WE WANT YOU AS AN AMBASSADOR
Set a goal, choose a cause, and take us on your journey. Let’s go further together.
Are you ready to inspire and be inspired? Do you dream of crossing the finish line knowing you’ve made a difference? If that sounds like you, then you might just be our next Elite Ambassador!
We’re on the hunt to sponsor passionate individuals of all abilities ready to embark on a different kind of fitness journey that has greater impact. Whether you’re eyeing your first 5K, gearing up for a new distance, or have other health and fitness goals, we want to sponsor and empower you to share your story and motivate others along the way. As a RUN Ambassador, we ask that you share your stories with your local athletic communities and globally in our Facebook Group.
We select our ambassadors based on their passion for living a healthy, active lifestyle and their sphere of influence. If you’re an enthusiastic runner, cyclist, walker or all-around inspiring person, we want you to represent us. Apply to be our ambassador today.
Meet Our 2024 Elite Ambassadors
About Aiden
I’ve been running for 9 years – a hobby I picked up after sinus surgery when my doctor said I couldn’t do anything, but I could do as much “cardio” as I wanted. I asked him what cardio was, and he said running, so I took up running. I’ve actually wanted to be a runner for a long time, but health challenges held me back. Once I got those under control, I really took off. Running has helped me so much with managing and healing from PTSD, as well as helping me to finally feel strong. In 2020, I got Covid and almost died and struggled for years with Long Covid (still do a bit). In 2022, we found out I needed 5L of oxygen just to walk around. I did a summer of pulmonary rehab and last year, CRUSHED a half-marathon at 1:46. But my body pays a high price for halfs, so I’m back to 5ks. Post-covid, I have asthma. And heart arrhythmias. And sleep apnea. But I’m out here gettin’ it. I am also, as mentioned above, an autistic runner, so I do most of my stuff virtually, but I also do it honestly – by the watch/tracker/GPS. The crowds and noise and to-do is just too overwhelming for me most of the time, but I love being a runner and connecting with other runners. I love feeling the strength in my body and my wholeness. It has changed everything for me. But it’s not just about running – it’s about wellness and wholeness. It’s a lifestyle. You don’t have to be a run streaker. You don’t have to be fast as lightning. You don’t have to run hours per day. I’m learning right now the balance between run/life in a new job, and I’m learning how to pace not just my run, but my life.
About Akeem
Budding Triathlete, Amateur musician, Lego builder and Orangetheory worker and I live by it’s classes. I’ve been an ambassador for the past year or two and it’s been wonderful. I hope to motivate by my words and actions.
About Amy
I’m an elite Masters athlete with a national record in the road mile. I’m always looking for ways to improve my physical fitness and defy aging. I enhance my running with cross-training activities such as strength training and pilates. I also incorporate an unusual form of excercise every year into my training – wood stacking! I love spending time in nature. Best of all, I love spending time with people, whether through physical activity, common goals and interests, or over a nice cup of coffee 💛
About Carrie
I am 39, live in Wales and a mum to 2 extremely busy boys. I love to be outdoors exploring new places but also outdoors running in nature.
About Cliff
I restarted my running journey during the pandemic. I was 320 pounds and feeling miserable. I knew l had to fix something, otherwise it was going to be miserable for me. This started as a way to simply lose weight and get healthy. I started by walking and getting myself back out there. In 2021, l walked my first half marathon. I loved it so much l decided to start running more. I incorpoated the run/walk method and completed my 2nd half marathon in October of 2021. I put in more in 2022. I joined a relay team to complete 77.7 miles around Seneca Lake and we’re now going into our 3rd year as a team. I completed my first marathon in 2022. I started to feel better about myself and was getting healthier. In 2023, l took on fundraising for the Dup15q Alliance for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. That is when l truly discovered how much running has an impact on others. It became about the charity, the person l was running for and seeing the faces of those impacted, hearing their stories made me want to do more for others. I started pacing for others and helping them achieve their goals. I still have big goals, but that was an eye opening experience. I have since completed my 14th half marathon and am looking forward to more opportunities to help other through charity, pacing, or whatever other way l can do so. I am now a pacer for Saturday morning group runs through my home running company and love helping and seeing people crush their goals. When l’m not running, l perform with a brass band, Prime Time Brass. We play a New Orleans style. While we love to play, we love to give back. During the pandemic, we took on a large role in the community by raising funds to get iPads for a local hospital so loved ones could communicate with their family members. We also perform in welcome home ceremonies for Honor Flight and have performed in Washington, D.C. for them.
