Kristin Kalakay, 2023 Ambassador Captain
From: Harrison Township, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Supreme Challenge
Connect with Kristin on Instagram: @kalakay73
Bio: My name is Kristin Kalakay. This is my second year as a Freep Race Ambassador! I started running in 2012 and honestly never thought I would ever run a road race. Running has helped me cope with my anxiety, weight loss and the death of my Mother. It also has introduced me to the most amazing group of people, including my fiancé. I am a big advocate for Multiple Sclerosis and have run 5 Marathons on behalf of the MS Society in honor of my Mother. The Freep is a very special race to me. It was my first marathon and I dedicated it to my Mom. The energy in Detroit during Race weekend is amazing and I love being a part of the event. This year I am getting married on October 28th to the love of my life, Mike. We have a cute little Corgi named Chewie aka Chewbarka. If you live nearby, look for me on the metro path! I cannot wait to meet everyone! Happy Running!!
Josh Keyes, 2023 Ambassador Captain
From: Novi, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Supreme Challenge
Connect with Josh on Instagram: @josh.keyes91
Bio: My name is Joshua Keyes. I’m 42 from Novi, Mi. I’m married, have two boys (9,12) and a Registered Nurse. My running career began in high school and continued into college. During nursing school, I lost touch with running and I had always regretted it. Just before the pandemic I set a goal to run a marathon….on a whim! In the last year, I’ve now run three marathons and have a half marathon scheduled for May in Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to serving as an ambassador again and connecting with all the great runners in the facebook group. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to say hi.
Amber Smith
From: Mason, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Amber on Instagram: @ambernicolerunninggoddess
Bio: In 2013, after a few months of being down on her luck, Amber set her mind on a new goal: running the 2013 Lansing Turkey Trot. After successfully completing the race, Amber realized she had found her new passion. She has since run countless races ranging in distance from 5k-50k. In the past few years she has paced several races, which allows her to talk to and encourage many different runners during the race. Her current goals are simply to keep getting faster and keep having fun.
Tia Pettygrue
From: Tampa, FL
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Tia on Instagram: @marathonliftgirl
Bio: Tia has been endurance running for almost 15 years. Started when a friend said I’d noticed how much weight I’d gained. Signed up for a 15k in 2009, enjoyed it, ran my first half marathon that year, dropped the weight and ran my first full in Feb 2010 and have run 10 Marathons and 150+ Half Marathons since then! Currently an RRCA Level 2 Coach and the National Coach for Black Girls RUN!, and now help others achieve their goals! Tia is currently training to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon. Tia and her husband just celebrated their 32nd Anniversary. Her husband is from the Detroit area so the Detroit Free Press is on the annual schedule for visiting. We love this race so much!
Presley Bergmooser
From: East Lansing, MI
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Presley on Instagram: @presleybergmooser
Bio: This is Presley. Presley completed her first marathon at the 2022 DFP. She has a passion for pushing herself beyond her limits, which led her to signing up for her first marathon. Presley wants to push those around her to find their limits and work past them too. This is how she is running the half marathon with a group of her friends this year who have never ran in a race. Her goal: sub 4:00 marathon by 24 years old
Megan Garden
From: Shelby Township, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Wonder Challenge
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @megan_garden13
Bio: In 2021 Megan decided it was time to take her life back physically and mentally after losing her mom unexpectedly to Covid. On New Year’s Day like many others she decided she was signing up for the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon with her sister, both of their first time running a half! She would have never in million years guessed that signing up for that race would take her running journey where it has. Down 135 pounds since 2021 and in the last year Megan has completed her first Marathon in Chicago, first 50k and has kept a base of at least 100 miles of running per month. She loves to volunteer at races with her daughter and is coaching Girls On The Run for the first time this spring. Detroit Free Press weekend will always hold a special place in her life.
Pratik Kamat
From: Westland, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Pratik on Instagram: @pratikkamat24
Bio: Pratik has been running for the past 8 years. When he first got into running it was on the treadmill at the gym, but during covid lockdown he discovered running to be a great way to get outside and stay active. Being an immigrant from India, he especially enjoys the challenge of running in the Michigan winters. Over the years he ran several virtual races and in 2022 he was able to participate in his first Detroit Free Press event.
