IMT Des Moines Marathon
Running Room Pace Team
Marathon Bios
3:05
Joseph Aulwes, 35
Bondurant, IA
Occupation: Software Developer
First Marathon: 3:44:02 - IMT Des Moines Marathon, 2007
Marathon Personal Record: 2:29:02 – Chicago Marathon, 2011
Number of Marathons Completed: 17 Marathons and 3 Ultras in 8 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: My first one. I had stopped
running for 5 years I kept telling myself I wanted to run a marathon someday. I
finally set a goal and gave myself 11 months to train from 0 miles per week to 40 miles per week. I
struggled with several injuries that year. An IT band injury prevented me running with a full stride during
the last 10 miles of the race. It was a huge accomplishment for me to just finish.
Previous Pacing Experience: I’ve paced the 1:30 half marathon group in 2009 then I paced the 1:23 half
marathon group in 2011. I've paced a 3:05 group in 2014 at the Little Rock Marathon, St. Jude
(Memphis) Marathon and paced the 3:05 group at the IMT Des Moines Marathon the last three years.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I am a father of two girls; I’ve been married for 9 years. We enjoy spending time
with our family and friends. I also enjoy camping, rock climbing and cycling but with our busy lives we
spend more time relaxing at home to a movie or our favorite TV shows.
3:10
Rob Hampton, 41
Bethlehem, PA
Occupation: Healthcare Technology / Business Analysis
First Marathon: Green Bay Marathon, 2010
Marathon Personal Record: 2:44:30 – Boston Marathon, 2015
Number of Marathons completed: 12 in 3 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: Grandma’s Marathon, 2014 – I was
able to stick with my race plan from initial training through crossing the finish line.
Previous Pacing Experience: Green Bay Marathon 2014/15/16; Fox Cities Marathon 2014/15; IMT Des
Moines Marathon 2014/15
Interests, hobbies, etc.: Hello! I’m returning for my 3rd year pacing the 3:10 group. Running has been a
key part of my life since my freshman year in HS. I’ve participated in running events between one mile
and the marathon and enjoyed them all. My favorite training events are track workouts. My other
hobbies include home remodeling, sports, and traveling. I look forward to helping you achieve your race
goals as a pace team leader.
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
3:15
Abel Shaw, 38
Waukee, IA
Occupation: Chiropractor
First Marathon: Chicago Marathon, 2005
Marathon Personal Record: 2:51:52 - Memphis Marathon, 2007
Number of Marathons completed: 8 Marathons and 4 Ultras in 6 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: My first marathon in Chicago came after a four year
hiatus from running following college. I haven’t stopped running since.
Previous Pacing Experience: This is the fourth year being a part of the Running Room Pace Team. The
excitement and appreciation of those that finish with us is what makes this an amazing experience.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: Spending time with my wife, 9-year-old son, and 5-year-old daughter. Running
and working out take up a lot my time, too.
3:25
Dustin Mead, 33
Des Moines, IA
Occupation: High School Science Teacher
First Marathon: IMT Des Moines Marathon, 2007
Marathon Personal Record: 2:58:22 – Chicago Marathon, 2013
Number of Marathons completed: 12 in 6 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: I have two. Boston 2011 – The
work I put in to qualify, the atmosphere, and thrill of that whole race weekend made for such an
unforgettable experience.
Des Moines, 2015 – I was completing the I-35 Challenge for the first time and didn’t know how I was
going to feel, but ended up running a 3:12 helping me finish the challenge in 6:25.
Previous Pacing Experience: This will be my first pacing experience, I am very excited to encourage my
group through the race to meet their goal.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I love spending time with my very supportive wife, Kate, and our two
daughters, Lily (7) and Elizabeth (5). I love to be active, play and watch sports, and I am a huge Iowa
State Cyclones fan.
3:30
Khris Vickroy, 41
Iowa City, IA
Occupation: Auditor
First Marathon: Oz Marathon, 2011
Marathon Personal Record: 2:56:03 – Med City Marathon, 2015
Number of Marathons completed: 18 in 14 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: Turning on a kick down Boylston St
to finish my first Boston Marathon in 2014.
Previous Pacing Experience: I led the 2013 and 2014 IMT Des Moines Marathon pace
team as well as the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and the Lincoln Marathon.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I’m an endurance athlete with a strong running background. I have completed
46 triathlons from sprint to the full Ironman and I’m working on running a marathon in all 50 states. I
have gotten into ultra-running with the goal of completing a 100 miler soon. When I’m not training I
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
coach my son’s sports and cook or bake. I also love searching for great food stops while traveling. I’m
always on the hunt for the best hamburger.
