Mike started running long distance races in 2012 with a NY's Resolution to finish a half marathon. He was soon hooked, logging over 22,000 miles since then and reaching for his goals of qualifying for Boston/NYC/Chicago, running a 50 miler, and a sub-3:00 marathon (2:54). Having been helped by pacers himself, he appreciates the opportunity to return the favor by bringing his running zeal and experience to bear in helping you achieve your running goals.

1:35 SmartPace Teams

Ryan H. - 1:35 pacer

Ryan took up running again in 2018 after a several year hiatus due to family obligations and injuries. In just the last couple years he's made up for his time off by running 3 marathons and over a dozen half's, not to mention numerous 10 and 5ks and a couple duathlons. He enjoys running with friends and challenging himself to beat them (despite most being several years younger). His goal is to qualify for Boston in the next couple years. Ryan always enjoys helping others and thought pacing was just another opportunity to do so and still get some miles in.

1:40 SmartPace Teams

Jeremy V. - 1:40 pacer

Jeremy Vrentas has lived in the Kansas City area his whole life. He just picked up running almost 10 years ago in hopes to do get better every day. Since then he has completed over 27 Full marathons. He also along with just running does Triathlons. " I love running and helping other runners hit and achieve their big goals" - Jeremy

1:45 SmartPace Teams

Kenny M. - 1:45 pacer

Kenny began running in high school, competing in both cross-country and track, as an alternative to playing football. He has been a runner ever since. Kenny ran at Northwest Missouri State University (Go Bearcats!!), before being sidelined by injury. After college, Kenny began running again to stay active, and to get in better shape. He has run over 500 races to date, including 68 marathons (PR of 2:50), and over 125 half marathons (PR of 1:20). Kenny believes the biggest mistake people can make is starting off too fast. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for running with others and helping them and encouraging them to reach their running goals. Through his high energy and motivation, Kenny is confident he can help you achieve your goal time. What does he enjoy about running? Helping people in reaching their goals, being active, and the camaraderie and atmosphere in the running community. Also, running allows him to eat lots of Peanut M&Ms (it's a mild addiction...ha) without too much guilt.

1:50 SmartPace Teams

Xiaolin L. - 1:50 pacer

Xiaolin was passion about running in high school and college, and he started running again when his son Sihan went to college in 2012. He is an avid runner who has completed over 15 marathons in three counties. His goal is to run all world marathon majors in near future and become a six star runner. Xiaolin has paced the Garmin Marathon, Lincoln Marathon, and Kansas City Marathon a couple of times using the Smart Pacing strategy.

1:55 SmartPace Teams

Dalwyn H. - 1:55 pacer

Dalwyn has been an avid runner since the 8th grade. He's run numerous 5k's and 10k's. His first marathon was Chicago in 2004. He liked it so much, that he went on to run 30 more marathons all over the country. He has also run over 40 half marathons. Dalwyn loves to help others achieve their goals. Whether he's coaching his kids soccer, wrestling or track teams, or running a half or full marathon, he will have a smile and some words of encouragement for you.

2:00 SmartPace Teams

Cory S. - 2:00 pacer

Cory began running seriously in 2010 when he was introduced to triathlons. First a sprint, then olympic, then half Ironman and eventually the full Ironman. Sprinkle in some half and full marathons, and running has become a rhythm of life; including a weekly early Sunday morning run of 10+ miles. His running highlight was being able to run the final 10 miles of IMFL (2021) with his daughter (who was 21 at the time) and crossing the finish line together. He now desires to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for others in reaching their goals. We can do this! Let's go!!

2:05 SmartPace Teams

Wendy G. - 2:05 pacer

Wendy has always had a love for running but didn't get serious about it till 2010. She is a wife with three boys and four grandchildren. Wendy has run several half and full marathons even enjoys racing 5K's. Since her youth she has had a dream to Boston Qualify and after some heartbreaks from injuries and breast cancer she finally Boston Qualified in 2018. She finally made it in person for Boston in Oct 2021 after having to run Boston 2020 virtual. Wendy's motto is "Never Give Up". She looks forward to meeting others and helping them reach their goals/dreams.

2:10 SmartPace Teams

Paige L. - 2:10 pacer

Paige started running casually in 2007 and ran her first half marathon in 2012 and hasn't looked back! Paige has run countless 5ks, 10ks, Half Marathons, and 6 Full Marathons. Paige is passionate about running and loves to encourage others in their fitness goals as well. She is looking forward to running with you!

2:15 SmartPace Teams

Becki T. - 2:15 pacer

Becki is a passionate runner who loves sharing her joy in the sport with others. As a mom of 6 kiddos she often tells people, "If I can do it, you absolutely can!" Becki will encourage and motivate you to get that desired time, pushing you through the discomfort and reminding you that this is what you've trained for!

2:20 SmartPace Teams

Mindi F. - 2:20 pacer

Mindi started running as an adult for exercise but started adding some distance in 2013 with her first half marathon. Since then she has run several half marathons and 7 full marathons. She enjoys meeting running friends for early morning miles or taking her black lab out for some miles. She is married to a marathon runner and has two energetic boys who play sports. Her family motivates her to stay active. Pacing gives her an opportunity to give back to the running community where she’s found inspiration throughout the years.