Andi Catalina
From: Clarkston, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Andi on Instagram: @andicat26.2
Bio: Hey 👋🏻 I’m Andi! So excited to be a Freep Marathon Ambassador this year! My running career started when I was 8 and had been with me ever since. I ran in cross country and track and field in high school and then ran in college. Once I was done “racing” I decided to try my first marathon. So on October 24, 2004 I crossed the Detroit Freep Marathon finish line…it was downhill from there! I was so excited that I finished but felt so sad that everything was over. All of those weeks trying and getting prepared. So a few days later I decided to make a goal. I want to run a marathon in every state. Well 19 years later and 21 marathons completed I’m running Detroit again! I coach high school cross country and track and field and some of my athletes wanted me to run this with them for their first marathon…so here I am! Cannot wait to help them and you cross that finish this fall!
Danielle Leone
From: Royal Oak, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Wonder Challenge
Connect with Danielle on Instagram: @danielleleone
Bio: Danielle is a firm believer that age is just a number and you can start your running/fitness journey at any age! In 2011, Danielle had a spur of the moment idea to complete a half-marathon. So, she joined a local half-marathon training group and completed her first half-marathon at the Brooksie Way. A few weeks later, she ran the Detroit Free Press International Half-Marathon! Since then, she was hooked. She has run races all over the United States (including Hawaii!) and completed her first marathon at the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Her favorite running memory is crossing the finish line of the Disney Princess Half-Marathon with her mom. Danielle’s running goal is to run the NYC Marathon and, one day, qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Drew Halinen
From: Canton, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Drew on Instagram: @drew.halinen13
Bio: Drew has been running since the age of 15, competing in High School Cross-Country in his hometown of Canton, MI. Now a coach at the Middle School level, he is passing on that love of running to our youth. Over the years he’s run numerous Detroit Free Press International half and full Marathons, along with other local races with his wife and two boys. Within the last few years, he ran his first 50k and attempted his first 100 Mile race. With the help of his crew, he was able to persevere through injury at mile 48, making it 62 miles to qualify for a 100k finish. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, though you should always embrace doubt, or you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of. He cannot wait to make his return to Detroit this fall to run 26.2 miles, while helping others along the way in their journey.
Colleen Caplin
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Colleen on Instagram: @runcappy
Bio: Colleen has been running since 2009. As a former D1 softball player, she needed something to fuel her competitive drive when she retired from the sport in 2008. The Detroit Half was her first goal, and upon completion she was hooked on the sport. Running has become a way of life, a way to get outside and connect with nature and a way to consistently set goals and a plan to achieve them. She has completed 5 full marathons and many half marathons which are her favorite distance.
Steve Laskowski
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Steve on Instagram: @runner_steve_laskowski
Bio: Four years ago, Steve got into running for health reasons. He kept challenging himself to improve his pace and distances in many runs and races. Steve’s most memorable moment was running his first full marathon in Detroit in 2021, and finishing it at 4:04. He ran three full marathons since then, and quite a few half-marathons. Steve has a goal to inspire and motivate others to succeed in their goals. His longest run in one day is 52.5 miles on January 9, 2021.
Rashard Jones
From: Detroit, MI
Will Be Participating In: Marathon Relay
Connect with Rashard on Instagram: @runningartbeers
Bio: Rashard has been running for over 13 years. Little did Rashard know that the hobby of running he picked up in 2010 as a way to stay active, would go on to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his life. Running has provided Rashard a way to meditate, be creative, set goals, and meet amazing people. His race calendar is full for 2023 with some amazing races on the schedule, but the calendar year wouldn’t be complete if he didn’t participate in the Freep. Rashard is looking forward to participating in Freep for the 13th time and running the relay in 2023.
Terra Castro
From: Detroit, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Terra on Instagram: @terrajoycastro
Bio: Terra has been a runner since she was 13, which led her to race triathlons professionally for 10 years. 40+ marathons, 16 Ironmans and 8 Triathlon/Duathlon world championships later, she’s now learning the joy of running in this new season – as a single parent & gym owner in Detroit. She’s focused on getting back to racing and more consistent training after a few years off. Her dream is to be racing into her 80s like her grandparents did & to run races with her son one day.
