AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Irving Marathon Running Series Ambassador Program is a platform for runners of all levels to give back to the running community by sharing inspiring success stories, promoting fitness and wellness, volunteering, and inviting runners and non-runners to join the movement and stay active with the Irving Marathon Running Series.
2024-2025 IMRS AMBASSADORS
I started running in 2014 to train for my first 5k and to lose weight. Since that time, I have done what I needed to do to live an active lifestyle. I've been fortunate to have ran over 100 half marathons and over 20 marathons and ultras in that short amount of time. I enjoy giving back to the running community by volunteering and helping runners achieve their goals by being a pacer.
I used to hate running. I started running in 2018/2019. As a fitness coach, I like to lead by example. My goal was to run a marathon and to prepare for it I trained to run a race every month that year. Showing that “one person” watching that if I can do it so can you. I was that person before and I still am always striving to grow and help others.
Run Irving was my first half and full marathon! I love showing others the joys of running, and I always wear silly outfits on race day.
I started running in 2020 as a form of exercise to shred some pounds. I got so addicted to the feeling of runner’s high and made it part of my routine. I started religiously participating in running events since 2021. The energy and vibration that I get in the races drive me to get better and better and improve my pace and endurance.
I'm passionate about running for the love of movement. When the natural Vitamin D hits my skin, I feel the burst of energy flowing through my body which calms me mentally and ignites my muscles. I've grown up in Irving, so to see a great organization bring races to my backyard is heartwarming! My love to help people in fitness as a coach and nutritionist comes as second nature to me. I have two beautiful kids, one functioning kidney, and a heart that beats for running. I love seeing others create their own journey through running/fitness. Humbled and honored to be an ambassador!
Running is life, and I have been running consistently since 2017. I have run numerous marathons, half marathons, 10ks, and 5ks, including five of the World Marathon Majors. I hope to finish the Majors in the 2025 London Marathon. I'm very approachable, so feel free to say hi! Let's geek out about all things running.
I am the founder of the Lake Cities Run Walk Group & The Heartbeat Connection - Fitness + Community group. As a runner of 40+ years, some say it is my passion. However, I feel my passion is in helping others in their journey in running or fitness in general. I am a Master Trainer and running Coach with over 12 Certifications in various health/fitness areas and over 45 years of experience in the health/fitness industry. I have a STRONG belief that fitness should be affordable/free and available for all. For me, there is no greater joy than seeing that person doing their FIRST race, crossing that finish line and seeing their face as they accept that medal! GLORIOUS! I strive to help people experience that, at every race!
I am a husband, a father of two, and an IT consultant. I started running for health reasons and was guided by a couple of friends to finish a half marathon. Now I am passing the torch to my friends and community by encouraging & influencing them to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. In addition to road running, I enjoy biking, hiking, and trail running. I believe that setting a goal will only lead you to the destination. That’s why I encourage my friends and community to commit (register) to races periodically to maintain consistent training.
The OGs
ALFONZO
Alfonzo has been involved in the local running community for many years. Alfonzo was the 10k overall winner at the inaugural Irving Marathon in 2013. He has over 100+ races under his belt, completed 4 Boston Marathons, and coaches locally. He assisted Logan Sherman in pacing the majority of the women in the Chevron Houston Marathon Athlete Development Program “B” standard for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the marathon, 2 weeks later ran the SAGU Half Marathon and also paced the 3:10 group at the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth.
JavieR
2nd place overall winner in the 50k Dallas Marathon Men’s Division. 2nd place overall at the Cowtown Ultra and Masters Winner for the 3rd consecutive year. 2020 Leadville 100 Race Across the Sky finisher in less than 30hrs in Leadville, CO. He is looking to run the Irving Marathon in under 2:50. He paced the 3:30 Irving Marathon in 2019 right after he got 3rd place in a 65k trail race and qualified to run the Leadville 100 mile trail race in 2020. He is a regular training member of the Irving Running Club. Owner of 2 boxer dogs and 1 cat.
Jose
Has been running since the age of 14 going on 20 years. Likes to compete in distances ranging from 1 to 50 miles. Ran at Richardson Berkner and Southwestern University. Has finished 7 Boston Marathons and is training for number 8.
GRACE
PREVIOUS IMRS AMBASSADORS
I started running in 2012, mostly on the treadmill at first, as a way to become more active. I later decided to complete a half marathon, which led to the decision to do full and ultra-marathons. I enjoy encouraging others to become active through what I call “sexy pace”, which is any pace that allows you to be social and have fun.
When I started running, I couldn’t do more than a mile. Now, running has been one of my go-to physical activities for the past 5 years. I wouldn’t have imagined running more than a 5K, let alone a 54K. Flash forward to now, I’m hoping to complete a 2nd ultra marathon by the end of 2023. Throughout its ups and downs, I’ve enjoyed every step along this journey. Creating friendships and enjoying new routes, including founding a run group - OhanaRG I’m proud to be a runirving ambassador and have enjoyed the events pre, during, and post race. Can't wait for these upcoming events!
