Meet the OTRA Members

Ryan Aldrich

Bio & Pic Coming Soon!

Shay Beatty

Bio & Pic Coming Soon!

Henry Bickerstaff

It is all Steve Tanio’s fault. I started running in 1988 with a few 5K races. Slowly I increased my distance and in 2004, the year I turned 50, did my first marathon with Steve Tanio, his first also. I then talked Steve in running the Pike’s Peak ascent, his first, my third time to tackle the mount. Steve then talked me into running Palo Duro, he did the 50 miler, I did the 50K and finished second. Thus, my start to running trails.

Besides running a few marathons I completed the double at Pike’s Peak in 2006. 2007 was not kind to me but 2008 looks promising and my goals for the future include the ascent for the sixth time, Palo Duro and Bandera.

I get inspiration from my two children. My daughter who had a short pro cycling career who despite injuries still competes as a recreational runner and my son who works full time and competes as a professional triathlete.

Tanya Brown

Bio Coming soon!

Kelcie Carpenter

Bio and Pic Coming Soon!!

Mike Crake

It appears that we may never see Mike’s Bio or Pic!

Katharine Cranwell

I’ve been running for about 23 years. Wait, I can’t possibly be that old! I started with the 5 and 10K’s. Once I got up to a 30K I knew it was time for a marathon. I’ve been running far ever since.

I remember my first trail run. It was Sullivan Canyon in Los Angeles. One of my running partners took me up there on our mountain bikes for cross-training. Half-way up I suggested we run it instead. We stashed our bikes in the trees and tackled the canyon on foot.

I love trail running! 95% of my running is on the trails. You’ll find me on the pavement only when it’s too wet.

Events I’ve participated in:
Los Angeles Marathon
Seattle Marathon
OKC Memorial Marathon
Andy Payne Marathon
Columbia River Gorge Marathon
Palo Duro 50K (3 times)
Redman Marathon (that would be after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112)

Other Cool Stuff:
Redman Medical Director 2005
TanKa Tri Co-Founder and Co-Director
Winter Solstice Half Marathon Hostess
Founder and RD for GreenPeople Trail Run!

Justin Fuller

Pic Coming soon!

After a number of years away from the trail and a few corporate relocations, I’m trying to get back to what I love now that we have returned to OKC.

I’ve got a great wife of 14 years, and two awesome kids, ages 10 and 7. We live in NW OKC.

I credit Jimmy Salas, Jack Christian, and John Hargrove for leading me to the finish line when I didn’t think I could get there on my own. They embody the best that Oklahoma Ultra-Runners have to offer the ultra-running community.

Justin’s trail running accomplishments to date include:

Arcadia Lake Trail Run 50K finisher
Rockledge Rumble 50K finisher twice
Palo Duro 50M finisher
Cross Timbers 50M finisher
Rocky Raccoon 50M finisher
Arkansas Traveller 100M, dropped at mile 71

Andrew Guthrie

Married with 3 boys ages 2, 6, and 8. Lives in Edmond. Pediatric dentist with practice in OKC. Ran cross-country and track in college at Harding University in Searcy, AR. PR for marathon in 2:49 (run 20 years ago). My age-adjusted PR is 3:16 (isn’t it amazing what age can do to your speed). I love to run on trails and to mountain bike on trails.

Ken Hardrick

Bio & Pic Coming Soon!

Alison Hester

Bio and Pic coming soon!

Thomas Hill

Simple enough to say, Thomas is the Man!!

It’s taken an act of congress to get him to write his bio, so I’m going to do it for him!

The guy is an inspiration! Not only is he an exceptional and dedicated athlete, proven by his participation in multiple marathons and sprint, oly and iron distance triathlons, but he is also, and probably foremost, a pillar of the Oklahoma running community!

Thomas is the founder of:

Tri-OKC,
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon,
The Redman Triathlon,
The Mother Road 100
The Boathouse Olympic Distance Tri, and a list of future projects that would make the rest of us wilt.

On top of all of that he is a super dad, a successful business man and a friend to many!

He is a newbie to the world of Trails, but I’m sure in no time he’ll master that as well!

Go Thomas!

Brian Hoover

Brian, TATUR founder and Race Director for the Turkey and Taturs Trail Run has been running for three years and enjoys competing.

He is a avid runner and marathoner, but has become a impressive trail runner and significant advocate for trail running in Oklahoma.

His road accomplishments include the Chicago marathon and his trail running resume includes Rockledge, Flatrock, Cross Timbers, Sunmart, and AOK.

Welcome to our crew Brian!