Kristin Kalakay, 2023 Ambassador Captain
From: Harrison Township, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Supreme Challenge
Connect with Kristin on Instagram: @kalakay73
Bio: My name is Kristin Kalakay. This is my second year as a Freep Race Ambassador! I started running in 2012 and honestly never thought I would ever run a road race. Running has helped me cope with my anxiety, weight loss and the death of my Mother. It also has introduced me to the most amazing group of people, including my fiancé. I am a big advocate for Multiple Sclerosis and have run 5 Marathons on behalf of the MS Society in honor of my Mother. The Freep is a very special race to me. It was my first marathon and I dedicated it to my Mom. The energy in Detroit during Race weekend is amazing and I love being a part of the event. This year I am getting married on October 28th to the love of my life, Mike. We have a cute little Corgi named Chewie aka Chewbarka. If you live nearby, look for me on the metro path! I cannot wait to meet everyone! Happy Running!!
Josh Keyes, 2023 Ambassador Captain
From: Novi, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Supreme Challenge
Connect with Josh on Instagram: @josh.keyes91
Bio: My name is Joshua Keyes. I’m 42 from Novi, Mi. I’m married, have two boys (9,12) and a Registered Nurse. My running career began in high school and continued into college. During nursing school, I lost touch with running and I had always regretted it. Just before the pandemic I set a goal to run a marathon….on a whim! In the last year, I’ve now run three marathons and have a half marathon scheduled for May in Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to serving as an ambassador again and connecting with all the great runners in the facebook group. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to say hi.
Amber Smith
From: Mason, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Amber on Instagram: @ambernicolerunninggoddess
Bio: In 2013, after a few months of being down on her luck, Amber set her mind on a new goal: running the 2013 Lansing Turkey Trot. After successfully completing the race, Amber realized she had found her new passion. She has since run countless races ranging in distance from 5k-50k. In the past few years she has paced several races, which allows her to talk to and encourage many different runners during the race. Her current goals are simply to keep getting faster and keep having fun.
Tia Pettygrue
From: Tampa, FL
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Tia on Instagram: @marathonliftgirl
Bio: Tia has been endurance running for almost 15 years. Started when a friend said I’d noticed how much weight I’d gained. Signed up for a 15k in 2009, enjoyed it, ran my first half marathon that year, dropped the weight and ran my first full in Feb 2010 and have run 10 Marathons and 150+ Half Marathons since then! Currently an RRCA Level 2 Coach and the National Coach for Black Girls RUN!, and now help others achieve their goals! Tia is currently training to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon. Tia and her husband just celebrated their 32nd Anniversary. Her husband is from the Detroit area so the Detroit Free Press is on the annual schedule for visiting. We love this race so much!
Presley Bergmooser
From: East Lansing, MI
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Presley on Instagram: @presleybergmooser
Bio: This is Presley. Presley completed her first marathon at the 2022 DFP. She has a passion for pushing herself beyond her limits, which led her to signing up for her first marathon. Presley wants to push those around her to find their limits and work past them too. This is how she is running the half marathon with a group of her friends this year who have never ran in a race. Her goal: sub 4:00 marathon by 24 years old
Megan Garden
From: Shelby Township, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Wonder Challenge
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @megan_garden13
Bio: In 2021 Megan decided it was time to take her life back physically and mentally after losing her mom unexpectedly to Covid. On New Year’s Day like many others she decided she was signing up for the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon with her sister, both of their first time running a half! She would have never in million years guessed that signing up for that race would take her running journey where it has. Down 135 pounds since 2021 and in the last year Megan has completed her first Marathon in Chicago, first 50k and has kept a base of at least 100 miles of running per month. She loves to volunteer at races with her daughter and is coaching Girls On The Run for the first time this spring. Detroit Free Press weekend will always hold a special place in her life.
Pratik Kamat
From: Westland, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Pratik on Instagram: @pratikkamat24
Bio: Pratik has been running for the past 8 years. When he first got into running it was on the treadmill at the gym, but during covid lockdown he discovered running to be a great way to get outside and stay active. Being an immigrant from India, he especially enjoys the challenge of running in the Michigan winters. Over the years he ran several virtual races and in 2022 he was able to participate in his first Detroit Free Press event.
