Meet Your Ambassadors

My name is Alex and I’m from Kansas City. My wife got me into running 3 years ago and I haven’t looked back since. I love to run, I love to meet new people, I love to cheer people on, and I especially love Trail of the Four Winds! I ran the 25k in 2021 and fell in love with the race. My big goals this year are to run in the Chicago Marathon (sub 4 hours hopefully) and possibly an ultra (or 2).

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Growing up I always ran to compete in other sports, like soccer. I never really considered myself a "runner" until later in life when I started running consistently to compete in obstacle course racing. In 2020, I found more time to be able to make it on trails and completely fell in love with running in the woods. I am happiest on any dirt (or rocky) path in the trees. My hope is to continue to grow the sport of trail running and inspire others (especially women) to get outside and give it a try.

I am a runner from Columbia, Missouri, whose love for the sport began on the track in middle school and continued through high school, where I competed in track and field and cross country. Although I stepped away from running during college to focus on my studies, I eventually found my way back through casual runs that quickly turned into local 5Ks.

In 2025, I set a New Year's resolution to run a marathon and, with just two months of training, completed my first marathon, proving to myself that big goals are always worth pursuing. Since then, I have completed two marathons, improved my marathon personal record by more than 40 minutes, and added three more marathons to my 2026 race calendar, including a World Marathon Major.

More recently, I have discovered a passion for ultra running and the unique challenges and community it offers. For me, running is about more than miles and finish lines. It is a source of health, personal growth, and connection. As an active member of the Columbia Track Club, I enjoy training alongside and encouraging fellow runners, and as a Flat Branch Ultra ambassador, I am proud to represent a race in my hometown and highlight the welcoming running community that makes Columbia such a special place to run.

When I am not logging miles, I am a proud dog and cat mom to one dog and two cats. My favorite running route is the Stephens Lake Loop, and I never turn down monkey bread after a long run.

Outside of running, I enjoy gemstone mining, getting lost in a good book, and embracing a well-earned day of relaxation on the couch.