About Crystal
I am a Mom of twin boys, a special education teacher, an artist, a volunteer firefighter and so much more. I have been running since the ninth grade and have found as I grow older, that my body wants less running and more walking. I enjoy slowing down a little and have replaced a lot of my running with rucking and strength training, firmly believing that by still moving my body I can remain healthy. I routinely do at-home CrossFit/strength training to help support my volunteer position as an interior firefighter. I want to be able to keep up with my growing boys as they continue into high school sports. My main goal as an embassador is to let other moms know that they can be more, that they can take charge of their fitness and do things they enjoy, that everyone’s fitness will look different and that’s completely okay.
About Jason
I’m 43 years of age. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I reside in long Beach currently and for the last 12 years. I work in the food industry. I fell in love with running in 2020 and I haven’t stopped. Running has helped me unlock all the potential that was held captive inside me. I would easily say that running has Ultimately saved my life. Running is my therapy!
About Juan
Hello my name is Juan and I’m 43 years old. Living and running out of Caldwell Idaho. Originally born and raised in El Paso Tx. Been running since August of 2017. I got into running to shed a few lbs and fell in love with it before I even knew. I’ve ran some crazy distances including finishing 1 100 mile race. Fun fact about me I am a cat lover! Looking forward to motivating fellow runner and being motivated myself as well.
About Kat
I am a mother of 3 kids, married to my husband for the 16 years. Both my husband and I work in education and love it. We raise our family in the KC metro. We love to take family trips to new and familiar places and spend time outside. My favorite places to run and walk are in nature, on a trail or if i can, the mountains.
About Kelsey
I am a mother of 3 who fell in love with running as a way to cope with Postpartum Depression. It helped me feel better mental, emotionally, and physically. I also managed to lose 60 pounds which has allowed me to better keep up with my kids!
About Liz
I am one that loves the outdoors, can never stop moving and enjoy finding healthy ways of eating, moving, supporting my family and others. I take joy in helping others find their best selves on a fitness level. I have two girls about to venture out into the world on their own and am married looking forward to see what this next chapter of life has to hold for us.
About Louise
I am a mum to two angels and two children age 6 & 3. I have competed at the British and European games for the past three years and intend to train to qualify at worlds this year. I work for a hospital charity and in my spare time fundraise for multiple causes. I am running my first 33 mile ultra on 6th July solo from my son and daughter grave to the hospital that saved my life. This is my story: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/24137170.easingwold-mum-nominated-two-yorkshire-choice-awards/
About Melissa
About Pamela
I’m 60 years old. I’ve been running since my dad inspired me to join him on his daily jogs when I was 11 years old (He was in his 30s). I ran track and cross country in high school and college. I’ve run 37 marathons, and multiple half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, etc. One of my favorite things is running with my dog(s). I’ve alway had a dog, and they’ve all been my running partners. When my dad and I started running together, we brought along Fred, our beautiful mutt. My current canine running partner is Lollipop, a 16-year old Golden Retriever. I do a warm-up run, “Lollipop’s Morning Mile,” with her every day. She used to do long-distance marathon training with me, but she’s cut back on her mileage in her old age. After her morning mile, I drop her off at home and continue on for more miles. Lollipop will be a part of my Ambassadorship. I have three adult children, plus two daughters-in-law, two foster grandchildren, and my first biological grandchild will be born any minute now. I also have 3 grand pups. I love getting my kids involved in my running events, whether it’s running with me, or supporting me as spectators. My husband of 33 years also supports me, but he doesn’t love to travel to my non-local marathons. He’s going to Sydney with me though! The Abbott World Marathon Age Group Championships with take place on our 34th anniversary, and he’ll be there cheering me on. Other than being a runner and a mother/grandmother, I am a Christian involved in my church and various ministries, I love to travel, I’m a proud native of New Mexico–the Land of Enchantment, but I’ve lived in Colorado for 30 years, and I also love it here. I love the outdoors and mountains, and I especially love sunshine. I have a Ph.D. in cardiovascular physiology, and I worked on the research faculty at CU for many years. I ultimately stepped down from that position so I could spend more time with my family. I love my family a lot! Now I work from home, managing an investment partnership. This gives me much flexibility in running & working out and traveling. In addition to running (my main activity), I also swim and cycle, and I like to participate in triathlons. I never thought I would want to do an Ironman distance, but now that I’ve done some half Ironmans, the full Ironman is calling me. I think I should try to complete that before I get much older!
