OC Marathon Ambassadors
Martin Mayorga, Julie Moreno, Ardee Jagt, Desiree White, Ivette Cordova, Erin Sremeniak, Sharon Mexal, Cheryl Vargo, Courtney Brady, Celerina Dugat, Elizabeth Forney, Kerry Vicencia, Natalia Winter, Ismail Amin, Donovan Querubin, Justin Dugat, Rebecca Sales, Nani Lauriano, Kristin Stehly, Jenny Bradley, Naader Reda, Tyler Meier, Nicole Castillo, Becca Brockmeyer, Kristen Webster, Briana Sharp, Almi Del Villar, Victor Hurtado, Lindsay Collins, Becky Bell, Caitlin Oishi, Moises Alvarez, Megan Huston, David Valle, August Harrison, Alisha Sullivan, Christia Brockman, Rachel Svoboda, DeMarie Bottai, Marilee Pischel, Steve Pischel, Gloria Shen, Damon Barda, Sierra Marshall, Elizabeth Swaney
Follow our ambassadors for running tips, training tips, marathon fun, discounts and more!

Elizabeth Swaney
Elizabeth is a 2018 Winter Olympian and loves encouraging others to get involved in sports. She has helped others plan their athletic goals; she's a former graduate assistant track coach for Harvard Track and Field, a current USA Level II Weightlifting Coach, and was also a ski instructor for 7 years. She started running marathons and half marathons in 2018 and has since run 18 full marathons and about 20 half marathons. In addition to running, Elizabeth enjoys entertaining others as a stunt performer in films and television and helping them laugh, as a stand-up comedian.

Sierra Marshall
Sierra Marshall is a actor and stuntwoman in the entertainment industry. She is a leader and influencer in the community and aspires to inspire the people around her. Sierra started running in her home state of Pennsylvania and has now began to trek across Californian terrains. Sierra Marshall will also be running with fellow stunt woman and team mate, Elizabeth Sweany to help bring the stunt community into the world of long distance running.

Damon Barda
I run to break free, to explore inside my head, while exploring my community. I've been running for 8 years, and running allows me to uncover, and truly be myself.

Martin Mayorga
The OC Half Marathon was my very first Half Marathon race, and my very first race ever was the OC fair 5K. There is just something special about the OC Races that keep me motivated and have helped me grow through the years. They have become a yearly tradition to look forward to.
I love to run because running is growth. Running challenges you and makes you realize you can push yourself to do things you never thought you could do. Running has not only made me a healthier human, but a happier one.

Ardee Jagt
I was a late in life addict to running. Only 51 when I completed my first half marathon. In 2022 I recently completed half number 140! Being an older runner I want everyone to know if you think you can you will.

Gizelle Ponzillo
As someone who used to weigh 350 pounds and who is now an avid runner, Gizelle is now training to run her first marathon at the OC Marathon this May. She's a mom of 2 and works 2 jobs, but she still makes the time to run and to take care of her health. If she can do it, so can you!

Julie Moreno
I am 39 years old, an ER nurse and a mommy to a 4 year old girl. This is my legacy year and I love the OC Marathon because of its amazing views of the beach and the most delicious breakfast served at the VIP area after the race!
I love to run because it helps me stay physically, mentally and emotionally strong. I love sharing my passion for running and healthy living with everyone on my instagram page @julesdistancerunner. Hope to see you all at the finish line festival!

Desiree Lopez
Hi everyone! My name is Desiree and I just recently started running as an adult. Over the last 8 years running has been something that helps me to check out, relax, and de-stress while still pushing me to be better and meet my goals.
I started with 5Ks then gradually moved up in distance to 10ks and half marathons. I've completed over 50 events including 26 half marathons and 1 marathon. My favorite distance so far has been half marathons but I do look forward to training for a few more marathons in the near future. I’m beyond thrilled to be an OC Ambassador this year. This will be my 4th year running this beautiful course. I looking forward to seeing you all there. Make every run your personal best!