Andi Catalina
From: Clarkston, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Andi on Instagram: @andicat26.2
Bio: Hey 👋🏻 I’m Andi! So excited to be a Freep Marathon Ambassador this year! My running career started when I was 8 and had been with me ever since. I ran in cross country and track and field in high school and then ran in college. Once I was done “racing” I decided to try my first marathon. So on October 24, 2004 I crossed the Detroit Freep Marathon finish line…it was downhill from there! I was so excited that I finished but felt so sad that everything was over. All of those weeks trying and getting prepared. So a few days later I decided to make a goal. I want to run a marathon in every state. Well 19 years later and 21 marathons completed I’m running Detroit again! I coach high school cross country and track and field and some of my athletes wanted me to run this with them for their first marathon…so here I am! Cannot wait to help them and you cross that finish this fall!
Danielle Leone
From: Royal Oak, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Wonder Challenge
Connect with Danielle on Instagram: @danielleleone
Bio: Danielle is a firm believer that age is just a number and you can start your running/fitness journey at any age! In 2011, Danielle had a spur of the moment idea to complete a half-marathon. So, she joined a local half-marathon training group and completed her first half-marathon at the Brooksie Way. A few weeks later, she ran the Detroit Free Press International Half-Marathon! Since then, she was hooked. She has run races all over the United States (including Hawaii!) and completed her first marathon at the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Her favorite running memory is crossing the finish line of the Disney Princess Half-Marathon with her mom. Danielle’s running goal is to run the NYC Marathon and, one day, qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Drew Halinen
From: Canton, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Drew on Instagram: @drew.halinen13
Bio: Drew has been running since the age of 15, competing in High School Cross-Country in his hometown of Canton, MI. Now a coach at the Middle School level, he is passing on that love of running to our youth. Over the years he’s run numerous Detroit Free Press International half and full Marathons, along with other local races with his wife and two boys. Within the last few years, he ran his first 50k and attempted his first 100 Mile race. With the help of his crew, he was able to persevere through injury at mile 48, making it 62 miles to qualify for a 100k finish. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, though you should always embrace doubt, or you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of. He cannot wait to make his return to Detroit this fall to run 26.2 miles, while helping others along the way in their journey.
Colleen Caplin
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Colleen on Instagram: @runcappy
Bio: Colleen has been running since 2009. As a former D1 softball player, she needed something to fuel her competitive drive when she retired from the sport in 2008. The Detroit Half was her first goal, and upon completion she was hooked on the sport. Running has become a way of life, a way to get outside and connect with nature and a way to consistently set goals and a plan to achieve them. She has completed 5 full marathons and many half marathons which are her favorite distance.
Steve Laskowski
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Steve on Instagram: @runner_steve_laskowski
Bio: Four years ago, Steve got into running for health reasons. He kept challenging himself to improve his pace and distances in many runs and races. Steve’s most memorable moment was running his first full marathon in Detroit in 2021, and finishing it at 4:04. He ran three full marathons since then, and quite a few half-marathons. Steve has a goal to inspire and motivate others to succeed in their goals. His longest run in one day is 52.5 miles on January 9, 2021.
Rashard Jones
From: Detroit, MI
Will Be Participating In: Marathon Relay
Connect with Rashard on Instagram: @runningartbeers
Bio: Rashard has been running for over 13 years. Little did Rashard know that the hobby of running he picked up in 2010 as a way to stay active, would go on to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his life. Running has provided Rashard a way to meditate, be creative, set goals, and meet amazing people. His race calendar is full for 2023 with some amazing races on the schedule, but the calendar year wouldn’t be complete if he didn’t participate in the Freep. Rashard is looking forward to participating in Freep for the 13th time and running the relay in 2023.
Terra Castro
From: Detroit, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Terra on Instagram: @terrajoycastro
Bio: Terra has been a runner since she was 13, which led her to race triathlons professionally for 10 years. 40+ marathons, 16 Ironmans and 8 Triathlon/Duathlon world championships later, she’s now learning the joy of running in this new season – as a single parent & gym owner in Detroit. She’s focused on getting back to racing and more consistent training after a few years off. Her dream is to be racing into her 80s like her grandparents did & to run races with her son one day.
