Hall of fame - making waves award

EVERYTHING WE DO, EVEN THE SLIGHTEST THING, CAN HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT. WHEN WHAT WE DO HAS PASSION AND CONVICTION, THE RIPPLES CAN BECOME WAVES. WAVES CAN AFFECT EVERYTHING IN THEIR PATH. WE CAN ALL START A RIPPLE, BECOME A WAVE, AND TRAVEL GREAT DISTANCES TO TOUCH THE MOST DISTANT OF SHORES. THIS ANNUAL AWARD RECOGNIZES AND HONORS THOSE WHO HAVE MADE WAVES BY INFLUENCING AND IMPACTING THE OC MARATHON OR OTHERS BECAUSE OF THE THE OC MARATHON.

Award Recipients

CLASS OF 2024

Rudy Novotny

Rudy Novotny, the heart and voice of the OC Marathon for over two decades, has been inducted into the OC Marathon Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable career as a runner and announcer, and his significant impact on the Orange County running community. Since announcing the inaugural race in 2004, Novotny's dedication and infectious enthusiasm have guided runners through numerous races, while his influence extends nationwide, notably with Team Noisy, formed with Fitz Kohler.

CLASS OF 2023

Natalia Winter

Janet "Natalia" Winter was a passionate runner and dedicated member of the OC Marathon community, inspiring many through her participation, volunteer work, and relentless encouragement for others to join the races. Despite being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, she lived life with resilience and determination, continuing to inspire through her battle.

CLASS OF 2019

Doug Denniston

Long time teacher at Greenville Fundamental in Santa Ana. Coach Doug has had the largest youth program in Kids Run the OC for many years. He regularly has over 300 students. During Doug's time as a coach and teacher at Greenville, more than 3000 children have participated in the KROC final mile.

Tom Wilson

An original board member of the OC Marathon Foundation. Long time member of the OC board of supervisors and has been instrumental in growing the OC Marathon and the Kids Run the OC Foundation to unrepresented levels.

 
CLASS OF 2018

Al and Cindy Stokke

Al and Cindy Stokke: Original Board Members of the OC Marathon. Instrumental in building the OC Marathon from day one. Al is one of the county’s top Criminal Defense attournies and Cindy was once chair of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Jean Pasco

Jean Pasco: Original Board Member of the OC Marathon. Spent many years with LA Times and LA Register. Ran the OC Marathon multiple times and enhanced the event with her support.

CLASS OF 2017

Andrea Kooiman

Andrea Casella Kooiman: Co-Founder of WeROCK, one of our long-time charities. Ultra marathon runner. Andrea ran her first marathon at the OC Marathon. She now runs every year, and can be found on the course as the “balloon lady” acting as our course sweeper and making sure no man gets left behind.

CLASS OF 2016

Scott Baugh

Scott Baugh: The former chairman of the Orange County Republican Party is one of the founders of OC Marathon and serves on its board. The Huntington Beach resident was instrumental in bringing together community, business and political leaders to create the event.

William Scarf

William “Bill” Scarf:  Scarf’s induction was posthumous. He died of cancer in 2014 at 56. Scarff was an enthusiastic OC Marathon supporter and ran every race until he got sick. Scarff, an attorney, worked at Allergan, one of the marathon’s past sponsors. He lived in Laguna Niguel.

Steven & Allison Robert

Steven and Alison Robert- Team Jake: The Roberts participate in the OC Marathon to honor their son Jake, who was born with cerebral palsy and died in 2006 at age 4, hours after Steven (father) completed the event. Funds go to the Tustin-based OM Foundation, serving children with disabilities. The former Yorba Linda residents live in Texas.