Meet our 2025 Race Ambassador Team!
We’re proud to announce our 2025 Race Ambassadors! Each of our 16 Race Ambassadors bring something unique to our community. They range in age, pace and background, but together they are dedicated to seeing and helping others succeed in their own journey. Keep reading to learn more about our Race Ambassadors and connect with them.
Courtney Chase, 2025 Ambassador Captain
From: Auburn Hills, MI
Connect with Courtney on Instagram: @court_chase1
Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Court! A returning 2024 Freep Ambassador. I’ve been running for over six years now, completing 8 half marathons, 2 Tough Mudder 10 milers, and countless other events. My journey started right here in Detroit with my first half marathon in 2019, and since then, I’ve been hooked on the Freep. Last year, as an Ambassador, I kicked off the season fresh out of knee surgery. But I made what may have been one of the best recoveries and comebacks making the impossible, possible. Throughout the summer and early fall, I set personal records in every distance except the full marathon, because I had never run one. That was supposed to be my October goal with the Freep, but unfortunately had to sit out from another knee accident. Can you imagine having two knee surgeries in one year and still being determined to run? Despite my lifetime total reaching 6, my passion for running never wavered. Sharing my story has always been about showing others that they can overcome challenges, too. You. Can. Do. Hard. Things. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is the race that means the most to me because of the incredible community that surrounds it. I’m currently the content creator for the Avenue Runners and Walkers group, which meets every Wednesday, and I love sharing my passion for running with others. This year, I’ll be running the International Half Marathon with the Detroit Free Press, and my only goal is to keep getting stronger and spread joy amongst the running community.
Bio: Nathan has been a runner for 17 years, balancing his passion for running with the demands of work and parenting four kids. In 2020, during the COVID outbreak, he used running as a tool to transform his health, losing 30 lbs. Along the way, Nate became a strong advocate for incorporating weight training to enhance running performance and prevent injuries. He ran his first full marathon in 2023 and followed it up with the Detroit Free Press International Full Marathon in 2024, where he achieved a personal best of 3:19. His future goal is to keep improving, qualify for Boston, and stay injury free.
Bio: I began running for pleasure in 2021, a late start that was sparked during the pandemic, seeking a way to stay active and grounded. Since then, my journey has been transformative. I am a Vice-Captain of Black Men Run Phoenix, a community that supports and motivates men of color to stay active and healthy. Additionally, I am proud to serve as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Ambassador. The ambassador role has given me the chance to inspire others and as well be inspired. I’m especially excited to represent as an ambassador at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in my home state. It’s an incredible opportunity to share my love for running and give back to the running community that has helped me grow.
Bio: Jenny has been running since 2018. It all started when she went for a little jog in her neighborhood and a friend convinced her to sign up for a 5K. After crossing that finish line for the first time, she was hooked! After having an injury in 2023 that required surgery, and deferred the Free Press Half Marathon race, she realized that she needed to have a different approach to running. Running intervals was a complete game changer and Jenny crossed the Detroit Free Press half marathon finish line in 2024! Jenny is also an interval pacing coach for the Team Running Lab running group. Jenny’s goal for 2025 is to run her first ever full marathon and it will be at the Detroit Press Marathon.
Bio: Liv started running when gyms closed during quarantine. Despite previously hating the sport, she finally experienced the runner’s high and got hooked. Running has provided her a community and an outlet that she credits for saving her life through mental health struggles. Liv completed her first marathon at the 2024 Detroit Marathon, and she is looking to complete many more.
Parker Schaefer, 2025 Ambassador
From: Windsor, ON
Connect with Parker on Instagram: @schaefer.parker
Bio: Parker is a dedicated educator and passionate runner who finds inspiration in the classroom and on the trails. Running has been a vital part of his daily life, helping him cultivate discipline, resilience, and a sense of adventure. Parker has completed numerous marathons and has started branching out into ultramarathons, always pushing himself to go further. His ultimate goal is to race ultramarathons exceeding 100 miles, proving that with perseverance, the possibilities are limitless. Whether guiding his students toward success or conquering long-distance challenges, Parker is always moving forward!