I started running June 1, 2022. I did not know what to expect, jumping into a group that had seasoned members and runners who naturally can run 8:00 min miles lol. So after my 15 min mile pace, I started to learn about what shoes to wear, how to eat, and ultimately recover. After a couple of months, I signed up for my first 5k. Then a Quarter Marathon, and by my 38th birthday, I ran a half marathon in Atlanta, GA. Yearning for more, I started my marathon training and ran my first full marathon in December of 2022. With all these accomplishments, I was named Rookie of the Year by my run group ZFT Dallas. Lead by Theo Murdaugh! This running journey started as a why not try it, and now it’s an I have to keep going. I lost my daughter years ago to a rare heart issue. Running has become the therapy I need to have conversations with her the longer I run, to hear her tell me to keep going. Each time I lace my shoes up and move, I know that I have her to hear me. I have the energy of love that keeps me going mile by mile. 
Running has been a part of my life from being a toddler. I’m a former multi-sport athlete. I’m also an advert gym goer for health and strength training. As an adult running has become more of a passion of mine. I would run occasionally then in June of 2022 I joined a social running club because I was new to the Dallas area. In the realization that I miss running competitively, I found my niche in 5ks. I’ve run multiple 5ks and ran my first half marathon in under two hours. I hope my running journey continues to inspire others to run or just be active. I look forward to coaching individuals in their running journey. That journey starts with becoming an Ambassador for Irving Marathon. As I appreciate Irving Marathon selecting me as a 2023-2024 Ambassador.
Running brings me the opportunity for new challenges and to enjoy miles with some amazing people who continue to inspire me. I love helping others get started on their journeys or to push them to a new personal best.
I am a thyroid cancer survivor, homeschool my 4 children, and encourage them to run with me. If I can make it happen I want to encourage others they can make it happen too. No schedule is too busy, health issues are not excuses, and family time can be met with a good easy run!
Running is my outlet and my stress relief. I love the peace and calmness it brings. I want to inspire others to get out and be active - It's never too late to start something new!
I turned to running and fitness to help me cope with anxiety and it has changed my life ever since. I love running for the health benefits and the community, despite this I’m always willing to try any workout once! My favorite thing about a race is the energy of the runners and crowd, along with the high you receive from crossing the finish line.
I have been running the Irving Marathon Running Series since 2013! I count it as a blessing to be able to motivate anyone to get active and/or healthy.
I started running again in 2017 to get into a healthier lifestyle, which later turned into an obsession. I love spreading awareness for healthier lifestyles and positivity within the running community.
I have been running off and on since 2003. To me, running never gets easier and it is always a struggle, but I love it regardless. I am always challenging myself with a new distance or goal.
At age 46 I began the journey to complete my first triathlon, despite my struggles with the motivation to run. I enjoy making connections throughout the running community and having the opportunity to give back to other runners. I look forward to completing my first marathon in 2022. I want to inspire women my age (50) to be the best version of themselves. That begins with taking the first step.
Cody
1st Place Overall Winner Irving Marathon 13.1. Placed 8th at Dallas marathon in 2:36:57 and qualified for Boston in first marathon attempt. Ran cross country and track for the University of North Texas. Proud high school cross country/track coach. Lives in Irving.
Chandler
1st Place Overall Female Irving Marathon 10K in 2019. 3rd Place Overall Female Winner at the Cowtown Marathon giving her an automatic qualification to the Boston Marathon on her first attempt. Ran cross country for the University of Arkansas. Owner of 3 dogs and a cat.
RaqueL
She started running in 2017. Her favorite distance: 5K and the Marathon. Qualified for the Boston Marathon on her first marathon attempt at the California International Marathon. “When I’m not running I’m studying to be a Physician Assistant. I love to bake/cook and hang with my dog, Bella.”
Interested in becoming an Irving Marathon Running Series Ambassador?
Join the movement, submit your application today, and help us deliver our mission of reversing the trend of 35% of adults in Texas battling obesity by keeping our community active and engaged through running. As an Ambassador, you will represent our brand and help elevate the IMRS experience to a new level. If this is you, please fill out the form below.
Irving Marathon Running Series Ambassadors are leaders in the community who not only promote running, but demonstrate leadership, set the example, and motivate others to follow a healthy lifestyle and give back.
Ambassadors are featured digitally and in-person on race day at America’s #1 concert venue Toyota Music Factory. Do you like to run, recruit runners and non-runners, and get cool perks while doing it? The Irving Marathon Running Series Ambassador will be featured on the website. As our program evolves additional opportunities and perks will become available.