3:35
Josh Baker, 30
North Liberty, IA
Occupation: Structural Engineer with Shive-Hattery
First Marathon: 2014 Houston Marathon
Marathon Personal Record: 2:49:45 - 2016 Boston Marathon
Number of Marathons completed: 3 in 2 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: 2016 Boston Marathon, Amazing
course and amazing experience where I was able to PR on a day that got into the
70s.
Previous Pacing Experience: This will be my first official pacing experience and I am excited to help
other runners achieve their marathon goals.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: Love running, cycling, mountain biking (especially with my Rhodesian
Ridgeback Briggs) and pretty much anything outside.
3:40
Randy Sturm, 39
Belmond, IA
Occupation: Winnebago Industries (Cut foam for the walls)
First Marathon: Country Music Marathon, Nashville, TN - 3:39:16 (4/28/2001)
Marathon Personal Record: 3:06:49 – 2012 IMT Des Moines Marathon
Number of Marathons completed: 39 in 18 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: Boston Marathon - MA 3:10:23 (4/15/2013) It was my
first Boston Marathon. It took me 12 years to get there from my first marathon. I Boston Qualified in my
home state of Iowa at the IMT Des Moines Marathon in 2011. I ran 3:09:14 and needed a 3:10. I made a
shirt of my late Grandpa. He lived to be 95 and the marathon took place on (10/16/2011) what would
have been his 107th birthday.
Previous Pacing Experience: This is my second formal pacing experience. I am excited to help other
runners achieve their marathon goal. I paced 3:40 last year and finished at 3:41:16.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I enjoy meeting other people, especially other runners since we have an instant
connection. I also enjoy sharing my story on how I became a runner. Once in a while I’ll make a shirt
with pictures of people that I wear in their memory.
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
IMT Des Moines Marathon
Running Room Pace Team
Marathon Bios
3:45
Shanon Springer, 39
Axtell, NE
Occupation: Kitchen Manager
First Marathon: Lincoln National Guard Marathon, 2010
Marathon Personal Record: 2:56:19, Lincoln National Guard Marathon, 2013
Number of Marathons completed: 8 in 5 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: I ran the 2014 Boston Marathon and it was amazing! It
was wonderful to be among athletes and citizens taking back such an iconic city and race. The course
itself proved challenging and I certainly did not PR, but nevertheless; Boston has been one of the
defining moments in my life.
Previous Pacing Experience: I paced the IMT Des Moines Marathon in 2013 for the 3:35 group. I had a
lot of fun and met some great people. I didn’t hesitate when I was invited back to pace the 3:45 group
this year.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I live in Nebraska in the flattest part; Hills are hard to come by so I must go
looking for them. I am anxious to run on the new course I think it will be a blast!
3:55
Carrie Van Quathem, 44
Urbandale, IA
Occupation: Pediatric Physical Therapist
First Marathon: Richmond, VA 1996
Marathon Personal Record: 3:20:49 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon 2015
Number of Marathons completed: 39 in 15-20 states (I’ve lost track!)
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: It is so difficult to choose! Each one has been
wonderful and challenging in a way that I always appreciate the experience and can’t wait for the next.
The 2014 Boston was one of the most amazing examples of the human spirit that I’ve ever witnessed.
Everyone had a story of why they were there and what that day and running meant to them. I met
some incredible people and a lot of regular people banding together to make it an incredible event. It is
because of this experience that I am extra excited to be leading the 3:55 pace group, which is a BQ for
the 45-49 women.
Previous Pacing Experience: I paced the 3:50 marathon in 2008, 3:55 in 2014 & 2015 and the 2:00 half
in 2009, 2010, 2013 and the 2:10 half at 2012 Des Moines. I have run multiple marathons in many states
and often will access the pace groups to help me meet a goal. These experiences have led me to realize
what an important and exciting role the pace groups have in half marathons and marathons. Sharing
experiences and learning from others in the group is a very powerful motivator and makes the distances
seem shorter.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I am married and have 2 daughters, age 10 and 12. I have a life-long love of
running and other sports (basketball, volleyball, triathlon, backpacking), which led me to my career in
physical therapy. One of the best side effects of running is that I enjoy cooking and don’t have to worry
about skimping on desserts! I volunteer coach youth and adult running/triathlon programs at the
YMCA, volunteer at many local races, and am a past board member of the Capital Striders, Central
Iowa’s RRCA Running Club.
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
IMT Des Moines Marathon
Running Room Pace Team
Marathon Bios
4:00
Sam Houston, 49
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Occupation: Partner, Health Solutions, LLC
Marathon PR: 3:10:14 - Champaign-IL Marathon 2009
Number of Marathons Completed: 31 in 6 states---Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts,
Missouri, Wisconsin and New York.
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: New York 2011, awesome
experience and ran well. Also, Boston 2013 was unbelievable.
