time for meditation and prayer! Last year crossing the finish line holding Meb's hand was the best moment of my Wine 10k experience as well as any race experience!
Code: ADAWSON21
Denise Moss
Wow, let's just say I can never see myself NOT running. I started my running journey back in 2013 and have not quit since. Running has been an outlet and helped me cope with the passing of my mom , anytime I am needing to clear my head . Of course it has helped me to stay fit , but my reasons are way bigger. Running is life to me. In my opinion, I wish everyone would/should/could run. I think many of our issues from a society/stress/health standpoint would be solved simply by running. What I mean by that is, running is such an inclusive sport. Running does not care how much money you make, or the color of your skin, it brings people together that otherwise would never met or interact. I can attest to that 100%. Code: DMOSS21
Roberta Dunnaway
Running is such a wonderful part of my life. It has brought me so many great friends and it helps me stay happy and healthy for my family. I know that I am showing them how to make healthy life style choices. It is a race that is famous for their awesome grilled cheese. My most favorite memory was getting the lululemon medal it is beautiful. I also love that all my friends are there running and celebrating.
Code: RDUNNAWAY21
Alison Henninger
Running is my therapy, and my joy. I’m so so lucky to have such an amazing and diverse group of friends that I run with, and I don’t take that for granted. Also, as a mom if young kids, I love setting the example for them of self care and a healthy lifestyle. Running with Meb two days before the race is not only my favorite Wine 10K memory, but one of the best in my life!! But the second year I’d the Wine 10K, I raced my husband and won, so that memory is up there, too! Code: AHENNINGER21
Cameron Estes
Running has been great for me- I really never consistently worked out until I began running and signed up for my first race 10 years ago... and the rest is history! More recently, running has introduced me to so many wonderful people. Week after week, group runs have been the highlight of my whole week. You know have a good friend when someone will agree to meet you at 4am, run hills or tempo miles, and then agree to do it again next week.
Code: BAMACAM21
Greg Oliver
Running is my therapy. Running is a huge part of my community. Running helps me feel younger and healthy. Running helps me connect with people I wouldn’t know otherwise. It’s something I look forward to, and when I can’t do it it’s something I miss. Wine10K was the first time I ever broke 40 minutes in a 10K, after years of trying. Talking to Emma Coburn during the first 2 miles and getting her encouragement was such a huge boost!
Code: GOLIVER21
Steve Easley
I am not an elite runner by any stretch of the imagination. I love the community involvement and the benefits that running provides. I am 60 years old and think that running has no age limits. I would have to say the accomplishment of finishing the first 10K in my life. I had been running for roughly 2 months when I decided to run the 2020 event. I was only up to 3 miles so it was a challenge to run the 6.2. I finished in 1:02:17. I was very proud of the time, all things considered. I look forward to the 2021 event. I will be running the 5K.
Code: SEASLEY21
Misty Fontenot
I am a member of Resolute Running and have been being coached by them for over 3 years to really help me be my personal best. Running is just a part of who I am now. It is my therapy, it helps me see the city and so many other cities and countries, it’s the way I explore and think and be my best self. I am going to run this every year regardless of if I get chosen to be an ambassador. I am super passionate about it. I love Lululemon, I love supporting any of the causes (girls of the run I’m on the board of - and they have asked me to run this wearing a Tutu as well!) - so I will be there! My favorite memory was meeting Meb. He signed my medal. He was so gracious and it was just so cool to be with him. Code: MFONTENOT21
Marla Kornegay
Running has proven to me that I am strong and capable of doing hard things. On March 9th 2018 I was hit by a car during a road race. Ever since then I have fought to get my strength and fitness back and become a better runner. I’ve had some injuries since then, but I’ve always come back stronger than before. I have been chosen to be Birmingham Track Club's ambassador for the Maebashi Marathon. In April I will be traveling to Japan to race and show the people of Maebashi how great the citizens of Birmingham are.
Code: MKORNEGAY21
Nicole Carroll
I have been running since high school. (100 years ago). As I progressed into adulthood running has been my peace. Running through three pregnancies made me strong. Today, running as a mom of three kids, allows me to be a positive example! I’m faster and stronger now than I have ever been. My kids are able to see how my grinding and pushing, even in the Alabama heat, keeps me happy and healthy. Emma gave a pre race speech saying something to the effect, this will hurt! It’s supposed to hurt! Push hard and don’t slow down. I held on to her words the entire race and finally ran in the 45’s! Getting to thank her at the finish line brought it full circle.
Code: NCARROLL21
Roxanne St. Martin
Why do I love to run? The first thing that comes to mind is "love" is a very harsh word that I am not sure I have ever associated with running. So I am not sure if I could put those two things together. As I thought about it a little more, I came to realize that my love for running is for my safety and is tied to the fact that something is chasing me! I think the love comes in when I realize that if what is chasing me is really good looking, then I’d love to let him catch me. My favorite thing about Wine 10K? Obviously the wine at the end of the run! Honestly, it’s the ability to serve and give to the communities both running and Birmingham, but ultimately, it is the friendships with people who have very similar passions. Code: RSTMARTIN21
Lisa Ziegler
My passion for running developed as early as elementary school. After joining a German track and field club near my hometown I soon learned that jumps, throws, and sprints were not my specialty, but when it came to running and cross country events I could leave the other kids behind. At the age of 15, I started training with a running group which made a huge impact not only on my fitness but also shaped my passion for running and my goals. Running more and running in a group of like-minded, competitive runners at different levels helped me improve very rapidly and by the end of high school I competed with Germany's top youth runners and represented Germany at the U20 European Cross Country Championships in 2012. From there I found a new home at Mississippi State University where I joined the track and field and cross country team. I fell in love with the school, the atmosphere American college atmosphere, my team, and even more so the sport, running. Code: LZIEGLER21
Sara Thompson
I never ever imagined that I would be a long distance runner - it always just seemed too far, too impossible. Then a friend dared me to train for a marathon and I thought "why not?" I've learned through running and training that anything is possible and that I'm much stronger that I believed. That has encouraged me to be a better mother and health care professional. My favorite Wine 10k memory was the first year Emma Coburn came. We were at the start in Patriot Park, warming up... and all of a sudden Emma was beside me and TALKING TO ME. I literally could not put 2 words together. I think I mumbled something about having a good race and ran off. Silly me.
Code: STHOMPSON21
Elainea Smith
Running has helped me through a lot of really difficult times over the years. I started running when I was a medical student battling burnout and in hindsight what was depression; it gave me an amazing stress management outlet and really pulled me through. I have since done many 10ks and 3 half marathons, which are some of my best memories! My favorite about Wine 10K are the running buddies which make the best memories! I just love the memory of running the event with good friends, as it combines two of my favorite things: running + wine!!
Code: ESMITH21