Coach Ray Z
I’m Coach Ray Z, I have a passion for running and fitness. I have completed over 50 marathons, Blue belt in Jiu Jitsu, USATF & Kettlebell Certified, Back to back marathons(twice), 3 marathons in 3 days(Lake Tahoe Triple)2019, Ran a marathon a month from Jan 2018 - March 2019, Stair climbed the US Bank Tower, the tallest stairwell west of the Mississippi. It’s 1,664 steps, 75 stories in 2018 & 2019. Super excited to be an OC Marathon ambassador.
Check out Coach Ray Z's posdcast!

Sharon Mexal


Courtney Brady


Ivette Cordova
Hi fellow runners! I’m Ivette from Orange County, CA. I am a very active mom and wife that loves to run/bike/hike. I also work in the Human Resources industry so, as you can imagine, it can be challenging.. going for long runs helps me keep my sane. This will be my first time running with the OC Marathon. I am ecstatic to be an ambassador and representing this event for 2021. I have a passion for running, I have since 7th grade. I was part of the Cross Country team. I ran my first 5K in Santa Ana in 2015, then my first Half Marathon in Tustin 2017. That's when I fell in love with running all over again. My biggest accomplishment was running the LA Marathon in 2019. I enjoyed every mile. I am currently training for OC Half and Run Sip Santa Barbara Hal. Busy months ahead, so you will see me out there training hard. See you at the start line on November 7, 2021!

Desiree White


Erin Sremaniak


Courtney Brady
Hello Runners! My name is Courtney Brady and I was born and raised in Orange County, California. I am a mother to two boys (8 and 11), a wife and a lawyer. I found my passion for running about five years ago when I challenged myself to run a 5k to see if I could accomplish it. Since then I've run seven ultramarathons, two marathons, and lots of half marathons and 5ks! I love running for the time it gives me to process the stress of a busy working mom life and the movement I need to feel recharged. The OC Half Marathon is my absolute favorite road race because of the awesome course and people. When I'm not training for that, you can find me in our local mountains and trails or reading (or, more realistically, living that mom life) Happy Running!

Almi Del Villar
Almi is a Nurse Practitioner and an Ultramarathoner who is on a quest to run in all US 50 states and worldwide. She has completed 4 of the World Marathon Majors with just Tokyo and London Marathons left. Almi is also an official race pacer, an ambassador for ProCompression Socks, OC Marathon, San Francisco Marathon, & Honey Stinger, and part of Team Nuun Hydration and Team Hylands Powered. She is an OC legacy runner having done the 5K, half, and full marathon distances the last couple of years. She is looking forward being a 2021 OC Marathon Ambassador!
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Jenny Bradley
Hi, I'm Jenny, I'm originally from the SF Bay Area, and I've been running for about four years now! I picked it up very casually, until my sister shared an interest in running a half marathon together. Since then I've covered the distance of one 50k, 10 marathons and 21 half marathons, plus countless training miles! The running community has kept me running strong -- first in LA and now in beautiful OC! I am always down for a run club night, and let's face it, at 38 years old and always training for something, they are my only chance at a thriving social life! As a resident of the OC for just over a year, I'm so excited to represent all this race encompasses, from the energy of the runners and community, the gorgeous course, the Beach Cities Challenge and beachside training miles!
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Kristen Webster
Hi fellow runners! I’m Kristen from Orange County, CA. I am a mom and wife that loves to run. I also work in the financial industry so, as you can imagine, life gets pretty busy. I love the OC Marathon and I am ecstatic to be representing this event for 2021. I’ll be racing the Half Marathon in May and I’m shooting for a sub 1:40. Long-term running goals include capturing that unicorn (looking for my first BQ!) and running a sub 21 min 5k. I love to run and have been injured enough to know that nothing is guaranteed. I never take a run for granted and I always run with a love for the sport.

Nicole Castillo
Hi, my name is Nicole. I’m a mother to my cat, Morris. I’m born and raised in Southern California. I’ve been running for about 8 years now. I ran my first race, a half marathon, in 2013, and I was hooked. I work the typical office job, but running and being active is a passion of mine. I’m a certified RRCA Certified Running Coach and yoga teacher. I’m a plant based runner and run the gamut of distances from the 5k to dabbling in the ultra world. I love running on both roads and trails, spectating races, hiking in the mountains, and traveling.