Maurice Lee

I started running in 2005 at the age of 52 just to keep in shape, and hold down my weight. I ran mostly on the treadmill until I decided to run a small town 5k. I won the masters division (I didn’t even know what that meant) and was hooked on running outdoors. I got interested in trail running after running the Sooner State Trail 12k in 2007. My first ultra was Palo Duro 50k in Oct. 2007. I saw Keith McCombs at the campground after my first loop. I still remember how good it felt when I started back out on my second loop, was close to the road, and a group of OTRA members in a van yelled out my name and encouragement. I still run more road races than trail but am starting to incorporate more trail running into my training.

http://okcorrer.blogspot.com

Herve Lucier

I’ve been running seriously for about 20 years. I started on roads like many do.

I have 23 marathons to my name, 2 under 3hrs, my best was in Munich in the early 90’s with a time of 2:57:28. My longest trail run was a 42 miler in the mountains outside of Davos, Switzerland where I finished in a little over 8 1/2 hours. Those two efforts were in my better days. I’m a lot older and slower now. I used to do a lot of trail running with the Hash House Harriers, that’s probably where the extra 25 pounds came from, in doing the down-downs.

I now live and train in Southeast Oklahoma, around the Ouichita National Forest. I’ve been running mostly 25 k’s and marathons, but I hope and feel that I will venture into 50k’s this year.

Joel McCarty

I started trail running after having a family made it more challenging to get away for my first passion of ultralight backpacking.

Like most of us I quickly became addicted to the trails although I do also race on roads.

My first trail run ever was Green People 07 where I did my longest run to date of 16 miles. A year later in the grips of a full fledged running addiction I did 50 miles with 1 marathon and a pair of 50ks in between.

In 08 I did my first 100 miler at the mother Road 100

going-long.blogspot.com

Beth McCombs

Beth began her running career by taking a giant leap. Her first event was the Dan Man where she stopped at mile 16 due to a knee injury. (this was her first event! Wow!)

She has since completed the 15 mile Butterfield Trail run in Devils Den Arkansas, the Palo Duro Canyon 20K.

She continues her 9 to 12 mile training runs weekly and is looking forward to the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in 2008.

She also has her sights set on the Sooner State Games, Lake McMurtry Trail and much more.

We’re not sure that she is running because she enjoys it or if she’s running away from Keith with whom she put up with for the last 25 years!

Way to go Beth, we’re proud of you!!

Some accomplishments to date:

Dan Man – 18 miles
Crosstimbers Half-Marathon
LMTR 25K
Pikes Peak Ascent
Sunmart 50 k

Keith McCombs

Keith began his running career after becoming an accomplished walker. Yes that is correct! After 42 years of walking to get from point A to point B, Keith realized that running will get you there faster. So in 2002 Keith began running the local trails in the OKC area. This led to trail running events in Oklahoma, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. Keith enjoys running events such as Pikes Peak, Palo Duro Canyon, Lake McMurtry, The Dan Man, Oklahoma City Memorial, World Run Day etc…

Keith also enjoys giving back to the running community. He offers assistance to many local race events. He also acts as Assistant Race Director and Logistics Coordinator for the Oklahoma Redman Triathlon, and is President of our esteemed organization!

Rich McLaughlin

Bio & Pic Coming Soon!

Desiree Margagliano

Former Pro mountain biker and current awesome triathlete, this girl will pass you and then turn around and laugh at you!

She’s a great athlete and person. Race Director for the Tri-OKC March in Okarche event!

Bio & Pic Coming Soon!!

John Marrujo

AKA “the Sherpa”, has been dabbling in trail running since 1998, after fellow ultraman Dan Keefe “threw down the gauntlet”. Hogged tied and kidnapped, first trail run was Sunmart 50k. Ever since, I run as “a desperate attempt to cling to my youth”.

Enjoy ultra runs because of the:

• People – those from other cities/states. I’ve met some nice and interesting people, probably the best part for me.
• Challenge – beginning to like the more technical/rugged terrain (pretty sick huh?)and the mountainous and wooded surroundings.
• Restaurants and Breweries – that is, if I’m not lightheaded, nauseated or dehydrated.
• Great way to study geology/history of the region ( How the hell do you get college credit?)

Goals: To finish before all the burgers are gone!

Trail Runs: The list is long and trifling.