Kristin Kalakay, 2023 Ambassador Captain
From: Harrison Township, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Supreme Challenge
Connect with Kristin on Instagram: @kalakay73
Bio: My name is Kristin Kalakay. This is my second year as a Freep Race Ambassador! I started running in 2012 and honestly never thought I would ever run a road race. Running has helped me cope with my anxiety, weight loss and the death of my Mother. It also has introduced me to the most amazing group of people, including my fiancé. I am a big advocate for Multiple Sclerosis and have run 5 Marathons on behalf of the MS Society in honor of my Mother. The Freep is a very special race to me. It was my first marathon and I dedicated it to my Mom. The energy in Detroit during Race weekend is amazing and I love being a part of the event. This year I am getting married on October 28th to the love of my life, Mike. We have a cute little Corgi named Chewie aka Chewbarka. If you live nearby, look for me on the metro path! I cannot wait to meet everyone! Happy Running!!
Josh Keyes, 2023 Ambassador Captain
From: Novi, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Supreme Challenge
Connect with Josh on Instagram: @josh.keyes91
Bio: My name is Joshua Keyes. I’m 42 from Novi, Mi. I’m married, have two boys (9,12) and a Registered Nurse. My running career began in high school and continued into college. During nursing school, I lost touch with running and I had always regretted it. Just before the pandemic I set a goal to run a marathon….on a whim! In the last year, I’ve now run three marathons and have a half marathon scheduled for May in Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to serving as an ambassador again and connecting with all the great runners in the facebook group. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to say hi.
Amber Smith
From: Mason, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Amber on Instagram: @ambernicolerunninggoddess
Bio: In 2013, after a few months of being down on her luck, Amber set her mind on a new goal: running the 2013 Lansing Turkey Trot. After successfully completing the race, Amber realized she had found her new passion. She has since run countless races ranging in distance from 5k-50k. In the past few years she has paced several races, which allows her to talk to and encourage many different runners during the race. Her current goals are simply to keep getting faster and keep having fun.
Tia Pettygrue
From: Tampa, FL
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Tia on Instagram: @marathonliftgirl
Bio: Tia has been endurance running for almost 15 years. Started when a friend said I’d noticed how much weight I’d gained. Signed up for a 15k in 2009, enjoyed it, ran my first half marathon that year, dropped the weight and ran my first full in Feb 2010 and have run 10 Marathons and 150+ Half Marathons since then! Currently an RRCA Level 2 Coach and the National Coach for Black Girls RUN!, and now help others achieve their goals! Tia is currently training to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon. Tia and her husband just celebrated their 32nd Anniversary. Her husband is from the Detroit area so the Detroit Free Press is on the annual schedule for visiting. We love this race so much!
Presley Bergmooser
From: East Lansing, MI
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Presley on Instagram: @presleybergmooser
Bio: This is Presley. Presley completed her first marathon at the 2022 DFP. She has a passion for pushing herself beyond her limits, which led her to signing up for her first marathon. Presley wants to push those around her to find their limits and work past them too. This is how she is running the half marathon with a group of her friends this year who have never ran in a race. Her goal: sub 4:00 marathon by 24 years old
Megan Garden
From: Shelby Township, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Wonder Challenge
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @megan_garden13
Bio: In 2021 Megan decided it was time to take her life back physically and mentally after losing her mom unexpectedly to Covid. On New Year’s Day like many others she decided she was signing up for the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon with her sister, both of their first time running a half! She would have never in million years guessed that signing up for that race would take her running journey where it has. Down 135 pounds since 2021 and in the last year Megan has completed her first Marathon in Chicago, first 50k and has kept a base of at least 100 miles of running per month. She loves to volunteer at races with her daughter and is coaching Girls On The Run for the first time this spring. Detroit Free Press weekend will always hold a special place in her life.
Pratik Kamat
From: Westland, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Pratik on Instagram: @pratikkamat24
Bio: Pratik has been running for the past 8 years. When he first got into running it was on the treadmill at the gym, but during covid lockdown he discovered running to be a great way to get outside and stay active. Being an immigrant from India, he especially enjoys the challenge of running in the Michigan winters. Over the years he ran several virtual races and in 2022 he was able to participate in his first Detroit Free Press event.