About Rik
I am a GPS runner from Coralville, IA. I am known as the Human Etch-A-Sketch. I lost my 3 year old son Armstrong in 2009 after a brief battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer). I have honored his memory by using GPS and sketching names of children who are battling or have been taken by cancer. I have been featured on ESPN and in 2020, completed a goal of sketching at least one name in all 99 counties in Iowa. Currently, I have sketched names in 183 different locations from 24 different states and two foreign countries (Canada and Qatar). He has run over 20,000 miles since he started running in 2009. He has run for over 2000 individuals, dedicating most of his runs to bring awareness to childhood cancer. I passed 11,000 gps miles in December of 2023. You can check out my story at www.runforarmstrong.com
About Shakira
I am 42 years old about 3 years ago i was at my heaviest weight. Menopause hit at 38 so it was a struggle. With the right diet, fitness, running, hiking, yoga and support of my family I have been able to lose the weight. I want to be able to help others do the same thing!
About Steve
I started running in May 2013 after losing some 40 lbs while training to test for my Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Kenpo Karate. I didn’t want to lose all that fitness I had gained and one evening I went for a walk that turned into a 5K walk/run. I went back two days later and despite always hating running (with a passion I might say) when I was younger (I was 42 back in 2013), I had fun. The walk portions got shorter, the run portion longer and I eventually got to running non stop. I’ve run 5K’s, 10K’s, half marathons and 7 marathons including Boston in the big deluge of 2018. In 2019 I was getting close to stop running completely, kind of tired with the constant training to push myself, until I decided to drop out of organized racing and gave run streaking a shot for the last month of the year. By then, Malcolm had been running with me for about 3 years and was well used to going many days in a row. We’ve not missed a day since, no matter the weather. I still have no plan to run an organized race but running daily is a special thing in itself and has taught me I need to listen my body when it speaks to me. To be able to run every day with my boy Malcolm brings me a great deal of fun and inner peace and THAT, I plan to keep on doing for as long as we’ll be able to. I do lead by example and hope people follow us on Malcolm’s Facebook page, Malcolm’s Runfies where we post our daily pics and talk about our run of the day.
About Suzanne
I found Running in 2007-8 and it truly has saved my life. Being in recovery from alcohol since 2016… the road, the pavement and my journey has been one of up and downs. I have overcome personal struggles, such as being overweight to low self-esteem, and of course alcohol, finally finding the balance to light my torch of joy. I am a Wife, a Mom of 2 beautiful girls, and a nurse in my community, I now spend my days trying to give back, and inspire those who feel lost, lonely, and hopeless. I believe my blueprint of such a raw and powerful journey was placed in motion long before I was. This is my true purpose and despite it all…life has been very very good to me 💙.
Meet Our Elite Ambassador Alumnae
About Angel
I live in Texas and enjoy running, trail running and hiking. I have been running consistently for 3 years and counting! I enjoy the half marathon distance the most. I am also a rowing instructor and love to motivate people to become their best, inside and out. Inspiring people through my fitness journey and messages makes me feel good. I enjoy making people feel included, and sharing good, genuine energy with them.