SunMart 50k (3x)
McMurtry 25k
Leadville 100 (DNF)
Palo Duro 50k (2x) and 20k
Berryman 50M and Marathon
Double Chubb 25k
The 12 miles of Hell
Rockledge Rumble 25k (3x)
Grasslands Marathon and half marathon
Pikes Peak Ascent
Lake of the Sky 33 miler
Highland Sky 40 miler
Cherry Blossom 10 miler (not a trail, but FUN)
ADTM Half Marathon – followed immediately by the “Incline”. A 2100’ climb in 1 Mile. The stairmaster from hell, ave. grade 48%, steepest part 68%. Why?? Because It was there, Grasshopper!
Handful of road marathons and half marathons over the years.

Pic Coming Soon!

Charlie Neuenschwander

Recently graduated and happily married in ‘07, began running after my cycling career got put on hold to finish college. I discovered my level of fitness was plummeting and had to do something about it! I started running for the convenience and effectiveness for burning calories. I
started running on trails because I found pavement to be a bore, however as my running has progressed, I have gradually acquired a taste for pavement because running on it is better for tempo and heart rate zone specific runs. On a weekly basis, I generally do 50% of my miles on
trail, the other 50% on pavement, depending on the mileage for the week of course. As far as experience goes, the only official event I have under my belt is an 8k that happened at Stars and Stripes Park at Lake Hefner back in June of ‘07. I don’t remember my time or placing, but it
was fun. I have a few races on my calender that I plan to attend in ‘08:

Dan Man, Sooner State Games, Lake McMurtry, Turkey/Taturs, and Palo Duro. As of right now, I am preparing for Dan Man, this being my first Ultra ever, considering I still need to run a marathon, I am a little
jittery about the 50M. I’m always looking for running partners, wanna
run? call me.

Danny Ponder

I have been running competitively for about 18 years and running trails for the last 5.
My faithful crew/support is wife Betty of 23 years and daughter Stephanie (class of 2008 OU). We have lived in Norman for about 10 years and my wife and I both work at Tinker AFB where we met.

After over 30 marathons, 26.2 miles didn’t seem to have the same thrill as they used to. Then I was introduced to ultra-running and once again challenged with the reality that I might not finish this race.

Some races that I have finished:

SunMart 50 mile
Leadville Trail Marathon
A-OK 50K
El Scorcho 50K
East Texas Trail 50K

John Rahhal

Bio and Pic Coming Soon!

Cara Rogers

Bio coming soon!

Angie Sholar

Angie began trail running in 2006 at the encouragement of her husband. We are still not sure if she does it because she likes it or she knows that she will not see Bret otherwise. She has run a number of local road races including organizing a 2004 Marathon Relay team and running both the 2005 Half-Marathon and the 2006 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. She prefers training at Bluff Creek and her trail races include both the Turkey and TATURS 10k and the Palo Duro 20K. Her next goal is to climb Mount Everest with nothing but headphones, a Diet Coke and a Ziploc bag.

Bret Sholar

Running career began on the road. Expanded resume’ to include road triathlons and duathlons.
Finished six (6) road marathons and too many local road races to count.
Discovered trail running in 2003 with the Palo Duro 20K.
My real passion (other than my sexy wife) is Ultrarunning. The more challenging the better (just like my wife).

Since then I have run:
Palo Duro 50K (2)
Pikes Peak Marathon
Lake Thunderbird Xterra Triathlon
Grasslands 50 Mile (2)
DanMan 50 Mile (2)
Toe Stumpin 5-Mile Trail Run
Lake McMurtry 25K, 50K
Rocky Raccoon 50K
SunMart 50K
Sooner State Games Trail 12K
A-OK 50K
San Juan Solstice 50 Mile (2)-favorite event
Texas State Championship Adventure Race with Dave Wood
Turkey and TATURS 50K
Mother Road 100

Other Stuff:
Race Director: Draper Lake Duathlon since 2004
Run Director: REDMAN Triathlon since 2005
Co-Race Director: Mother Road 100
USATriathlon Certified Official (CAT2)
TRI-OKC Director (05-06)

“Great is the road I climb, but the garland
offered by an easier effort is not worth the gathering.”

Bill Snipes

Although I have been running on the roads for over 30 years, when it comes to running trails I’m truly a novice. I have never competed in a trail race, but look forward to taking on the Sooner State Games 12K Trail Run in 2007. After a knee injury in 2004 I took up cycling as part of my recovery and have participated in a few multi-sports events, including being on a relay team in the 2005 and 2006 Redman Triathlons. I have the privilege of serving as the president of the Oklahoma City Running Club for 2006 and 2007. Whenever I get a chance one of my passions is hiking the 14ers in Colorado. Most of my friends think I’m a “fitness nut”. . . hanging with you guys, I feel normal!

