Jason Elmer

Prior to 2006, running, biking and swimming was only occasional for me. A companion to the thoughts of “Well I should probably do something today”, “You will not magically get better” or “Well you have that military PT test coming up next month, better get on it”. It really wasn’t until post separation from military service that I found “it”. That feeling of joy, comfort, and escape from those physical activities.

I never set out with plans of achieving certain time goals or imagining that I would be able to run long distances. It was really just a way to find community and exploration to change the outside and well as the inside. But little did I know, as many can relate, that would change as the addiction grew. The mantra of “Set No Limits” was opened up and things progressed.

I found “community” in the form of running clubs and training groups. The opportunities were endless, and it not only provided opportunity, but support, accountability and mentorship. The last, the giving of self by helping others, is what I continue to be most grateful for.

The last decade has included a number of memorable firsts to include: trail running, triathlon, marathon, ultramarathon(s) (50k, 40 mile overnight, 50 mile, 100k), and my first and only 101 mile run --- well so far. J So, there have been a lot of personal achievements that required a lot of commitment, sacrifice, and struggle but all of them were worth every moment. As much as those events left me with feelings of accomplishment, the giving back truly resonates with me. Those came in the form of mentoring and coaching many training programs, which led me pursuing my RRCA Level 1 coaching certification in 2019.

For me personally, there is nothing more rewarding than walking, sometimes literally, alongside an individual or group of individuals in their pursuit of achieving their goal(s). There are countless memories of group members breaking down after completing the 3-mile mark, because for them, that was their “it”. It was not a one-way street as there are so many people from family to fellow athletes (who we all know often times are “family”) these past few years who have provided me words of encouragement, motivation and guidance.

That is where I am at right now. I want to giving back, mentor and encourage individual to meet their running goals, run for a cause(s), and the exciting opportunity to share my story of kidney donation and the impact(s) it can make both for the recipient as well as the donor.

Through this, giving God all the glory!

Kevin Coomes

Karen McGuffey

1. When did you start running and what was your inspiration?

I was a run/walker for 8 years before I was offered someone’s race registration to The Great Turkey 5k for free in 2009. I planned to walk some but the people around me were still running so I kept running too! From then on, I was a runner. Earning my first age group medal was great inspiration to train harder & run faster.

2. What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest running accomplishment is winning the Butterflies for Maddie 5k in 2013 at age 35. I’m sure I have their slowest Overall Female race time on the course, but that was the largest race I ever won back in my faster running days.

3. What is that one "not so great” run that you will never forget?

I will never forget participating in my friends’ 12 hour trail race at Low Hollow in 2017. I only planned to run a 6 mile run halfway through the event, but had so much fun I logged 17.8 miles, farther than I’ve ever been. The not so great part is after going so far without training for it, I still continue to deal with chronic IT Band issues as a result. It wasn’t my smartest decision, but it was a fun day!

4. My relationship with running is _______? (love, hate, meh, complicated, etc.)

My relationship with running has definitely become complicated. We have an on-again, off-again kinda thing going. I’m in love with it, but manage to have injuries that keep me away. Our 13 year relationship currently is on the outs as I’m struggling with a small stress fracture. It’s been 9 weeks since I last ran, argghh! (By the way, I’m practically married to running - Runner is my maiden name! I was born to run! Ha!)

5. How did you find out about BGRC?

The BGRC website was my source to find races when I first became a runner. Running races was my full-time hobby so I was always looking over the calendar. I’ve met many wonderful people here (because runners are awesome!) and have been a club member for 12 years and an officer since 2018.

6. What direction would you like to see the club take in the future?

I love the things the club currently does in the community by keeping greenways clean and providing running gear to local high school track & cross country programs. I hope whatever direction the club goes, it continues that generosity.

7. Favorite place to run and least favorite?

My favorite place to run for many years was Kereiakes Park. At that time, I disliked running on asphalt. Then a few years ago, I suffered a foot injury and since then have preferred running streets instead of gravel. My favorite neighborhood to run is Briarwood with its nice, wide streets.

8. Are you involved with any other volunteer organizations, and if so, what are they?

Besides volunteer work at church, I am a member of the BG262 Marathon Volunteer Committee.

9. Outside of Grand Prix races, how do you pick which races in which you participate?

I am a fan of tradition & some races just become a tradition to always run! It’s fortunate that a lot of my favorites are Grand Prix races.