Briana Sharp
Briana is a management consultant and executive coach in Los Angeles. In her free time, she is an active yogi, runner and Orangetheory Fitness enthusiast. Briana got the running bug after being asked to join her friend at a half marathon in 2013... What was supposed to be "one and done" became a way of life and she will complete her 100th half marathon later this year. Briana has #RunTheOC 4 times and is excited to be back on course in 2021!

David Valle
Hey guys! I am David, a local Chiropractor of Tustin, CA. I became an avid runner back in 2016 when I signed up for my first 10k and fell in love with the sport. I enjoy being a part of the running community, listening to everyone's stories and backgrounds, and forming long lasting relationships. I am driven to inspire anyone and everyone I can to find their passion in running in any shape or form. Whether it is for their health, fitness, or just a life goal to accomplish. I hope to see each and every one of you out there and feel free to say hello anytime!

Donovan Querubin

Naader Reda

Victor Hurtado
My name is Victor Hurtado from Santa Maria, CA. I started running 6 years ago in order to lose a few pounds and be a bit more healthy. Little did I know I would lose 80 pounds and still be running. Went from having a goal of running a 1:30 half to running a 1:14 and also a goal of breaking 3 hrs for the marathon to running a 2:47. I love to run and be active. You can find me running the streets of Santa Maria on a daily basis. Follow me on Instagram as I try and reach some new goals in 2021at the OC Marathon.

Lindsay Collins
My name is Lindsay, I am a working mom who loves to run and be healthy. If I am not doing mom duties I am sneaking in a run or workout. My running goals for 2021 is Sub 2 hour Half marathon. My fitness goals is to hydrate more and eat less sugar. I try to include my Bradley's (hubby and son) in my active lifestyle, they go on hikes with me and ride their bikes while I chase them on foot!

Nani Luculescu

Becca Brockmeyer

Kerry Vicencia

Caitlin Oishi

Natalia Winter

Ismail Amin
Ismail practices as a business and intellectual property lawyer in OC, Las Vegas and Dallas. Ismail also serves on the Board of Directors for the USATF Foundation – which supports Olympic track athletes. In addition to practicing law, Ismail is a pilot and avid marathoner. He is proud to have successfully completed all six of the World Marathon Majors, earning the Abbott Labs’ Six Star Medal.

Megan Huston

Justin Dugat

Celerina Dugat

Elizabeth Forney
Hi! My name is Liz! I’m a 28 year old marathoner. I’ve always grown up loving to run, but only in the last few years did I catch the marathon bug. The OC Marathon was the third marathon I ever did, and I’m hooked. I already love Newport more than anyplace in the world, so running a marathon there made it a thousand times better! When I’m not running (which is rare) I’m hanging with my husband and golden retriever! We love to stay active and take walks and hikes!

Moises Alvarez
Moises first took notice of the running scene in 2009, when his younger sibling trained for the LA marathon. Moises was fascinated by the idea of running such distance. With an overweight and sedentary lifestyle, the thought of running a marathon seemed out of reach. It wasn’t till 2013, when Moises began to run and within months signed up for his first half marathon. Over the years Moises has participated in several marathons. His discovery of trail running gave him a new passion for running ultra’s. Now you can find him running mountainside trails on any given time. He always remembers how difficult it is to start running and train for any distance, even if it’s just recreational. He enjoys the satisfaction of helping out others train and reach their running goals.
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Alisha Sullivan
Hi, I am a Figure skating pro
with 30+ years of teaching in the OC, I currently coach at Ice Palace, I teach at Renaissance club sporty
and I run the fitness progress in Laguna Woods! Can't wait to Run the OC!

Gloria Shen
Hi, I’m Gloria. I’m an organizer of a run group in Irvine called RunOC, where I’m fortunate to cross path with runners of all levels weekly. I’m also a RRCA Certified Run Coach. I consider myself an ordinary runner; my first run 5 years ago lasted for only 2 minutes. However, I’m deeply passionate for running as it is an indispensable part of my life. I believe that if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, fast or slow, – I will see myself at the finish line. I’m currently training for my 13th Half Marathon and 4th Marathon. If I could progress from a 2-minute jogger to a marathoner, so can YOU!
“In a world full of fitness models, be an athlete.” Let’s inspire one another to be better, stronger, and healthier runners!