Christina Bird
Christina Bird, a Richmond native, started her passion for running while at graduate school in York, England. “I was active (walking, hiking, etc.) but needed an outlet for the stress. Running fit that need so perfectly. Six years, 5 half marathons, and 1 full marathon later and I’m still so in love with the sport.” GO CHRISTINA!
When not running, Christina loves spending time with her four-legged, best friend who is a little bit nut, but so sweet and super smart. She also thinks her husband is pretty cool too! She has her undergrad and grad degree in Art History, focused on photography. “I’m always photographing the weird things that I find around me.” Along with art, she loves food and is always thinking about the next meal, especially when training for along race.
Christina’s favorite Sports Backers event is the Markel Richmond Half Marathon. “I love the course and the spectator support is excellent. Riverrock is a pretty stellar event too, so that would be my vote for second place. I love events that have multiple distance options because they allow more people of varying activity levels and abilities to participate.”
MaryAnn Cooley
MaryAnn Cooley, a 7th generation Floridian and diehard “Gator Fan”, grew up in Sarasota, Florida but now resides in Richmond where she enjoys the “change of seasons” with her husband John and two daughters, Ashlyn and Allison. MaryAnn attended Furman University in SC and works as a Physical Therapist in the area.
MaryAnn began her running career 10 years ago when she decided to change her exercise routine and signed up with the John Rolfe Monument Ave 10K training team and became hooked. Thanks to her husband, MaryAnn also loves cycling and on January 1 she started swimming with a goal to complete a spring or Olympic distance triathlon. GO MARYANN!!
MaryAnn’s favorite Sports Backers event is the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K with the Markel Richmond Half Marathon in a close 2nd place.
Zachary Lane
Zachary Lane is a native of Richmond. When not watching football (college or professional) hey loves to cook and learn new recipes. Zachary also has a love for malls! “I enjoy exploring them, seeing how many levels they have, what stores they have, etc.”
Zachary was a sprinter during his track and field events in high school and got into long distance running in college. He has completed a number 5ks, 10ks and has a half marathon under his belt. His favorite Sports Backers event is the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. “It is such a fun event. The whole community comes together and it is just a blast. It is like a big social block party and street festival in the midst of the actual run.” We like to think so too, Zachary!
Emily Martin
Emily Martin hales from Petersburg, Virginia, but spent her University years abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. With her time abroad and love of travel, she has set her goal to visit 30 countries by the age of 30 and running a few races while there.
Tennis was Emily’s go-to sport growing up. “I never could imagine she could or would ever want to run more than a mile.” However, fresh out of college and entering the real world, she gradually began a walk-run routine to relieve work stress. “Once I moved to RVA, it became a more sociable and fun activity.” Emily credits her brother for encouraging her to join him at meet-up groups and then inspiring her to leap into races. “As he ran his first Richmond Half in 2015, I jumped up and down on the sidelines, cheering for him and waving my sign ‘Go John! Run 13.1 for Pie!’ (Yes, he got a homemade apple pie.) A year later, I was crossing that finish line, too. Now you’ll find me running around RVA with friends, cheering on the sidelines of races, and encouraging others to explore all that Richmond has to offer.” Yay Emily!
Emily’s favorite Sports Backers event is “All of them!” but her soft spot is for the Anthem Richmond Marathon with a special shout out for the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team. “The coaches are top-notch, the friendships made are priceless, and the crowd support on race day is awesome.”
Staci Rogge
Staci Rogge is a native Texan and moved to Richmond a year and half ago from Houston. Staci says, “Part of the reason we chose Richmond was because the ease of accessibility to the outdoors. We love hiking in the mountains with our two dogs and hanging out at Pony Pasture during the summer.”
Staci completed her first half marathon in 2007 after a little coaxing from her work friends. In 2015 she completed the Chevron Houston Marathon, her first full marathon, again with a little more convincing from friends. Staci is now an ultra runner and has run numerous 50k, three 50-milers, and completed her first 100k this year. GO STACI! Staci says, “running doesn’t require any special equipment (until you get into longer distances), can be relatively cheap to do, and the mental/physical health benefits are great!” We agree Staci! When not on the trails, she loves visiting the local craft breweries in the area.
Staci’s favorite Sports Backers event, so far, is the CarMax Tacky Light Run.
Elaine Rondina
Originally born in Illinois, Elaine Rondina comes to us from Chesterfield County where she has lived since the age of 7. When not on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, you’ll likely find Elaine “Glamping”. “I am an avid Glamper (that is, glamour camping).. no roughing it for me…. spending most weekends and vacations traveling the states.” She started her running career back in 2012 when her neighbor talked her into doing the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Training Team. “I grew up a swimmer and running was never anything I was interested in. Next thing I knew I was registered for the Half training team and I haven’t looked back. A core group of us started Midlo Mafia and our numbers have grown every year.” Way to go Elaine!
Elaine tells us she doesn’t really have a favorite Sports Backers event but rather group. “All of the Training teams are awesome. If it wasn’t for the peeps I met through the training team and the running group created because of it, I wouldn’t still be running.”