Rachel Birchmeier, 2025 Ambassador
From: Clawson, MI
Connect with Rachel on Instagram: @rachel_birchmeier
Bio: Rachel’s running journey began in middle school when she joined the cross-country team, and it’s been a consistent part of her life ever since. After running the Detroit Free Press Marathon relay as a high school senior, she returned to the event as a full marathoner in 2022 and ran it again in 2023. Since then, Rachel has completed 5 full marathons, 3 half marathons, and numerous other races. Running has connected her to many people in the running community and provided countless experiences along the way. She’s excited to take on the Detroit Free Press Marathon again in 2025.
Bio: Jaden, a Lansing, MI-based runner competed for four years at Olivet College (now the University of Olivet). In recent years, he has participated in the Detroit International Half Marathon — where he especially enjoyed running along Riverside Drive in Windsor, ON — and volunteered twice in Windsor as part of the Detroit Marathon. This year, he aims to break his four-year-old personal best in the marathon at Detroit.
Bio: Danny has been using running as a workout for most of his life. In 2019, he started attending a run club, RFB Royal Oak, which helped him find a new love for running and started taking it seriously. He decided running a marathon was a goal to hit before turning 40 and completed the Detroit Full Marathon in 2022. In 2024, Danny completed the Berlin Marathon and has decided completing the 7 World Majors is his new running goal.
Bio: Julia is a firm believer in the concept that if you want to do something great, you can. It just takes believing in yourself enough to do the work. She didn’t start running until after she became a mother & after first using it as an escape from the chaos, running quickly turned into a deep passion. Now, she chases three little girls & her dreams. It was happenstance that she ended up in Detroit. After being sick & unable to run the marathon she had trained for, she snagged a bib just before midnight on the last night to transfer. While running up the Ambassador Bridge towards Canada, she knew that this was the place she was meant to run. To her, Detroit is more than a race. It’s a life-changing experience.
Bio: Lauren received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wayne State University in 2014. Lauren ran and coached cross country and track at the collegiate level and has also coached at the high school level. Her background as an endurance athlete led to her having a special interest in treating overuse/athletic injuries with the use of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to obtain optimal sport-specific technique. In addition, she is married with two boys and has a dog. She is a Latina runner and can speak Spanish. She has recently entered the world of personal run coaching and is loving every second of being a part of other runners’ growth and journey to staying injury free while doing what they love. She is currently training for Boston but loves running any distance from 5k to marathon! Her first Detroit race was the full marathon in 2014, and she also ran the 5k in 2022. She has volunteered at aid stations and the start/finish line for Detroit for many years.
Bio: Bonnie began running 10 years ago for her physical health and had a personal goal to complete a Half Marathon. Years later after completing numerous half marathons, she completed her first Marathon in 2019, the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Bonnie stays active in her local running community by participating and volunteering at local races. She is a RRCA certified running coach and on the board of the Toledo Roadrunners Club. Bonnie has met some of her closest friends through running and thinks the running community is simply the best. She believes miles are miles and forward is pace. She enjoys connecting with others and encouraging them to be active.
When not running, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending sporting events, and hanging out with her cats.
Bio: Jason started running when his job transferred him from Southern California to Northern Virginia in 2015 when a coworker hosted a 5k in NJ to raise money for his grandson that was undergoing a lung transplant operation. Jason moved back home to Royal Oak in 2018, joined a few local running groups and signed up for Freep Marathon thinking it was a one-time bucket list goal. 2025 will be his 5th consecutive Freep Marathon and he plans to keep the Freep marathon streak going as long as possible. He is currently training for the Bayshore Marathon with his 4-year-old daughter who will be running her first Kids Marathon.
Bio: I am originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan and currently living in Boulder, Colorado. Movement and sport have been a huge factor in my life for as long as I can remember. I was a collegiate athlete on the women’s soccer team for 4 years at Indiana Tech. After graduation, I wanted a hobby where I could build community and continue to challenge myself. I love running for mental health, to connect with my body, and have fun with others. I am a NASM certified personal trainer and have my master’s degree in psychology. I love helping others develop a healthy relationship with their mind and body. This year I will be running my 3rd marathon at the Freep and aiming to qualify for Boston. I am a self-proclaimed playlist queen and one of my favorite parts of running is jamming to my favorite songs! I cannot wait to see you all at the finish line.