About Anupam
I’m based out of Greater Noida (a suburb of New Delhi) in India and am a Solutions Architect. I began a fitness regime in 2017 and added cycling and running in 2019. I’ve never looked back and it’s part of my DNA now to be active and try to be a better me today than yesterday. Running changed my life. That gives me confidence that it will change (and is changing) others’ lives for the better too, in many spheres of life – work, sport, family, anything. I recently completed something I have been wanting to do for years – a 100 km run! I completed it in 12 hours and am looking forward to doing more such runs in the future! I wish for people to know their hidden potential and begin seeing challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. As an ambassador for RTCL, I hope to have an international medium and the support to drive home my core message of “you can do it.”
About Mr. Bill
Minnesota needs a Rep!!! I’m a Husband to Jean, Dad to Drew & Jessica, Pastor of Student Ministries at Grace Church in Roseville, MN. I Love Jesus, People & Fun! LIVIN’ Life 2 the Full!
About Chris
I was losing myself about 5 years ago, failing marriage, overweight, depressed and close to diabetes. I started cycling to work and exercise biking, and lost 3 stone. My job role changed and I couldn’t cycle so a friend suggested couch to 5K and I signed up to raise money for a charity on a fun run. I haven’t looked back. My mental health has improved along with my physical health. I’m so much happier now, and love encouraging others to improve their lives.
About Danielle
I started running during lockdown 2020. I completed ct5k. I started running virtually with another girl and we motivated each other. We have now trained to do a half marathon which I will be completing in a few weeks. I have a marathon planned for next year. I have done the 3 peaks (Yorkshire) hiking and total warrior obstacle course. I went from doing nothing active to be really active. I have been able to come of my anxiety meds as a result. Exercise has helped me be the best mum I can be for my 3 year old. I like to motivate others to achieve what they didn’t think was possible. Posting my activities keeps me accountable and makes me proud of them. I would like to inspire someone starting out and help them believe they can achieve something more.
About Jason
I am a U.S. Army Veteran that currently works on steam sterilizers and ultra low freezers. I love woodworking and all kinds of art. I have created a passion for running and my passion for running has grown significantly since I quit smoking in September of 2019. My inspiration to change my life to a healthier lifestyle is so that I can break generations of self destruction and be a positive role model to those who look up to me. I enjoy challenging myself in everything I do. My current goals is to run 100 miles every month in the year of 2021. I have challenged myself to sign up for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and I am looking forward to continuing the practice of BJJ for foreseeable future. Most importantly I love spending time with my beautiful Wife, my amazingly talented son, and my two crazy dogs. I am dedicated to leading them to be the best version of themselves.
About Corinne
I am half French (was born in France and my mom is French) and half American (dad is American) and am bilingual. I have travelled to and lived in Europe, Southeast Asia and many U.S. States. I served 13 years in the US Air Force before moving to Colorado in 1993. I am a fitness enthusiast and just simply love to move! I love the feeling of staying healthy and being the best version of myself, and if I can help others along in my journey, then I will have been successful in promoting a healthy lifestyle in addition to living one!
About Karen
The name RUN to Change Lives alone captured my attention at first. Since joining the Facebook page I realize that the message promoted and also the efforts of the team reflects that of the name. (Promoting healthy life styles and encouraging others as well to do the same in an effort to improve/save lives). I strongly believe that healthy eating habits and exercise/ running/ walking can improve/save a life 
About Karen
I enjoy running, trail running, cycling and triathlons. In 2018, I lost 2 stone through Slimming World and wanted to find something to compliment my weight loss. Since lock down, I haven’t looked back. I am over 600 days into a consecutive running streak. I work in a school for children with special educational needs and I recently qualified as a teacher. Running helps my mental health, and I love the great outdoors. Running has taught me to never give up and always strive to be the best version of myself.
