2024 Pace Team

Steve Spang - Marathon - 3:00

Steve Spang has been pacing the Pittsburgh Marathon since 2014 and loves getting to support all the runners of steel each year. Steve has run 25 marathons since running his first marathon in Pittsburgh 2012. Steve runs with the Dancing Gnome Run Club. He hopes to help the people in his pace group enjoy their marathon experience and tour the city of Pittsburgh! His favorite memory is finishing the Chicago Marathon with his second fastest time ever, and experiencing the memories with his wife Natalie and friends that will last forever.

Rick Hinman- Marathon - 3:15

Rick enjoys running, skiing, traveling, and camping. He has run 6 Full Marathons and 6 Half Marathons. His favorite running memory is meeting his family at the end of the Berlin Marathon. He states, “Stick with me and we’ll achieve your goals together!”

Lee-Kai Sun - Marathon - 3:30

Lee-Kai is a medical student at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and has run 5 Marathons! He currently trains with Fleet Feet Pittsburgh and is a member of the Fleet Feet Pittsburgh Racing Team. His favorite running memory was trail running around the parks and lakes in his hometown of Atlanta. He likes to train with his friends and is a pacer for Steel City Road Runners. Lee-Kai runs to be a part of the community, explore the city, and to stay active. His favorite marathon is the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon. He states he paces because, "It's one of the few ways I can help others by doing something I love."

Steven Garand - Marathon - 3:35

Steve would like to welcome you onboard the 3:35 with service to the Pittsburgh Marathon finish. Steve has participated in over a dozen Marathons in his experience. We ask that you please fasten your shoelaces securely and store all personal items in your waist belts. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the trip. We know you have many pacing options. Thank you for choosing the 3:35. We will be cruising at a speed of approximately 8:12 minutes per mile. Drinks will be served every couple of miles. Hope you enjoy your flight.

Stacey Falk - Marathon - 3:40

Stacey’s love for running long distances started in 2009 when she finished the Pittsburgh Marathon. Since then she has completed over 40 Full Marathons, including running the Pittsburgh marathon for 15 straight year. Stacey is excited to pace the Pittsburgh marathon again as the 3:40 pacer! She runs with Dancing Gnome Run Club, Fleet Feet, and for the charity, Autism Runs. Stacey will help get you across the finish line smiling, one mile at a time!

Michelle Dragun - Marathon - 3:50

Michelle is an enthusiastic runner who loves to set goals and achieve them. She has participated in about 20 Marathons. Michelle loves to be outside and other than running, she stays active with hiking, snowboarding, shooting hoops, or playing softball. She loves to help others enjoy their running experience by creating a fun and encouraging environment. Come join her pace group for an unforgettable time!

Elli Kanal - Marathon - 4:00

Elli has run around 10 Marathons and loves to listen to podcasts while he trains. He states that he paces because, "Bringing people across the finish line is just incredible!" In the past he's really appreciated it when others have helped him pace, and wants to pay it forward for others in the community. He states “You’ve trained like a boss; let’s support each other across the finish line!”

Anna Smialek - Marathon - 4:00

Anna has been an avid runner for over a decade now, having participated in many races from 5k’s to running over 30 marathons. It’s a hobby she started as a bet with coworkers but has now turned it into a lifelong passion. This year will be Anna’s 12th straight year running Pittsburgh; the first few years were spent racing the course until one year she had the opportunity to pace the marathon group. After pacing one time she knew it was something she wanted to keep doing year after year, as she enjoys helping other runners reach their goals (while ensuring they have plenty of entertainment along the way)!

Jessi Clark- Marathon - 4:05

Jessi has run 16 Full Marathons, and way too many Half Marathons to count! She also paced 4 in Fall of 2023. Jessi enjoys running, hot yoga, hiking, walking her two huskies, and trying new ice cream shops. Jessi states she paces because, “Beating my personal record is great, but to me nothing is better than seeing other people reach their goals. Runners are so interesting- I will never get tired of meeting new people, hearing their stories, and seeing them accomplish something great!”

KJ McLaughlin - Marathon - 4:10

Kayla Jane (KJ) started her running journey sophomore year of college as a hobby to stay in shape, but shortly fell in love with the sport and never looked back. Her favorite runs are first thing in the morning, watching the sunrise in Chicago along the Lake Shore. She’s also an administrator of the Lakeview Run Club which hosts 2,500+ members. KJ’s favorite race series is the Air Force Marathon Weekend, but her goals include a marathon in every state. When she’s not running, she’s a full-time Operations Director in Industrial Tool Sales, and a personal trainer on the side! As a coach and pacer, she finds nothing more rewarding than watching someone achieve their wellness goals. KJ runs for the people.