Bio: Erin Snapp loves exercise in all forms but is always pulled back to running for its accessibility and freeing feeling. Since around middle school, she has used running to cope with various battles that life has presented. She holds an MS in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Psychology. After finishing school, she came back to her goal of running a half marathon and completed the DFP International Half Marathon in 2023. Feeling so motivated by the accomplishment, she signed up for the 2024 DFP full marathon on the day registration opened! It was a lot harder than she had anticipated but is still so proud to have finished. Erin is most passionate about making physical activity accessible for everyone and ensuring that all runners know they belong here. Professionally, she is a group fitness coach and yoga instructor at Lifetime Canton and adjunct faculty at Wayne State.
Jessica Hughes, 2025 Ambassador
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Connect with Jessica on Instagram: @jessica_hughess
Bio: My name is Jessica Hughes, and I am so excited to be an ambassador for the 2025 Detroit free press marathon! I am 24 years old, live in Grand Rapids, MI and work as a registered nurse at a level 1 trauma center in the trauma ICU. I’ve been a huge long distance runner since 2014 and have completed 9 marathons. Out of every marathon I’ve done Detroit is my absolute favorite and so special to me. Detroit was my first marathon in 2018, and I have done it a total of 5 times. I am also part of a running club called society track club and teach group fitness classes. My parents and 2 sisters all run, and they are my biggest supporters. I cannot wait to lead and encourage people to run the best half/full marathons in Detroit this year!
Meet our 2025 Race Ambassador Team!
We’re proud to announce our 2025 Race Ambassadors! Each of our 16 Race Ambassadors bring something unique to our community. They range in age, pace and background, but together they are dedicated to seeing and helping others succeed in their own journey. Keep reading to learn more about our Race Ambassadors and connect with them.
Courtney Chase, 2025 Ambassador Captain
From: Auburn Hills, MI
Connect with Courtney on Instagram: @court_chase1
Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Court! A returning 2024 Freep Ambassador. I’ve been running for over six years now, completing 8 half marathons, 2 Tough Mudder 10 milers, and countless other events. My journey started right here in Detroit with my first half marathon in 2019, and since then, I’ve been hooked on the Freep. Last year, as an Ambassador, I kicked off the season fresh out of knee surgery. But I made what may have been one of the best recoveries and comebacks making the impossible, possible. Throughout the summer and early fall, I set personal records in every distance except the full marathon, because I had never run one. That was supposed to be my October goal with the Freep, but unfortunately had to sit out from another knee accident. Can you imagine having two knee surgeries in one year and still being determined to run? Despite my lifetime total reaching 6, my passion for running never wavered. Sharing my story has always been about showing others that they can overcome challenges, too. You. Can. Do. Hard. Things. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is the race that means the most to me because of the incredible community that surrounds it. I’m currently the content creator for the Avenue Runners and Walkers group, which meets every Wednesday, and I love sharing my passion for running with others. This year, I’ll be running the International Half Marathon with the Detroit Free Press, and my only goal is to keep getting stronger and spread joy amongst the running community.
Bio: Nathan has been a runner for 17 years, balancing his passion for running with the demands of work and parenting four kids. In 2020, during the COVID outbreak, he used running as a tool to transform his health, losing 30 lbs. Along the way, Nate became a strong advocate for incorporating weight training to enhance running performance and prevent injuries. He ran his first full marathon in 2023 and followed it up with the Detroit Free Press International Full Marathon in 2024, where he achieved a personal best of 3:19. His future goal is to keep improving, qualify for Boston, and stay injury free.
Bio: I began running for pleasure in 2021, a late start that was sparked during the pandemic, seeking a way to stay active and grounded. Since then, my journey has been transformative. I am a Vice-Captain of Black Men Run Phoenix, a community that supports and motivates men of color to stay active and healthy. Additionally, I am proud to serve as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Ambassador. The ambassador role has given me the chance to inspire others and as well be inspired. I’m especially excited to represent as an ambassador at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in my home state. It’s an incredible opportunity to share my love for running and give back to the running community that has helped me grow.