About Kim
I’m a child of God, pastor’s wife, boy mom of teenagers, special needs mom, and college student working toward my exercise science degree in my 40s. Life is good. I love encouraging and motivating others. I started my fitness journal in my late 30s and I want people to understand it’s never too late to begin!
About Laura
I am passionate in my belief that running positively impacts lives. I started running as a teenager and ran competitively in high school, college and beyond. Running has been a mainstay of who I am and in addition to keeping me healthy, it has helped me through all of life’s toughest challenges! I am proud also to have seen my own commitment to running rub off on several people over the years (friends, nannies, my own children!). Since becoming aware of RUN to Change Lives, I have been in love with the message RTCL promotes and I am honored to be able to support the RTCL mission as an Ambassador. I am dedicated to fitness and health, mental and emotional well-being, kindness and faith, compassion and community, creativity and finding joy. I seek to contribute to this community in all those realms.
About Meagan
I want to share my journey to help others in finding/continuing their path in how running/walking and truly being active is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. The journey within and the different strides and changes you make to which can also impact others. Small simple goals can becoming life changing ways and motivation others can gravitate to. Many people already know me in the community and across the Denver Metro area – and it’s time to expand that outside of baseball and for something that’s truly close to my heart differently.
About Melissa
My fitness experience began nearly 27 years ago when I learned that I had the choice to include fitness in my life or not. I chose fitness and it has been a part of my life every since. My first attempt at fitness was to just get moving & so I began walking and that progressively led to running, something I never thought I would be passionate about. And, here I am!! There have been up’s & down’s throughout my journey, though the number one thing is that fitness has stayed in my life and so it will continue. There is so much gained through fitness, health, strength, motivation, experience, inspiration, mindset, community, engaging with like minded people and so much more. Fitness helps me to be a better person and I enjoy helping others to learn, find, refine, rejuvenate, etc. their fitness journey.
About Paula
I am a runner mama of two and a wife to an amazing, hardworking husband! I work as a daycare provider from my home and being with kids has always been my passion. This job helps me stay active. We all know that kids do not sit still for long! I am in love with anything and everything running and hope to run a marathon one day. Being an ambassador for RTCL means so much to me. I see how running has impacted so many people’s lives in the best of ways!
About Ragan
I’m a RTCL ambassador because I love bringing people together! I love the support and encouragement others bring to a team or group of people! We cannot do life alone, everyone needs someone in their corner and I think this group does just that. Running truly does change a person’s life!
About Sarah
My running adventures really didn’t take off until I discovered Run to Change Lives. The monthly challenges, and contributions to the community, are very motivating and inspires me to try to do better than I did the day before, either as a runner or a member of my community.
As an ambassador for Run to Change Lives, I’m hoping to inspire other mothers in the running community.
About Stewart
I love to run it’s my way of escape especially over the trails over Cannock Chase which is my local running beauty spot. I ran the London Marathon in 2019 and have a tattoo to commemorate it as well as other tattoos which are a story of my life. I love to try different things in terms of outside activities like axe throwing, paddle boarding I do still have a long board surfboard and skateboard which I still use. I would like to become an ambassador to help motivate people to get out there and do some exercise not just for your athletic health and to get fit but also for their mental health. I never ran 4 years ago but a health scare was enough for me to get my butt into gear.
About Steve
Since joining the original QuaRUNtine challenge in April with Run to Change Lives, I have been impressed with how the group has grown and the incredible support we provide each other. Jason and Gina do a great job in organizing the events and keeping things coordinated. I think RUN to Change Lives is a great way to combine my passion for running with the goal of doing good in our communities and doing our part to make the world a better place.
About Lynne
I have been a member of RUN to Change Lives since July 2020 and am continually astounded by what a wonderful group it is – it is SO supportive and friendly, with lots of good advice, and of course the charitable work is absolutely amazing. I am also a coach in the Ask a Coach group. I love helping people and think I can bring my experience, expertise and enthusiasm as a fitness professional and experienced runner to even more people as a RTCL ambassador. I am passionate about spreading the word about how great the running/fitness lifestyle is!