Doug Schunk - Marathon - 4:15

Doug has run over 20 Full Marathons and over 25 Half Marathons! He loves listening to Dave Matthews Band and the Foo Fighters. Doug’s hobbies are running, coaching, and music. He states he plans to “keep running until he’s old and gray..err, older and grayer.” Now he looks forward to helping out runners looking to meet their own running goals. He paces because he thinks it is amazing to be able to help others achieve their goals.

Matt Scoletti - Marathon - 4:20

Matt has run over 110 Marathons and states that Pittsburgh is his favorite! He has paced a few times for Steel City Run Club and always likes seeing the joy on people's faces when they complete the run. He states that he runs because "It is therapy and freeing!" He says "God gave me one body to use, and I want to max it out!" One of his favorite running memories is when he ran the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon wearing an 11 lbs vest in honor of the Tree of Life Community and they met him at the finish line.

Andre Kostromsky- Marathon - 4:30

Andre has run 2 Pittsburgh Marathons and a few others, as well as a 50k, 100k and 100 miler. He runs with Rogue Runners and works out with F3 group. His favorite memory is finishing a 24-hour 100-mile race in Ohio with the incredible support from family and friends. He’s excited to help others achieve their goals and enjoy Pittsburgh roads!

John Rheaume - Marathon - 4:45

John has run in 20 Marathons, 16 in-person, 1 virtual, and 3 just on his own! He runs with PSL Running Club and People Who Run Downtown. John enjoys playing the saxophone, songwriting, and disc golf. Even though he is a musician, he chooses to not run with music. He paces because it is very rewarding to help people achieve their goals and to see the joy they get when they accomplish something meaningful.

Marie Bartoletti - Marathon - 5:00

Marie runs every mile with a smile, having run over 620 marathons! Marie's favorite marathon to run is the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. Outside of marathons, she is a teacher and likes to listen to rock music while she runs!

Suman Silwal- Marathon - 5:30

Suman has run over 165 Marathons/ Ultramarathons! He likes to listen to all kinds of music when he runs and usually trains by himself on the weekdays but on the weekend will train with his running group. He paces so he can help others, he states, "My joy of running comes from helping and seeing other finish their first marathon, next PR, and more." Suman's favorite running memories are; finishing his first Half Marathon in 2008, running his first Boston Marathon in 2015, and running his first 100 miler when he signed up 50 miler but ended up running 100 miler! He wanted to tell his pacers, "Feel free to join. Stay till the finish. We will have a lot of fun."

Sarah Lee-Faulkner - Marathon - 6:00

Sarah has a goal to finish a marathon in every state. She has completed over 103 Marathons. Sarah is the type of person who loves running and hopes to share that love with others and help them with their goals. She runs with herself, friends, and Rogue Runners. Her favorite running memory is running with her daughter for her only in person Half Marathon.

Ellen Majersky- Marathon - 6:00

Ellen has run 7 full marathons, countless half marathons, a few 50ks, and 2 50-milers. She most frequently runs with Rogue Runners, but also runs with Trail Sisters, City of Bridges, and North Park Trail Runners. She has been running since she was about 14, but didn’t run her first half marathon until 2016 and first full marathon in 2020- I guess you could say it escalated quickly! This is her first time pacing and she looks forward to helping others meet their goals, or even just keep others company during the ride!

Bailey Nichols - Marathon - 6:30 Run/Walk

Bailey has run 2 Marathons and 8 Half Marathons. She runs with Rogue Runners. This is her first time pacing and she wants to encourage other runners! She states “It’s more fun to run with people. The pacers I've run with before are so encouraging so I’d love the opportunity to do the thing I love most and give back to others!”

Chrissy Burholt - Marathon - 6:30 Run/Walk

Chrissy has run 2 full marathons and too many half marathons to count. She is very proud to be an OG member of the Pittsburgh Rogue Runners! She loves to run with a group because there is always someone to chat with and your running friends end up becoming your running family! This is her first time pacing and she states, “I want to encourage slower runners and help people get across the finish line. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after you finish a marathon!”

Rick Raeder - Marathon - 7:00 Run/Walk

Rick has run 1 50K, 2 Full Marathons, 2 20 Milers, 6 25K’s, and more than a dozen Half Marathons! He has completed races from the Liberty Mile up to a 50k and multiple DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathons. His favorite race is the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. He has been a member of SCRR since 2015 and runs with NorthPark Trail Runners, South Park Trail Runners and is currently president of Pittsburgh Rogue Runners. “Come run with me and have fun finishing this race. The party is in the back!