Bio: Jenny has been running since 2018. It all started when she went for a little jog in her neighborhood and a friend convinced her to sign up for a 5K. After crossing that finish line for the first time, she was hooked! After having an injury in 2023 that required surgery, and deferred the Free Press Half Marathon race, she realized that she needed to have a different approach to running. Running intervals was a complete game changer and Jenny crossed the Detroit Free Press half marathon finish line in 2024! Jenny is also an interval pacing coach for the Team Running Lab running group. Jenny’s goal for 2025 is to run her first ever full marathon and it will be at the Detroit Press Marathon.
Bio: Liv started running when gyms closed during quarantine. Despite previously hating the sport, she finally experienced the runner’s high and got hooked. Running has provided her a community and an outlet that she credits for saving her life through mental health struggles. Liv completed her first marathon at the 2024 Detroit Marathon, and she is looking to complete many more.
Parker Schaefer, 2025 Ambassador
From: Windsor, ON
Connect with Parker on Instagram: @schaefer.parker
Bio: Parker is a dedicated educator and passionate runner who finds inspiration in the classroom and on the trails. Running has been a vital part of his daily life, helping him cultivate discipline, resilience, and a sense of adventure. Parker has completed numerous marathons and has started branching out into ultramarathons, always pushing himself to go further. His ultimate goal is to race ultramarathons exceeding 100 miles, proving that with perseverance, the possibilities are limitless. Whether guiding his students toward success or conquering long-distance challenges, Parker is always moving forward!
Rachel Birchmeier, 2025 Ambassador
From: Clawson, MI
Connect with Rachel on Instagram: @rachel_birchmeier
Bio: Rachel’s running journey began in middle school when she joined the cross-country team, and it’s been a consistent part of her life ever since. After running the Detroit Free Press Marathon relay as a high school senior, she returned to the event as a full marathoner in 2022 and ran it again in 2023. Since then, Rachel has completed 5 full marathons, 3 half marathons, and numerous other races. Running has connected her to many people in the running community and provided countless experiences along the way. She’s excited to take on the Detroit Free Press Marathon again in 2025.
Bio: Jaden, a Lansing, MI-based runner competed for four years at Olivet College (now the University of Olivet). In recent years, he has participated in the Detroit International Half Marathon — where he especially enjoyed running along Riverside Drive in Windsor, ON — and volunteered twice in Windsor as part of the Detroit Marathon. This year, he aims to break his four-year-old personal best in the marathon at Detroit.
Bio: Danny has been using running as a workout for most of his life. In 2019, he started attending a run club, RFB Royal Oak, which helped him find a new love for running and started taking it seriously. He decided running a marathon was a goal to hit before turning 40 and completed the Detroit Full Marathon in 2022. In 2024, Danny completed the Berlin Marathon and has decided completing the 7 World Majors is his new running goal.
Bio: Julia is a firm believer in the concept that if you want to do something great, you can. It just takes believing in yourself enough to do the work. She didn’t start running until after she became a mother & after first using it as an escape from the chaos, running quickly turned into a deep passion. Now, she chases three little girls & her dreams. It was happenstance that she ended up in Detroit. After being sick & unable to run the marathon she had trained for, she snagged a bib just before midnight on the last night to transfer. While running up the Ambassador Bridge towards Canada, she knew that this was the place she was meant to run. To her, Detroit is more than a race. It’s a life-changing experience.
Bio: Lauren received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wayne State University in 2014. Lauren ran and coached cross country and track at the collegiate level and has also coached at the high school level. Her background as an endurance athlete led to her having a special interest in treating overuse/athletic injuries with the use of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to obtain optimal sport-specific technique. In addition, she is married with two boys and has a dog. She is a Latina runner and can speak Spanish. She has recently entered the world of personal run coaching and is loving every second of being a part of other runners’ growth and journey to staying injury free while doing what they love. She is currently training for Boston but loves running any distance from 5k to marathon! Her first Detroit race was the full marathon in 2014, and she also ran the 5k in 2022. She has volunteered at aid stations and the start/finish line for Detroit for many years.
Bio: Bonnie began running 10 years ago for her physical health and had a personal goal to complete a Half Marathon. Years later after completing numerous half marathons, she completed her first Marathon in 2019, the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Bonnie stays active in her local running community by participating and volunteering at local races. She is a RRCA certified running coach and on the board of the Toledo Roadrunners Club. Bonnie has met some of her closest friends through running and thinks the running community is simply the best. She believes miles are miles and forward is pace. She enjoys connecting with others and encouraging them to be active.