10. Favorite running shoes/gear that you MUST have

I run or walk in only Asics shoes!

Peter Brandt

When did you start running and what was your inspiration?

I did a little running in college & a little in my 20s. After neck surgery when I was 55 (from a motorcycle accident when I was 22), during all the PT of swimming, biking and running, my son talked me into doing a triathlon. After finishing in the top half and then winning several other triathlons in my age group, I realized I was winning because of my running, so I starting competing in more running races. I enjoy meeting anyone that can beat me in my age group.

2. What is your biggest accomplishment?

With running, it was qualifying for the Boston Marathon the first year the BG26.2 was a BQ race.

3. What is that one "not so great” run that you will never forget?

When I did back to back races - a 4 mile race in Bowling Green at the BG Ballpark and then across town a 5K at Chaney’s both on the same Saturday morning when Chuck beat me in the second race.

4. My relationship with running is _______? (love, hate, meh, complicated, etc.)

To keep myself active and healthy so that I can enjoy all my other blessings.

5. How did you find out about BGRC?

After running several races in BG and realizing the competition was so much better when all the BGRC members were there, I knew I enjoyed winning the more competitive races.

6. What direction would you like to see the club take in the future?

I’d like the club to be more open to all runners regardless of their pace or ability. I’d like the club to offer more instruction and support to make all runners better & healthier.

7. Favorite place to run and least favorite?

Favorite: In front of my house with all the wildlife - I live in the country overlooking a meadow that is a wildlife sanctuary.

Least Favorite: The NCM track at night, when it’s raining and I can’t see where I’m going.

8. Are you involved with any other volunteer organizations, and if so, what are they?

Church

9. Outside of Grand Prix races, how do you pick which races in which you participate?

I want to have a race every 3-4 weeks and when it’s convenient with my schedule.

10. Favorite running shoes/gear that you MUST have

I’ve had every muscle or joint become pushed to its limit, so a good muscle massager and a tens unit is necessary equipment to recover after a race.

Give me a short paragraph of any other fun facts about yourself, your running accomplishments/challenges, anything you want to share.

My career was several engineering positions within industry and now I do home and commercial property inspections. I find it very enjoyable to be my own boss and set my own schedule.

Cindy Brandt

1. When did you start running and what was your inspiration?

2. What is your biggest accomplishment?

3. What is that one "not so great” run that you will never forget?

1. 2. 3. I only started running after I met Peter. I had never run EVER, but at 54 years old, he talked me into trying. My first race was the Great Turkey and my daughter came to run it with me. I pulled a muscle in the first mile, but was stubborn enough that I finished by hobbling across the finish line! I guess THAT was my biggest accomplishment too! And the ‘not so great’ run I’ll never forget! But, it was the encouragement from all the others in BGRC at that race that got me out to the next race!

4. My relationship with running is _______? (love, hate, meh, complicated, etc.)

VERY intermittent- I mostly ONLY run Grand Prix races!

5. How did you find out about BGRC?

Peter was running with BGRC when we met. When PJ was ‘retiring’ and the club was in danger of folding and Paula and Peter said, “we’ve got to step up to keep this club going” I knew I wanted to help too. I’m a very organized person, so the membership, Grand Prix and high school donations seemed like an area I could take on.

6. What direction would you like to see the club take in the future?

I’d love to see more involvement by more of the members. I’d like to have the club be more relevant to the members and the kind of runs they’d like to see & I’d like to encourage the social aspect of the club.

7. Favorite place to run and least favorite?

Favorite - with my grand kids! Least favorite - trail runs and in the dark.

8. Are you involved with any other volunteer organizations, and if so, what are they? .

Church

9. Outside of Grand Prix races, how do you pick which races in which you participate?

To support a cause that’s important to me.

10. Favorite running shoes/gear that you MUST have?

Brooks shoes. Can’t run barefoot!

Paula Hayes

1. When did you start running and what was your inspiration? When my dad was sick in 2012-13ish. My inspiration was to keep my brain healthy and keep me from choking people

2. What is your biggest accomplishment? My first half marathon

3. What is that one "not so great” run that you will never forget? My second half marathon when I swear it started out warm and by the time I finished was snowing. And the 2019 10K, I’ve never wanted to quit so badly in my life

4. My relationship with running is _______? (love, hate, meh, complicated, etc.) – very complicated. My body hates it, my mind needs it and I love the friendships I’ve made over the years. There is no support like the support you get from the running community.