Jackie Yahner - Marathon - 7:00 Run/Walk

Jackie runs with Pittsburgh Rogue Runners. She has run over 30 Half Marathons and 4 Marathons. She often runs for charity and likes to start DLS (Dead Last Start) to see how much she can accomplish. She states, “It has been very eye opening and helpful to see how 16mm pacers maintain the back half of the course and encourage and pick up people along the way."

John Borrego- Half Marathon - 1:40

John has run in 120 marathons! He runs with Coffee Posse and Run for it EP in El Paso, Texas. His favorite running music is EDM. He runs to maintain his health and express gratitude for his wonderful life. His favorite running memory is a 10k called Run International from El Paso, Texas to Juarez, Mexico which he needed his passport for! John paces to encourage other runners and to keep them motivated to reach their goals.

Mike Romzy - Half Marathon - 1:45

Mike’s previous pace experience includes being a pacer for the EQT 10 miler pacing the 7:30 and 8:00 minute pace groups and the UPMC Pittsburgh Half-Marathon 8:00 minute pace group. He has run in 20-30 marathons before. Being a pacer is an incredible privilege that Mike is honored to have. He wants to help everyone have a memorable race day experience whether you want to finish your first race or achieve a PR on race day.

Rahil Sethi - Half Marathon - 1:50

Rahil's favorite running memory was being out of town for nearly a year, but returning to Pittsburgh to run the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon in 2017. He enjoys running, hiking, astrophotography, and tennis. He has run in 2 Marathons and 4 Half Marathons. Rahil runs with City of Bridges Run Club, Fleet Feet Pittsburgh Run Club, North Park Trail Runners (NPTR). Rahil looks forward to helping runners achieve a time they will be proud to display.

Perry Erlichman - Half Marathon - 2:00

Perry has completed 7 marathons and 25 half marathons in his running career so far! He runs with Dancing Gnome Run Club and the Highland Park Running Club. He runs to stay active and to socialize with friends. He paces to help others reach their goals like other pacers have done for him in the past.

Aaron Angelilli - Half Marathon - 2:05

Aaron started running in 2013 with his first 5k and has completed various races including over 30 half marathons since this time. He has been a pacer with SCRR/P3R since 2016 and has paced various distance events from 5ks up to half marathons. He paces because it is a fun way to give back to the running community while helping others achieve their goals.

Sylvia Freeman- Half Marathon - 2:10

Sylvia got into running back in 2016, inspired by her mom who is also a marathon pacer. After completing her first half marathon in Pittsburgh, she fell in love with distance running and never looked back. Since then, she has run 3 full marathons, 9 half marathons, and paced multiple races. She loves pacing because she gets to share her passion while helping people achieve their running goals!

Kim Simon - Half Marathon - 2:15

Kim has been running for 29 years and has run everything from 5K to 100 miles and completed 89 marathons, four 100 milers, five 50 milers, and too many half marathons to keep count of.

Keith Gephart - Half Marathon - 2:15

Keith started running in 2011 and has participated in either the Pittsburgh Full or the Half Marathon every year since. He has run 9 marathons in places like Rehoboth Beach, Columbus, Chicago and of course Pittsburgh three times. He has run over 20 Half Marathons. Over the years he has paced many races. He enjoys pacing and helping others reach the finish line and achieve their goals. Keith is excited to run with others in this year and looks forward to race day.

Cynthia Steely - Half Marathon - 2:20

Cynthia has run 3 Marathons and many Half Marathons. She enjoys yoga and running. She loves to run and paces because she likes the energy and group experience, she states she is chatty, informative, and fun! Her best pacing trip was the EQT 10 Miler!

Skylar Jones - Half Marathon - 2:30

Skylar has been a half marathon pacer for the Pittsburgh marathon since 2016! She has paced many halves and fulls all over the east coast. She has run 20 Marathons and around 50 Half Marathons. Skylar is a Pittsburgh native but now lives in South Carolina. Her favorite running buddy is her dog Rooney, and runs with Sole Blazers Running Club. Skylar completed her first full Ironman 140.6 as well as a 50 mile race in 2021. She will talk and cheer the entire race and make sure everyone is having a great time!

Alyssa Lynch - Half Marathon - 2:30

Alyssa has run in over 47 Marathons, and over 50 Half Marathons! She runs for those who are not able to, and to better herself as a person and an athlete. Her best running memories are running her 5K PR in 2015 and finishing her first Marathon in 2017. Alyssa says she paces because she loves giving back to the community and continuing helping others achieve their goals. Alyssa would like to run 50 Marathons before she turns 25!