When not running, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending sporting events, and hanging out with her cats.
Bio: Jason started running when his job transferred him from Southern California to Northern Virginia in 2015 when a coworker hosted a 5k in NJ to raise money for his grandson that was undergoing a lung transplant operation. Jason moved back home to Royal Oak in 2018, joined a few local running groups and signed up for Freep Marathon thinking it was a one-time bucket list goal. 2025 will be his 5th consecutive Freep Marathon and he plans to keep the Freep marathon streak going as long as possible. He is currently training for the Bayshore Marathon with his 4-year-old daughter who will be running her first Kids Marathon.
Bio: I am originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan and currently living in Boulder, Colorado. Movement and sport have been a huge factor in my life for as long as I can remember. I was a collegiate athlete on the women’s soccer team for 4 years at Indiana Tech. After graduation, I wanted a hobby where I could build community and continue to challenge myself. I love running for mental health, to connect with my body, and have fun with others. I am a NASM certified personal trainer and have my master’s degree in psychology. I love helping others develop a healthy relationship with their mind and body. This year I will be running my 3rd marathon at the Freep and aiming to qualify for Boston. I am a self-proclaimed playlist queen and one of my favorite parts of running is jamming to my favorite songs! I cannot wait to see you all at the finish line.
Bio: Erin Snapp loves exercise in all forms but is always pulled back to running for its accessibility and freeing feeling. Since around middle school, she has used running to cope with various battles that life has presented. She holds an MS in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Psychology. After finishing school, she came back to her goal of running a half marathon and completed the DFP International Half Marathon in 2023. Feeling so motivated by the accomplishment, she signed up for the 2024 DFP full marathon on the day registration opened! It was a lot harder than she had anticipated but is still so proud to have finished. Erin is most passionate about making physical activity accessible for everyone and ensuring that all runners know they belong here. Professionally, she is a group fitness coach and yoga instructor at Lifetime Canton and adjunct faculty at Wayne State.
Jessica Hughes, 2025 Ambassador
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Connect with Jessica on Instagram: @jessica_hughess
Bio: My name is Jessica Hughes, and I am so excited to be an ambassador for the 2025 Detroit free press marathon! I am 24 years old, live in Grand Rapids, MI and work as a registered nurse at a level 1 trauma center in the trauma ICU. I’ve been a huge long distance runner since 2014 and have completed 9 marathons. Out of every marathon I’ve done Detroit is my absolute favorite and so special to me. Detroit was my first marathon in 2018, and I have done it a total of 5 times. I am also part of a running club called society track club and teach group fitness classes. My parents and 2 sisters all run, and they are my biggest supporters. I cannot wait to lead and encourage people to run the best half/full marathons in Detroit this year!
Meet our 2025 Race Ambassador Team!
We’re proud to announce our 2025 Race Ambassadors! Each of our 16 Race Ambassadors bring something unique to our community. They range in age, pace and background, but together they are dedicated to seeing and helping others succeed in their own journey. Keep reading to learn more about our Race Ambassadors and connect with them.
Courtney Chase, 2025 Ambassador Captain
From: Auburn Hills, MI
Connect with Courtney on Instagram: @court_chase1
Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Court! A returning 2024 Freep Ambassador. I’ve been running for over six years now, completing 8 half marathons, 2 Tough Mudder 10 milers, and countless other events. My journey started right here in Detroit with my first half marathon in 2019, and since then, I’ve been hooked on the Freep. Last year, as an Ambassador, I kicked off the season fresh out of knee surgery. But I made what may have been one of the best recoveries and comebacks making the impossible, possible. Throughout the summer and early fall, I set personal records in every distance except the full marathon, because I had never run one. That was supposed to be my October goal with the Freep, but unfortunately had to sit out from another knee accident. Can you imagine having two knee surgeries in one year and still being determined to run? Despite my lifetime total reaching 6, my passion for running never wavered. Sharing my story has always been about showing others that they can overcome challenges, too. You. Can. Do. Hard. Things. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is the race that means the most to me because of the incredible community that surrounds it. I’m currently the content creator for the Avenue Runners and Walkers group, which meets every Wednesday, and I love sharing my passion for running with others. This year, I’ll be running the International Half Marathon with the Detroit Free Press, and my only goal is to keep getting stronger and spread joy amongst the running community.
