Thomas Nolan

Thomas is our pacer for 3:50 marathon runners.

Alicia Mengel

I'm a middle aged, science teacher, almost empty nester mom of four with alopecia areata universalis who likes to run long distances and teach fitness classes, paddleboard and bake. I started running marathons fifteen years ago (when all my hair fell out). To date I have run about twenty-three marathons and seven ultra marathons. My PRs are 3:27 for the marathon and 5:27 for the ultra marathon. This spring, I finally caught the unicorn that I have been chasing and ran the Boston Marathon-- in October, I will be racing the Chicago Marathon. I love pacing and look forward to meeting new people and helping them meet their goals.

Lanore Bergenske

Lanore is our pacer for 4:15 marathoners.

Sky McKinley

A seasoned distance runner based in Arcata, California, Sky blends discipline with deep love for the trail. With three marathons and a 50k under his belt, he runs daily—not for medals, but for clarity, resilience, and the quiet joy of moving through the world on foot. He recently set his marathon PR of 3:27 in the Avenue of the Giants marathon and is training for a 50k in October.

Kelly Ridgway

In 2020 at age 34, I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Vertebral Artery Dissection which caused me to have 5 strokes. Before my VAD and strokes, I was extremely active in CrossFit, running and pretty much anything that kept me active and fit.

"Lucky for me, at 6 months post-diagnosis, I got cleared to begin slowly adding exercise back into my routine. I started with the most difficult single-mile run of my life, but by the time of my one-year stroke anniversary, I ran a celebratory half marathon. Just before the two year mark, I completed the Oakland Marathon! That same year, I met the minds behind the Humboldt Bay Marathon and became involved with this wonderful race and fabulous community. So, when Terri asked me to be a Pacer for the Humboldt Bay full marathon 2024, I was hesitant, but ultimately said "Hell Yes!"

Being told I may never run again ignited a fire in me. My passion for running has grown beyond anything I had experienced prior to my VAD and strokes. Every run, every day is a true achievement. Even my worst days are a blessing and I am forever grateful. Look for me with the 4:45 sign; I'll be the one with the 'VAD-Ass' patch and a big, goofy smile on my face!

Julia Croteau

Julia is our pacer for 5:15 marathoners.

Matthew Kidwell

Matthew has run 40 half marathons since his first half marathon in 2005. He has paced the Humboldt Bay 6? times. His PR is 1:19:13 set March 3rd 2024. He is looking forward to helping more runners meet their goals.

Vacant

We are still looking for a pacer for 1:40 half marathoners.

Sequoia Ashby

I just finished my freshman year at UCLA, running with a club team, not the Division 1 team.  Previously, I ran with the Eureka High School cross country and track teams.  I ran my first half marathon at the 2021 edition of the Humboldt Bay Marathon when I was just 15.  I love the running community and I'm looking forward to helping you run your best half marathon ever!

Sung Jae Choi

Born and raised in South Korea. Immigrated to the USA and became a resident doctor in St. Joe's Eureka hospital

"The reason why I am running is to know and teach how to run and stay fit." Volunteered to be a pacer to get along with all the runners in Humboldt!

Kelli Starr

I’ve enjoyed exercising and being active my whole life, but didn’t become a consistent runner until about 2019, when my daughter and I began running together. Since then I’ve become very involved with the Redding, CA running community and my local running club.  My daughter has gone on to run in college and planned to run the Humboldt Bay Half this year. I’m currently training for some trail races coming up in the next couple of months and decided that I could come to her race and support her while also getting in a run while pacing the half marathon. I’ve lead many local trail runs and enjoy running with people. Although trail running and ultras are my passion, I enjoy road running as well.
 

Amy Waterman

Hi! My name is Amy Waterman and I really enjoy running! I have run 3 marathons in my life and a few half marathons. I am new to being a pacer and honestly am really relying on my apple watch to keep me on pace! I look forward to running the Humboldt half and hope to stay on pace as best as I can! Good luck with your run! See you Sunday!!

Vacant

We are still looking for a 2:30 half marathon pacer.

Elizabeth Heinberger

I’m Biz and I love to pace!! I’ve run over 100 half marathons and love the new friends I make on the road and on the trail. Look out, first timers - you’ll get addicted to the magic of this sport and it gets pricy!!!