Mike Salamon - Half Marathon - 2:45

Michael has completed over 40 Marathons! He mostly runs solo, but occasionally likes to run with a few of his friends. He paces because he likes to lead, yell, and help people reach their goals. He gets to the start line very early to talk strategy and will fire you up! He takes pride in starting slowly, and will finish within 30 seconds of the goal!

Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt - Half Marathon - 2:45

Kaitlyn enjoys running, workout classes, hiking, dancing, and dog sitting. She has run 2 Marathons and 3 Half Marathons. She wants to inspire many people to run a race that they never thought they could be able to. Her favorite marathon to run is Pittsburgh's! Kaitlyn states that she loves seeing people achieve their goals and being the person that they can come to if they need extra encouragement.

Victor Siclari - Half Marathon - 3:00 Run/Walk

Victor began running in earnest around the half century mark when he completed his first marathon. After being bit by the bug, he became a certified coach and has trained hundreds of runners with the Jeff Galloway run/walk program. He most enjoys being a pacer and helping runners complete their first, longest, or PR race. He missed the camaraderie of in-person running and races and looks forward to bringing in the crowd at the “back of the pack.” His best marathon memory is finishing his first marathon at age 51!

Sha Zhao- Half Marathon - 3:00 Run/Walk

Sha Zhao has been pacing at local group runs and marathon races nationwide since 2015. She loves sharing her passion for running and healthy living. As a pacer, Sha might remind you of running the tangents, make you laugh with bad running jokes, and encourage you to dig deep when you are tired, but most importantly, she is adamant about her responsibility of running at the assigned pace. You can count on her consistency and leading the group to cross the finish line within 30 seconds of the target time. And you would have a great time! When Sha is not running, she practices and teaches yoga, learns the classic guitar and Spanish, does pull-ups, and works full-time for a local company.

Michael Freker - Half Marathon - Walking Division

Michael has run 11 Marathons and 13 Half Marathons. His favorite Marathons are Pittsburgh's and Disney's. He listens to classic rock artists when he runs. Michael runs for health and happiness. His hobbies are fundraising for good causes, singing, and spending time with his family and friends. He likes to talk, encourage, and walk through the water stops to hydrate with his pace team!

Michael Fatigante - BACK Half Marathon - 1:40

Michael enjoys traveling, all sports, and exploring new places through running. He has participated in over 50 Marathons/ Ultramarathons. He likes to run with friends, neighbors, and also enjoys running solo. When he reached the finish line of his first 100 miler, it made him realize anything is possible if we just keep moving forward. He wants to help others reach their goals. Michael also states that he loves the atmosphere of the Pittsburgh Marathon.

Laura Boley - BACK Half Marathon - 1:50

Laura has been in 24 Marathons/ Half Marathons. She paced the Marathon last year and finished within 20 seconds of her time. Her goal is to complete the world marathon majors.

Rene Kubas - BACK Half Marathon - 2:00

Rene is excited to pace for the BACK Half Marathon this year. Rene started running 10 years ago and fell in love with the feeling of accomplishment. She has completed races of all distances, from one mile to trail ultras, with three full marathons in Pittsburgh, as well as the New York City Marathon and most recently Richmond, Va. Along with being an avid runner, Rene is also a triathlete. She is excited to join you on your running journey.

Jennifer Tracy - BACK Half Marathon - 2:15

Jennifer enjoys running as a social activity and as a way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. As a high school chemistry teacher during the day, her most rewarding runs are after school with her cross country students. Regardless of pace, she enjoys encouraging them and stopping to take multiple selfies along the route. These may be found by following her on Strava. Though Jennifer only started to run in organized events in 2014, she has run 12 full marathons and over 30 half marathons since that time. One of her goals is to eventually run a half marathon in every state.

Thomas Mangan - BACK Half Marathon - 2:30

Thomas has run over 200 Marathons and currently runs with Steel City Road Runners. He likes to listen to 80's music when he runs. His best pacing memory was receiving a big, sweaty bear hug from a runner who achieved a personal best time because she stuck with him throughout the race!

Jeff Cicchini - BACK Half Marathon - 3:00 Run/Walk

Jenn Cicchini - BACK Half Marathon - 3:00 Run/Walk

Jenn has run 19 Full Marathons! Her favorite marathon to run is the DICK's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. She runs with Fleet Feet and City of Bridges. She paces because she loves seeing people fulfill their goals. She says that you should run her pace group because, "The party is in the back!"