Bio: Nathan has been a runner for 17 years, balancing his passion for running with the demands of work and parenting four kids. In 2020, during the COVID outbreak, he used running as a tool to transform his health, losing 30 lbs. Along the way, Nate became a strong advocate for incorporating weight training to enhance running performance and prevent injuries. He ran his first full marathon in 2023 and followed it up with the Detroit Free Press International Full Marathon in 2024, where he achieved a personal best of 3:19. His future goal is to keep improving, qualify for Boston, and stay injury free.
Bio: I began running for pleasure in 2021, a late start that was sparked during the pandemic, seeking a way to stay active and grounded. Since then, my journey has been transformative. I am a Vice-Captain of Black Men Run Phoenix, a community that supports and motivates men of color to stay active and healthy. Additionally, I am proud to serve as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Ambassador. The ambassador role has given me the chance to inspire others and as well be inspired. I’m especially excited to represent as an ambassador at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in my home state. It’s an incredible opportunity to share my love for running and give back to the running community that has helped me grow.
Bio: Jenny has been running since 2018. It all started when she went for a little jog in her neighborhood and a friend convinced her to sign up for a 5K. After crossing that finish line for the first time, she was hooked! After having an injury in 2023 that required surgery, and deferred the Free Press Half Marathon race, she realized that she needed to have a different approach to running. Running intervals was a complete game changer and Jenny crossed the Detroit Free Press half marathon finish line in 2024! Jenny is also an interval pacing coach for the Team Running Lab running group. Jenny’s goal for 2025 is to run her first ever full marathon and it will be at the Detroit Press Marathon.
Bio: Liv started running when gyms closed during quarantine. Despite previously hating the sport, she finally experienced the runner’s high and got hooked. Running has provided her a community and an outlet that she credits for saving her life through mental health struggles. Liv completed her first marathon at the 2024 Detroit Marathon, and she is looking to complete many more.
Parker Schaefer, 2025 Ambassador
From: Windsor, ON
Connect with Parker on Instagram: @schaefer.parker
Bio: Parker is a dedicated educator and passionate runner who finds inspiration in the classroom and on the trails. Running has been a vital part of his daily life, helping him cultivate discipline, resilience, and a sense of adventure. Parker has completed numerous marathons and has started branching out into ultramarathons, always pushing himself to go further. His ultimate goal is to race ultramarathons exceeding 100 miles, proving that with perseverance, the possibilities are limitless. Whether guiding his students toward success or conquering long-distance challenges, Parker is always moving forward!
Rachel Birchmeier, 2025 Ambassador
From: Clawson, MI
Connect with Rachel on Instagram: @rachel_birchmeier
Bio: Rachel’s running journey began in middle school when she joined the cross-country team, and it’s been a consistent part of her life ever since. After running the Detroit Free Press Marathon relay as a high school senior, she returned to the event as a full marathoner in 2022 and ran it again in 2023. Since then, Rachel has completed 5 full marathons, 3 half marathons, and numerous other races. Running has connected her to many people in the running community and provided countless experiences along the way. She’s excited to take on the Detroit Free Press Marathon again in 2025.
Bio: Jaden, a Lansing, MI-based runner competed for four years at Olivet College (now the University of Olivet). In recent years, he has participated in the Detroit International Half Marathon — where he especially enjoyed running along Riverside Drive in Windsor, ON — and volunteered twice in Windsor as part of the Detroit Marathon. This year, he aims to break his four-year-old personal best in the marathon at Detroit.
Bio: Danny has been using running as a workout for most of his life. In 2019, he started attending a run club, RFB Royal Oak, which helped him find a new love for running and started taking it seriously. He decided running a marathon was a goal to hit before turning 40 and completed the Detroit Full Marathon in 2022. In 2024, Danny completed the Berlin Marathon and has decided completing the 7 World Majors is his new running goal.