Previous Pacing Experience: Four times at the QC Marathon & three in the IMT Des Moines Marathon.
IMT Des Moines Half Marathon, 2013.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: Running, family & friends.
4:10
Bob Volp, 38
West Des Moines, IA
Occupation: Analytical Consultant - Wells Fargo
First Marathon: Marathon to Marathon 2010 (4:49:48)
Marathon Personal Record: 3:16:18 – 2013 Marathon to Marathon
Number of Marathons Completed: 13 Marathons in 8 States
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: My wife and I have finished six
marathons together. Each one has taught us something about ourselves and gives us
an experience that bonds us together.
Previous Pacing Experience: IMT Des Moines Marathon (4:40 in 2012 & 2013; 4:00 2015), Fox Cities
Marathon (4:15 in 2013), Maple Grove MN Half Marathon (1:45 in 2014), Hy-Vee Half Marathon (1:45 in
2015, 2:00 in 2016), Quad Cities Marathon (4:10 in 2014).
Interests, hobbies, etc.: My wife Megan and I have been married 13 years and running together for the
past nine. I enjoy pacing to help others to realize their best and reach their goals. In addition to running,
I am a member of the South Central Iowa STEM Board; I am an active leader in my son's Boy Scout Troop
and enjoy playing table top games.
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
IMT Des Moines Marathon
Running Room Pace Team
Marathon Bios
4:25
Thomas (Tom) Perri, 55
Maple Grove, MN
Occupation: Insurance / Mental Health
First Marathon: Twin Cities Marathon 1993
Marathon Personal Record: 3:35:42 - 2007 Fargo ND Marathon
Number of Marathons Completed: 364 (IMT Des Moines Marathon will probably be
375). I have completed over 145 different marathons throughout the fifty states. My
total number of races completed at any running distance is over 1,600 races. I
reached the 100K Lifetime running miles on 1/10/16.
Number of States You’ve Completed Marathons In: All fifty states completed in 2007, with currently 49
states completed for my second time and 39 states for the third time of a marathon in all 50 states.
Only 2 states left to complete a sub-4:00 marathon in all 50 states. Marathon Maniac #7000 and IMT
Titanium.
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: Oklahoma City 2005 as I primarily walked the course
after having major knee surgery
Previous Pacing Experience: This will be my 10th time pacing the IMT Des Moines Marathon, as I have
paced the 4:30/4:25 group the past nine years. I have helped numerous friends with their
first marathon experience as well as pacing individuals/friends for a BQ. I have also paced numerous
other running events besides the marathon distance, although my favorite pacing experience is the
marathon distance.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I have completed the Duluth In-line skate marathon. I have completed Ironman
bike rides, duathlons, as well as the runner on triathlon relay teams. I love to read mystery books.
4:40
Cristal Barnes, 44
Lawrence, KS
Occupation: Group Fitness Manager, Instructor & Personal Trainer
First Marathon: Walt Disney World Marathon 2001
Marathon Personal Record: 4:12:24 - Grandma’s Marathon 2011
Number of Marathons completed: 45 in 35 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: I love each marathon & am proud of every finish - I
loved New York - especially enjoying a picture with my then toddler daughter at mile 18 & cruising
through the rolling hills in Central Park. I actually think my proudest moment was in Omaha in 2009 - I
was trying to go under 4:30 for the first time & our pace leader dropped at mile 8 due to GI issues. Being
my 12th marathon & being good at math, I told the other 2 girls still in our pace “group” if they stuck
with me we could still reach our goals. Sure enough, we ran to mile 23 together - the other two needed
porto breaks so I kept going & even managed to speed up, finishing at 4:26:23 a PR - and happily
cheered them both in for sub 4:30 finishes.
Previous Pacing Experience: I have been pacing for the Runner’s Edge SmartPacing team since 2010 regularly pacing the Waddell & Reed Marathon / Half, Lincoln Marathon 4x, in addition to pacing the
marathon for Rock & Roll Savannah, Denver, St. Louis, Geico Pace Team for Baltimore Marathon, Asics
Pace team for the Kentucky Derby Marathon, Borgess Health Pace team for Kalamazoo, Hospital Hill
2:30 pacer 6 years in a row, the Heartland Series 39.3 races (Rock the Parkway, Garmin & Running with
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
the Cows - 39.3 miles in 6 weeks) 5 years running, plus other half & full races in the KC area. If I am in
town I pace! =0)
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I teach fitness classes, SCUBA dive, water ski, I love to build - our latest project
is a cool reading loft complete with hammock - I garden & make a mean spaghetti sauce, I do an
occasional triathlon with four 70.3 Half Ironman & one Legend 100 mile triathlon on the books. I am a
50-stater - 35 states done, 15 to go! I also love a good OCR & having fun with like-minded fit friends.