5. How did you find out about BGRC? The famous Nick Tunks and Alex Fitzpatrick.

6. What direction would you like to see the club take in the future? I would like to see us do more things as a group and draw in more active members. Covid has put a big damper on our gatherings, but hopefully we can get back some sort of normal this year.

7. Favorite place to run and least favorite? Favorite place is definitely in Brownsville, because it is home (and if someone sees me passed out on the side of the road they will call an ambulance and my daughter). Least favorite is probably the Mogantown five mile (the race you love to hate)

8. Are you involved with any other volunteer organizations, and if so, what are they? The Alzheimer’s Association for the last 10+ years and this year I am the Walk to End Alzheimer’s chairperson

9. Outside of Grand Prix races, how do you pick which races in which you participate? Usually when Nick (or someone else) says “hey, do you wanna go to…..” I’m in

10. Favorite running shoes/gear that you MUST have – Saucony shoes, gum and lip balm

Give me a short paragraph of any other fun facts about yourself, your running accomplishments/challenges, anything you want to share. I won my age group once (yes, there was more than just me in it) and my goal is always to pass someone along the course. My body is not enjoying running as much as it used to, but I will continue to run, walk, crawl or be pushed for as long as I can – not only for the physical activity, but to keep my brain strong and working. There are so many people out there that cannot exercise and God has given me the ability to, so I better take every chance. And if I can help someone along the way by cheering them on, encouraging them, or just smiling, it is a bonus. Even in the back of the group, someone will often say “you kept me going out there”. It’s not always about me.

Harlan Holmes

Richard Brannin

I came to Bowling Green by way of WKU in 1996 and married my wife, Kendonna, in June 1997. I didn’t become a runner until 2018.

In May of 2017, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). After my diagnosis my brother ran half marathons to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and challenged me to start running for LLS as well.

I did not know much about running, and frankly, did not think I would enjoy it. I hesitantly signed up and ran my first race in 2018 just to give it a try. I soon signed up for more 5Ks and my running journey started to take off. I completed six 5Ks that first year. I was challenged to see if I could do more than six runs per year and ran one 5K a month in 2019. Challenged once more, I joked that I would run 20 races in 2020 and exceeded my goal. Currently I run about 30 races a year, including my first half marathon in 2022.

My purpose for running is to bring God glory, run for others who cannot, and run for my health. I start my races with prayer and helping LLS by connecting my Fitbit to Charity Miles. Some of my favorite races are the Snow Flurry Scurry, the Nashville Hot Chocolate, St. Jude Rock and Roll Nashville, Wounded Warrior in Nashville, the 10K Classic, and Throo the Zoo in Louisville.

I became a member of the Bowling Green Run Club in 2022 and enjoy running with my daughter Alie Beth and the friends that I have made from being a part of the club. I now hope to be able to do my part as an officer in helping the Run Club continue to grow. Lace up and keep going!

I remember meeting at the Lovers Lane Racquetball Club many years ago to start a new running club, The Bowling Green Roadrunners. I had the opportunity to serve as President, treasurer, and newsletter chairman during the early years. It is great to see how the club has prospered over the 40 plus years.

I started running when I was 22 years old, after my sister, a smoker, challenged me. Over the past 42 years I have had the opportunity to run 100’s of races and make good friends. Like most runners, some years you run a lot, others just a little. But I never got away from the feeling of finishing a good run.

At the present time, I’m trying to run a few days a week with the goal of running the ½ marathon this November under 2 hours. But regardless of the times, the enjoyment of a good run is its own reward. I hope to be able to run a few races this spring and see all the other runners in the area. Unfortunately, most of the runners I knew years ago are no longer able to run. But it is great to see all the younger runners competing.

Currently I serve as the Treasurer for Gideons International in Kentucky. These responsibilities as well as my meetings each Saturday at 7:00 AM keep me from running the early start races. I love the fact that most cold weather races start later in the morning. This is the reason you wont see me at early start races.

I look forward to serving as equipment manager in 2024. It feels good to be back involved in the BGRR (Bowling Green Runners Club)

Sam Flener

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