Bio: Julia is a firm believer in the concept that if you want to do something great, you can. It just takes believing in yourself enough to do the work. She didn’t start running until after she became a mother & after first using it as an escape from the chaos, running quickly turned into a deep passion. Now, she chases three little girls & her dreams. It was happenstance that she ended up in Detroit. After being sick & unable to run the marathon she had trained for, she snagged a bib just before midnight on the last night to transfer. While running up the Ambassador Bridge towards Canada, she knew that this was the place she was meant to run. To her, Detroit is more than a race. It’s a life-changing experience.
Bio: Lauren received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wayne State University in 2014. Lauren ran and coached cross country and track at the collegiate level and has also coached at the high school level. Her background as an endurance athlete led to her having a special interest in treating overuse/athletic injuries with the use of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to obtain optimal sport-specific technique. In addition, she is married with two boys and has a dog. She is a Latina runner and can speak Spanish. She has recently entered the world of personal run coaching and is loving every second of being a part of other runners’ growth and journey to staying injury free while doing what they love. She is currently training for Boston but loves running any distance from 5k to marathon! Her first Detroit race was the full marathon in 2014, and she also ran the 5k in 2022. She has volunteered at aid stations and the start/finish line for Detroit for many years.
Bio: Bonnie began running 10 years ago for her physical health and had a personal goal to complete a Half Marathon. Years later after completing numerous half marathons, she completed her first Marathon in 2019, the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Bonnie stays active in her local running community by participating and volunteering at local races. She is a RRCA certified running coach and on the board of the Toledo Roadrunners Club. Bonnie has met some of her closest friends through running and thinks the running community is simply the best. She believes miles are miles and forward is pace. She enjoys connecting with others and encouraging them to be active.
When not running, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending sporting events, and hanging out with her cats.
Bio: Jason started running when his job transferred him from Southern California to Northern Virginia in 2015 when a coworker hosted a 5k in NJ to raise money for his grandson that was undergoing a lung transplant operation. Jason moved back home to Royal Oak in 2018, joined a few local running groups and signed up for Freep Marathon thinking it was a one-time bucket list goal. 2025 will be his 5th consecutive Freep Marathon and he plans to keep the Freep marathon streak going as long as possible. He is currently training for the Bayshore Marathon with his 4-year-old daughter who will be running her first Kids Marathon.
Bio: I am originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan and currently living in Boulder, Colorado. Movement and sport have been a huge factor in my life for as long as I can remember. I was a collegiate athlete on the women’s soccer team for 4 years at Indiana Tech. After graduation, I wanted a hobby where I could build community and continue to challenge myself. I love running for mental health, to connect with my body, and have fun with others. I am a NASM certified personal trainer and have my master’s degree in psychology. I love helping others develop a healthy relationship with their mind and body. This year I will be running my 3rd marathon at the Freep and aiming to qualify for Boston. I am a self-proclaimed playlist queen and one of my favorite parts of running is jamming to my favorite songs! I cannot wait to see you all at the finish line.
Bio: Erin Snapp loves exercise in all forms but is always pulled back to running for its accessibility and freeing feeling. Since around middle school, she has used running to cope with various battles that life has presented. She holds an MS in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Psychology. After finishing school, she came back to her goal of running a half marathon and completed the DFP International Half Marathon in 2023. Feeling so motivated by the accomplishment, she signed up for the 2024 DFP full marathon on the day registration opened! It was a lot harder than she had anticipated but is still so proud to have finished. Erin is most passionate about making physical activity accessible for everyone and ensuring that all runners know they belong here. Professionally, she is a group fitness coach and yoga instructor at Lifetime Canton and adjunct faculty at Wayne State.
Jessica Hughes, 2025 Ambassador
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Connect with Jessica on Instagram: @jessica_hughess
Bio: My name is Jessica Hughes, and I am so excited to be an ambassador for the 2025 Detroit free press marathon! I am 24 years old, live in Grand Rapids, MI and work as a registered nurse at a level 1 trauma center in the trauma ICU. I’ve been a huge long distance runner since 2014 and have completed 9 marathons. Out of every marathon I’ve done Detroit is my absolute favorite and so special to me. Detroit was my first marathon in 2018, and I have done it a total of 5 times. I am also part of a running club called society track club and teach group fitness classes. My parents and 2 sisters all run, and they are my biggest supporters. I cannot wait to lead and encourage people to run the best half/full marathons in Detroit this year!
