OUR TEAM
LAZARO J. ALVAREZ
FOUNDER, CEO, RACE DIRECTOR
Lazaro Alvarez and Ronnie Chesko founded the Irving Marathon in 2012 to give back to the Irving and Las Colinas community while showcasing the area’s scenic running routes. In 2019, Lazaro and Jaclyn expanded that mission by creating the Irving Marathon Running Series. Today, the series features eight multi-distance events annually, with distances ranging from a 5K to a full marathon, giving people of all fitness levels opportunities to stay active and connected throughout the year.
Lazaro’s connection to Irving began at age 13, when he moved from El Salvador and discovered a passion for running. He competed in track at Austin Middle School and cross country at Irving High School before attending Schreiner University, where he double-majored in political science and international business. When he found that Schreiner had no running team, he helped establish the university’s first cross-country team during his sophomore year.
After college, Lazaro returned to Irving with a desire to build a local running community. He used social media to launch the Irving Running Club, and just weeks later, the Irving Marathon took shape. That same drive to bring people together continues to guide the organization’s growth. With the community’s support, its five-year vision is to attract more than 20,000 participants to the Irving Marathon and establish it as one of the nation’s premier running events.
Before dedicating himself full-time to the Irving Marathon, Lazaro built a successful career in sales and business development. He earned top salesperson and sales manager recognition at AT&T Mobility for multiple years, then joined Clear Channel Outdoor as an account executive in out-of-home advertising. He later served as a territory sales executive at Western Union before leaving the corporate world to focus entirely on the marathon.
Lazaro’s commitment to service extends beyond running. A past president of the Irving/Las Colinas Rotary Club, he serves on the boards of the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation and the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is also an ambassador for the Irving/Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Accelerator Program, and a leader of projects with the El Salvador Consulate supporting the Latin American community.
JACLYN ALVAREZ
BSN, RN
CO-CREATOR, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Lazaro and Jaclyn created the Irving Marathon Running Series with a shared vision: to bring the community together through year-round events that inspire active, healthy lifestyles. What began as the annual Irving Marathon soon grew beyond a single race. The introduction of Irving Frost in 2019, followed by the establishment of the official eight-race series in 2020, transformed that vision into a year-round community fitness movement.
Jaclyn’s commitment to health and community service took root after she moved to Las Colinas in 2003. While attending Singley Academy, she joined HOSA and completed clinical rotations at Baylor Medical Center of Irving, laying the groundwork for her nursing career. She later attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio through its Pre-Nursing Program, where she also served as New Member Educator for Alpha Phi Fraternity.
Jaclyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and has been a registered nurse since 2010. Her experience at John Peter Smith Hospital, Medical City Dallas, and Baylor Grapevine deepened her understanding of the role preventive care and wellness education play in helping people lead healthier lives.
That perspective shapes her work with the Irving Marathon Running Series. She believes community events can make healthy habits more accessible, strengthen social connections, and support physical and mental well-being. Through the series, she helps create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, connect with others, and improve their quality of life.
BRYAN
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Born and raised in Irving, Texas, Bryan Alexander Martinez-Alvarez is proud of his Salvadoran roots and the values instilled in him by his immigrant family. A graduate of Nimitz High School, Bryan is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science at Schreiner University as a member of the Class of 2029.
Bryan has been involved with the Irving Marathon Running Series since 2019, but his connection to the organization goes back even further, having grown up around its events. What began as a familiar part of his community has developed into a meaningful professional role. As Executive Assistant & Operations Coordinator, Bryan contributes to the organization's operations and helps support the events that bring runners, families, and the Irving community together.
Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Bryan is a collegiate wrestler with aspirations of entering the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His passion for athletics reflects his dedication to discipline, perseverance, and personal growth.
For Bryan, being part of the Irving Marathon Running Series is about more than organizing events. It's about strengthening community connections, creating memorable experiences, and contributing to the welcoming, family-oriented environment he has known since childhood.
SILVIA
RACE COORDINATOR
Silvia is a community leader, dedicated volunteer, proud wife and mother, and member of the Irving Marathon event crew. An Irving ISD alumna and MacArthur High School graduate, she has deep roots in the community she serves.
Silvia spent a decade as a medical assistant before becoming a realtor, a transition that gave her greater flexibility to build community connections and devote more time to volunteering. She regularly supports the Nimitz Football Booster Club and currently serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Las Colinas.
Her commitment to helping others carries into her work with the Irving Marathon, where she helps create a welcoming, memorable experience for every runner. Whether supporting participants or attending local events, Silvia brings warmth, generosity, and a genuine care for the people around her.
Outside of work and volunteering, Silvia enjoys sharing her faith, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and spending time with her family in Irving, Texas.
MARK BRAVO
RACE ANNOUNCER
Mark Bravo brings more than four decades of running experience, 20 years as a national running coach, and an unmistakable enthusiasm to every finish line. A longtime race announcer, he has welcomed runners at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Tulsa Run, and events throughout the Southwest. He has completed more than 500 races and approximately 50 marathons, with a marathon personal best of 2:44.
Running has been part of Mark’s life since 1981, but the people have always been at the heart of his passion. Today, he finds joy behind the microphone, celebrating participants’ accomplishments and helping make each finish feel personal. His motto, “All Abilities, All Athletes,” reflects his belief that being an athlete extends beyond speed, distance, or physical ability.
Mark is also the author of MOMENTUM: 77 Observations Toward a Life Well Lived, a collection of reflections and stories about the value of a positive attitude—in running and in everyday life. The book includes contributions from legendary runners who have become his friends, along with enough thoughts beyond running to surprise those who know him best. Learn more at runbravo.com.
Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, Mark is a familiar voice at local road races and always welcomes a conversation. His gratitude for the sport and the friendships it has brought him shines through in his work. He is excited to bring that energy to the Irving Marathon Running Series and celebrate every athlete’s journey to the finish line.