2:25 SmartPace Teams

Sara A. - 2:25 pacer

Sara has mastered running and talking at the same time through her routine early morning runs with friends. She has run over 75 half marathons starting 22 years ago. Her most memorable race has been the Hood to Coast relay in Oregon. Sara enjoys the challenge of half marathons without the intense training of a full marathon. Her favorite races are those running with her daughter. Sara's tip today is to stick with the pacing splits for the first few miles, and then you can plow forward later to beat the pacer. It is always tempting to surge forward at the start of the race. Sara is looking forward to helping you reach your race goal and to enjoy the experience along the way.

2:30 SmartPace Teams

Libby W. - 2:30 pacer

Libby was a competitive gymnast growing up and thrived on the structure and pain of sports. She wanted to get back into another sport once the time consuming medical school and residency were completed, so she decided to start running. She then went on to get involved in triathlon, now having completed 10 Ironman 70.3 events, including the 2018 World Championships in South Africa, one full Ironman, 5 marathons, nearly 50 half marathons, and countless 5K and 10Ks. Her current goal is complete the 6 World Major Marathons (3 down, 3 to go!). She loves cheering on others and never takes running or herself too seriously. She is honored to run alongside fellow athletes as a pacer to help them reach their goals just as others have done for her!

2:35 SmartPace Teams

Scott B. - 2:35 pacer

Scott started running again at the young age of 41 just to lose a few pounds and be in better health. Joined a local running club and after a few years of a mile here and a mile there he decided to try his first marathon in spring of 2014 and has been hooked since. Two years since the spring of 2014 he has completed many marathons and 70+ half marathons. His favorite thing about running is the camaraderie that runners share and helping others achieve their goals whether it be a first race, a PR or just enjoying a run with good company.

2:40 SmartPace Teams

Lauren A. - 2:40 pacer

Since running her first 5k in fifth grade, Lauren has been passionate about running. Competing in track and cross country in school, Lauren now regularly runs in half and full marathons. She completed her eitght full marathon at Chicago. Training includes a mix of running, crossfitting, swimming and HIIT classes. She loves to stay active and occasionally participates in triathlons and mud runs. Lauren can't wait to share her love for running with you and is way to excited to help you have a great race!

2:45 SmartPace Teams

Kim C. - 2:45 pacer

Kim started running to lose the "baby weight" after her youngest turned 2. She fell in love with running, especially the half-marathon when she completed her first half (The KCM Half) in October of 2012. She enjoyed the race experience so much that she completed her second half just 4 weeks later. Since starting, Kim has completed 71 half marathons and over 50 5K & 10K runs and is a member of Half Fanatics. Kim's goal is to run to have fun and enjoy the journey.

2:50 SmartPace Teams

Bethany L. - 2:50 pacer

Bethany has been running since 2018. She decided to sign up for a 5k for a good cause, did some minor training, and completed it without walking. Considering she couldn't run a quarter mile before this small training, this was huge progress. This launched her into her distance running journey. If others could set big goals and run fun races, then so could she. Since then, Bethany has run numerous 5k, 10k, half marathons, random distance races along with her first full marathon back in November 2023. She has had wonderful family and friends along her journey that have encouraged her to be better, train smarter, and dream big. One of those dreams was becoming a pacer. She never imagined herself becoming a pacer but being the encourager and goal setter she is, this seemed like the perfect fit. She loved being able to jump in, cheer on, and help new friends meet their goals.

2:55 SmartPace Teams

Allison K. - 2:55 pacer

Allison started running in 2012 after a friend suggested a 4 mile race that was 6 months away. She began with the couch to 5k program and never intended to run anything more than that race but she got hooked on running. Within 4 months after the race, she ran her first 10k and within another 3 months, she ran her first half marathon. In October 2017, she ran her first marathon. Her passion is the half marathon distance though. Allison has incorporated running into her busy lifestyle. She is a full-time healthcare worker and mom to three elementary school aged children. Running has given her a sense of belonging with a community of friends. She hopes to share her enthusiasm with other runners as she helps them reach their goals.

3:00 SmartPace Teams

Jessica L. - 3:00 pacer

Jessica started running in 2008 after her second son was born. She always admired runners but wasn't sure if she had what it takes. She quickly found out that you don't have to be an expert to put on those running shoes and just give it a try. Starting out with running 10 seconds at a time then walking and building up to running 30 seconds and then minutes, she was on her way to train for her first half marathon. "That experience of crossing the finish line makes you feel like you are on top of the world and can accomplish anything!" She has now ran over 25 half marathons and completed her 5th marathon in 2019. Jessica's passion for running has turned in to a way of life where she says "Running is good for the body, mind and soul". She looks forward to helping others reach their goals as they cross finish line together.

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In this section:

Our Upcoming Races

Words to run by

Meet your Pacers forTime to Paddy Half Marathon

Half Marathon SmartPace Teams

Mike B. - 1:30 pacer