Andi Catalina
From: Clarkston, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Andi on Instagram: @andicat26.2
Bio: Hey 👋🏻 I’m Andi! So excited to be a Freep Marathon Ambassador this year! My running career started when I was 8 and had been with me ever since. I ran in cross country and track and field in high school and then ran in college. Once I was done “racing” I decided to try my first marathon. So on October 24, 2004 I crossed the Detroit Freep Marathon finish line…it was downhill from there! I was so excited that I finished but felt so sad that everything was over. All of those weeks trying and getting prepared. So a few days later I decided to make a goal. I want to run a marathon in every state. Well 19 years later and 21 marathons completed I’m running Detroit again! I coach high school cross country and track and field and some of my athletes wanted me to run this with them for their first marathon…so here I am! Cannot wait to help them and you cross that finish this fall!
Danielle Leone
From: Royal Oak, MI
Will Be Participating In: The Wonder Challenge
Connect with Danielle on Instagram: @danielleleone
Bio: Danielle is a firm believer that age is just a number and you can start your running/fitness journey at any age! In 2011, Danielle had a spur of the moment idea to complete a half-marathon. So, she joined a local half-marathon training group and completed her first half-marathon at the Brooksie Way. A few weeks later, she ran the Detroit Free Press International Half-Marathon! Since then, she was hooked. She has run races all over the United States (including Hawaii!) and completed her first marathon at the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Her favorite running memory is crossing the finish line of the Disney Princess Half-Marathon with her mom. Danielle’s running goal is to run the NYC Marathon and, one day, qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Drew Halinen
From: Canton, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Drew on Instagram: @drew.halinen13
Bio: Drew has been running since the age of 15, competing in High School Cross-Country in his hometown of Canton, MI. Now a coach at the Middle School level, he is passing on that love of running to our youth. Over the years he’s run numerous Detroit Free Press International half and full Marathons, along with other local races with his wife and two boys. Within the last few years, he ran his first 50k and attempted his first 100 Mile race. With the help of his crew, he was able to persevere through injury at mile 48, making it 62 miles to qualify for a 100k finish. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, though you should always embrace doubt, or you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of. He cannot wait to make his return to Detroit this fall to run 26.2 miles, while helping others along the way in their journey.
Colleen Caplin
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Colleen on Instagram: @runcappy
Bio: Colleen has been running since 2009. As a former D1 softball player, she needed something to fuel her competitive drive when she retired from the sport in 2008. The Detroit Half was her first goal, and upon completion she was hooked on the sport. Running has become a way of life, a way to get outside and connect with nature and a way to consistently set goals and a plan to achieve them. She has completed 5 full marathons and many half marathons which are her favorite distance.
Steve Laskowski
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Will Be Participating In: International Half Marathon
Connect with Steve on Instagram: @runner_steve_laskowski
Bio: Four years ago, Steve got into running for health reasons. He kept challenging himself to improve his pace and distances in many runs and races. Steve’s most memorable moment was running his first full marathon in Detroit in 2021, and finishing it at 4:04. He ran three full marathons since then, and quite a few half-marathons. Steve has a goal to inspire and motivate others to succeed in their goals. His longest run in one day is 52.5 miles on January 9, 2021.
Rashard Jones
From: Detroit, MI
Will Be Participating In: Marathon Relay
Connect with Rashard on Instagram: @runningartbeers
Bio: Rashard has been running for over 13 years. Little did Rashard know that the hobby of running he picked up in 2010 as a way to stay active, would go on to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his life. Running has provided Rashard a way to meditate, be creative, set goals, and meet amazing people. His race calendar is full for 2023 with some amazing races on the schedule, but the calendar year wouldn’t be complete if he didn’t participate in the Freep. Rashard is looking forward to participating in Freep for the 13th time and running the relay in 2023.
Terra Castro
From: Detroit, MI
Will Be Participating In: Full Marathon
Connect with Terra on Instagram: @terrajoycastro
Bio: Terra has been a runner since she was 13, which led her to race triathlons professionally for 10 years. 40+ marathons, 16 Ironmans and 8 Triathlon/Duathlon world championships later, she’s now learning the joy of running in this new season – as a single parent & gym owner in Detroit. She’s focused on getting back to racing and more consistent training after a few years off. Her dream is to be racing into her 80s like her grandparents did & to run races with her son one day.