About Marissa
I really want to let everyone know that “Yes, you can do this!” You don’t have to be a super runner – super fast, high miles. If you’re putting one foot in front of the other, you are a runner. And walking is ok. Just get up and move, and do it with a smile. I’d love to motivate everyone, and especially our members who may not post as often, but are “lurking.” We know you’re there and you matter too!
About Valerie
The Run to Change Lives group has been a fixture in my life for more than a year, and I have never experienced such support, kindness, understanding, and care anywhere else in my life except for in graduate school with a group of people studying to be therapists. The community of RTCL is something that I want everyone to have the chance to experience, and if I can use my voice and my example to provide for that, I will be endlessly proud. There are so many possible activities, groups, and causes to choose from with one’s valuable time. and RTCL is the one I’ve felt such a connection to that I am thrilled to contribute and participate.
About Alexa
I started working out at Orangetheory in January 2019 but wasn’t convinced I could actually run until January 2020. My friend convinced me to sign up for my first half marathon that spring, and the rest is history. I was invited to this group when I moved to Colorado and it has been great for encouragement, reassurance, and motivation. I hope to help provide those same things to others that find this group.
About Scott
I have a passion for running! When you have passion you become successful at whatever you set your mind to. I want to make a difference in the lives of others by using my passion for running. I want to encourage others to accomplish their goals and help them believe that anything is possible.
About Valetta
Besides sharing my love for an active and healthy lifestyle and being a friendly motivator to others, I believe the RUN to Change Lives ambassadors should represent the many different faces and lives that gather here to connect, encourage, and move. We should make sure all our friends feel welcome and supported.
About Erin
I want to share my love and passion for the importance of taking care of your body. I want to inspire others and encourage others to do what they can mentally and physically to improve their quality of live
About Adi
I joined RTCL for the May challenge knowing nothing about the group and within a week I fell in love with the group and everyone in it. I’m a huge people person and the camaraderie of RTCL! I’m passionate about the Vision and want to be a pivotal part of growing our group. I’ve put my whole heart into the group and see it as one big family ❤️ What’s better than that, the answer is nothing!
About Jason
I have a passion to help others and for running. RTCL allows me to bring those together to bring those passions to others. I want to spread the vision of RTCL to as many people as possible in order to build passion for running through service to others.
About Kendra
The energy and encouragement this group provides has proven to be vital to my overall health. I was burnt out from racing and pushing myself to go faster that I didn’t want to really run anymore but didn’t know what else to do. The community has brought me back to why I run. I’ve never been a part of the running community, like many, I just run for fitness, I didn’t think I fit in to the “running world”; RTCL has changed that. We come from all backgrounds, for all reasons, to support and be there for each other. I believe I can be a positive force to the community and provide support to all levels.
About Chance
I have found this group to be very inspirational! It helps keep me motivated and I enjoy motivating others! I’d write more but I’m at 14,000 feet and I can’t feel my fingers… 
About Claire
I love to run and have done any distance from 5km to ultra marathon. I am currently on day 326 of a run every day streak. I also love to sing, love animals and love to cook. I am passionate about the cause and have changed my life through fitness. I used to be 70lbs heavier.
About Alan
I started running 6 years ago. I was 86kg and found that I cannot even cross a single overhead bridge. I was leading a unhealthy lifestyle of impulsive eating and drinking. There comes a day I was looking into the mirror and realised that I need to do something about my life and my health. I started to do brisk walk to get myself accustomed and started running with 1km, 3km ,5km and eventually I can now run 57km at one go. From once a week running to almost daily run. Running has changed me physically and most importantly, mentally. I am mentally stronger, physically fitter. And I have not fallen sick for the last 5 years. I have been active in the running circles in Singapore. I would like to see more people to take up running and help them transform their life and health.
Kelsey Owens
My Running Story I have been running for 6 years [...]
RTCL Ambassador: Melissa Purcell
What's your running "story"? The thought of considering myself a [...]