Most of all, I love being a wife to my husband Earl, a firefighter/ paramedic / triathlete who just
completed his third Ironman in WI last month & mother to the world’s greatest girl - my daughter
Cayman - who just might be an Olympic triathlete someday. =0)
4:55
Nick Hayden, 31
Mission, KS
Occupation: Student Life Coordinator for University of Kansas Medical Center
First Marathon: Kansas City Marathon, 3:48 in 2011
Marathon Personal Record: 3:32:54 - 2012 Springfield Marathon
Number of Marathons Completed: 13 Ironman Sanctioned Triathlons, 25
Marathons and 2 Ultras covering 12 states.
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: As a runner, a marathon is one of the most challenging
and daunting tasks. There are people everywhere; runners and fellow competitors swarming all over
the place. One really feels a sense of unity and solidarity as we all run and cheer together as one. In the
life of an endurance athlete, it is a huge milestone. It’s a race we will never forget. No two marathons
are ever alike. Each has a story of its own. The sense of pride that overcomes you as you cross that
finish line is indescribable, truly making it an extremely rewarding endeavor. There are so many great
and well-organized races that it becomes hard to rank them. If I had to choose one, my favorite thus far
would have to be Chicago. I literally have never seen so many people packed on a 26.2-mile course. The
excitement and joy is a little overwhelming at times. Having both my brothers there to guide me around
the city and watch as I run the race is also an added benefit.
Previous Pacing Experience: I’ve paced plethora of races over the years. These range from local
Marathons, Half Marathons and I even help local running groups. I primarily pace for Smart Pacing,
Runners Edge and Ultramax which are Missouri based companies.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: I enjoy the outdoors, so anything to get me out will spark my interest. Most
recently I have taken up trying to brew my own beer. Here is everything you ever wanted to know
about me and some facts you probably don’t care about at all!
-Favorite Food: Anything sweet (known for my huge sweet tooth and candy stash at work) most notably
Reese’s Cups. Favorite Movie/Show: Prefontaine and who can’t resist multiple episodes of The Office!
Favorite Books: The Runners Rule Book or RUN by Dean Karnazes and The Giving Tree by Shel
Silverstein. Favorite Meal: Nothing beats a good BBQ, French Fries and some sweet tea!
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com
IMT Des Moines Marathon
Running Room Pace Team
Marathon Bios
5:10
Robin Platt, 60
Naples, FL/ Algonquin, IL
Occupation: Project Manager
First Marathon: Chicago, 2000
Marathon Personal Record: 3:58:39 - 2009 Lakefront Marathon
Number of Marathons completed: 35 in 6 states
Marathon finish you’re most proud of and why: Marine Corp Marathon is my
favorite. It's extremely inspiring as it weaves from the Pentagon, past all the Washington DC National
Monuments including the White House and Congress along the Mall and ends at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Close to 10,000 Marines assist with traffic control and at the water stations throughout the course. This
will be my 8th Marine Corp Marathon this year.
Previous Pacing Experience: Paced Illinois, Peoria, Miami, Atlantic City and Rockford Marathons.
Interests, hobbies, etc.: Also an Ultra runner with 50K, 50mile, 100K and 100 mile completions.
Personal Run/Cycle trainer and Triathlete. Have completed 5 Ironman distance with an age group win.
5:25
Paul Wiederholt, 60
Clinton, IA
Occupation: Chemical Engineer
First Marathon: Twin Cities Marathon, 1997
Marathon Personal Record: 3:41:15 – Des Moines Marathon, 2003
Number of Marathons Completed: 37 +15 ultras in 11 states and Canada
Marathon finish you’re most proud of any why: So far Pikes Peak Marathon – I don’t think any
explanation is needed.
Previous Pacing Experience: I've led marathon pace groups 15 times previously, with goal times ranging
from 4:30 – 5:30. This includes 10 times pacing in the IMT Des Moines Marathon. Last year I led the 5:10
group at Des Moines.
Interests, hobbies, etc: Iowa born and raised, a 1978 grad from ISU. Go Cyclones!
No surprise, running is my favorite pastime. This year’s running activities got off to a very late start. An
early January rotator cuff injury and surgery gave me a 4½ month “running vacation”. But training since
then has gone well, so I’m confident in getting the 5:25 pace group to the finish line on time. Prior to
Des Moines I’ll be doing the Clinton and Quad Cities half marathons. I’m looking forward to my 15th IMT
Des Moines Marathon! After Des Moines I’m planning on the Wildcat Den 50K ultra.
When I’m not running, other interests include biking (I did my 5th RAGBRAI this year), photography, and
cruising on my Sportster.
IMT Des Moines Marathon | 1001 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
p 515.288.2692 | f 515.274.1596 | [email protected] | www.desmoinesmarathon.com