Melissa Stone

I became a trail runner 3 years ago after pounding the pavement for over 10 years doing 5 and 10K runs.
I did my first (and only to date) marathon in’ 05, Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
I also throw in a few duathlons a few times a year, just for fun.
My other accomplishments to date are:
Palo Duro 20K- ‘05, ‘06
Rockledge Rumble 10K- ‘04
The Half, Dallas- ‘04
Team- Redman Half Iron Distance Triathlon ‘06
LMTR 25K- ‘07- 4 months after knee surgery (that one hurt a bit).
Lean Horse 50K – ‘07 (1st Place AG)

Trail running is the way to run!

Steve Tanio

Began running 5k races and slowly increased the distances. Started doing longer races when a friend asked me to train with him for an Olympic Distance Tri(Ponca City Tri). Have completed numerous tri’s to include Buffalo Springs Half(2X). Began trail running and road running longer distances as off season training for Tri’s….but have become Hooked!!! I hope one day to complete Western States, Badwater, Hardrock, Marathon Des Sables, and eventually Ultra Grand Slam!!! Although I recently moved out of State, I will always consider myself a life long Sooner!

Some races I’ve completed:

Oklahoma Memorial Marathon 2004, 2005, 2006
Palo Duro 50K 2004
Pikes Peak Ascent 2004
Palo Duro 50 Mile 2005
Pikes Peak Marathon 2005
Quad Cities Marathon 2006
Glacial Trail 50 Mile 2006
Motherroad 100 2006

“If you start to feel good during an Ultra, don’t worry you will get over it” Gene
Thibeault

Sweat Dries, Blood Clots, Bones Heal…..Suck it up!!
“Even if you fall flat on your face, at least you are moving forward” Sue Luke

Bill West

Bill has run about 20 road marathons and each time swears its the last! He is a reluctant trail runner but since he is a great husband he does humor me by doing trail runs. He has done McMurtry and Atoka. We have a contest to see who can fall the most. He says he is an ultra runner, ultra stupid for doing it. Actually, Bill in his hayday was a really fast runner. Now he slogs along with me and the dog. When he is not riding his tractor,weedeating, chainsawing, shoveling llama poop or grinding away as a CPA, you will see him RUNNING.

Sometimes he even gets to lay in the hammock! But not often. He is the busiest and hardest working guy I know!

(Written by his loving wife Jane)

Jane Hresko West

Jane is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Full of more help, energy and volunteerism than two people!

Great athlete and Great freind!

Frances Williams

Bio and Pic Coming Soon!!

Ric Williams

Bio and Pic Coming Soon!!

David Wood

Been hooked since crewing for a buddy at the Pike’s Peak Marathon in 2001.

Partial listing of events to date:

02, 03’, 04’, 06’ Palo Duro 20K
02’, 03’ Pikes Peak Ascent
04’ Pikes Peak Marathon
04’ Lake McMurtry 25K (favorite distance)
03′, 04’ Grasslands
05’ Rocky Raccoon 25K
06’, 07′, 08′ Dan Man
06’ Sooner State Games 12K
06′ Texas State Championship Adventure Race (w/ Bret Sholar)
07′ Nearly New Year Run
07′ Barkley Book Fair (Gotta do this!!!!!)
08′ Texas Independence Relay (had a blast!!)
See link: http://teampirana.com/?cat=3
08′ Heartland 50 Miler

Other stuff

Race Director, Redman Triathlon
Founder, Oklahoma Trail Running Association

Peggy Wood

Although a life long runner and a road marathon finisher Peggy has been a trail runner in earnest since the beginning of 06’.

She caught the “trail bug” quickly and may be hooked for life.

Trains at several OKC area trails, as well as Turkey Mountain, Butterfield Trail in Northern Arkansas, and at Palo Duro Canyon

Some of her accomplishments to date:

Dan Man – 18 miles
Crosstimbers Half-Marathon
LMTR 25K
Pikes Peak Ascent
Sunmart 50 k

Carroll Wright

I began running as a teenager, running my first half marathon at 13. I took a break in my twenties, but started running again when I turned 30. Over the past ten years, I have run alot of trail and road races, including the OK Memorial Marathon, San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon and the Palo Duro Canyon 50k.

My husband and I have an acreage SE of the city in which we landscaped out a running trail consisting of woods, hills, and creeks to jump. I really enjoy getting out and running with my two labs Duke and Daisy. I also have two teenage daughters who play alot of softball all over the country, which gives me a chance to run in some beautiful places (especially Colorado).

Gary Yarbrough

Bio and Pic Coming Soon!!