Behind the Scenes
Meet the organizing team
Behind every Run Calgary event is a remarkable team working tirelessly to make it happen. Our passionate staff, volunteer board of directors, and dedicated race committee bring a wealth of skills, creativity, and heart to every aspect of our organization.
Meet the Staff, Board & Race Committee
Their commitment, from early planning through race day execution, ensures every detail is covered and every runner is supported. Thanks to their energy and expertise, Run Calgary events create lasting experiences and a meaningful impact for thousands across the city.
Kirsten Fleming - Chief Executive Officer
she/her
Kirsten is a passionate communicator with a journalism degree, now living her dream in the running industry. After a decade in TV journalism, she left it all behind to follow her heart and immerse herself in the Calgary Marathon. A dedicated mother to Jones and wife to Matt, Kirsten thrives on adventure, mountains, skiing, and family time. While she’s completed many marathons, her focus has shifted to running for fun, health, and keeping up with her toddler. With more than a decade of leadership at Run Calgary, Kirsten has been instrumental in driving the strategic direction and growth of the organization, fueling her deep passion for the sport and its vibrant community. Kirsten's 2026 running goal is a sub 2-hour half marathon in Vancouver at SeaWheeze.
Jon Bird - Operations Director
he/him
Jon got started in the grass roots events industry by refining house parties. The culmination of this grass roots initiative was measured by 17 kegs and 3 live bands in a 1400 sq/ft two story house. Jon ‘retired’ from this space after several polite visits from the fire department and has since continued his learning about load limits, insurance and a myriad of other exciting technical details. Jon currently serves as the Operations Director of Run Calgary - helping evolve the operations of both the business and events. Jon is a father of two, husband and cycling junkie.
Maureen MacDonald - Participant Experience Manager/Office Manager
she/her
Maureen runs for fitness and social connection - and also for the fancy coffee at the finish line. Maureen decided about a decade ago that it was time to give back to the running community and, after volunteering for the Calgary Marathon for 4 years, she was able to join the organization as a permanent addition. Maureen works closely with our charity partners, as well as managing the office and the bookkeeping at Run Calgary. But, most importantly, Maureen's true specialty is the participant experience and she looks forward to answering all the different participant inquiries as her main goal is to make sure you all have the best experience possible at all of our events.
Jill Petkau - Operations Manager
she/her
Jill initially joined the Run Calgary team in 2021 to manage its volunteer program, bringing together her passion for running with her interest in volunteer and community development. In 2024, Jill shifted to the role of Operations Manager with a focus on venue management, operational logistics, and event safety and security. When she’s not building out spreadsheets or setting up race courses, Jill works as a Registered Nurse with a focus in patient education and health optimization. In her spare time, Jill loves to run over challenging terrain, and has completed dozens of marathons and ultra trail races.
Emily Miles - Marketing Manager
she/her
Although Emily is not a runner (she'll be the first to admit it!), she is thrilled to work behind the scenes and support those who choose to pursue their goals at Run Calgary events. Emily comes from a marketing and communications background, with experience promoting athletic events for the Department of Harvard Athletics and University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Emily leads Run Calgary's marketing, communications, social media and branding strategies, as well as manages the Calgary Marathon Runner's Expo and community events.
Trevor Hofbauer - Operations Coordinator
he/him
Trevor is an accomplished retired athlete and a leader in the community. He has a marathon personal best of 2:09:51, has represented Canada at the Olympic Games and on several other National Teams. He has been an active member of the running community SAIT Trojans, Bow Valley Harriers, Calgary Spartans, Speed River youth programs, and the BC Endurance Project. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family (no matter the activity), coaching other runners to achieve their goals, giving back to the community through local events and volunteer opportunities, and dabbling in hobbies such as golf and photography. Trevor brings his years of experience from the running industry to support the operational growth of the organization.
Marcus Mueller - Volunteer Coordinator
he/him
Marcus’ journey to Run Calgary has been an interesting road, from travelling the globe, to working every kind of outdoor job imaginable, and learning through experience the value of community engagement, hard work, and a good story. He has found a place within the Run Calgary team where he can help build and support our world-class volunteer team, ensuring they feel valued, and fostering a deep love of the community. When not working with our amazing volunteers, Marcus can most commonly be found either spending time with his family and friends, or somewhere on skis or motorbike looking for fresh horizons and good turns.
Blake Petkau - Marketing & Events Coordinator
he/him
Blake Petkau is the Marketing and Events Coordinator at Run Calgary, where he supports the planning and execution of large-scale community events that bring people together through fitness and connection. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, Blake combines his background in event logistics, community engagement, and operations management to deliver seamless participant experiences. He is passionate about creating meaningful events that inspire active lifestyles and strengthen Calgary’s running community.
Paul Chiswell - Chair
Paul is a commercial litigator and partner with the Calgary law firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. He is a recovering triathlete, but remains an avid cyclist, runner, and occasional marathoner.
Meredith Conrod - Vice Chair
Meredith is a Professional Engineer working in Business Development with Keyera. After more than a decade of participating in road races and local trail races, she is thrilled to be giving back to Calgary’s running community through the Run Calgary board.
Christine Goode - Treasurer
Christine is a CPA, CGA with experience in the energy sector. She has been a runner since high school, and has run 5km-Ultramarathon distances locally and abroad. Christine has taught learn-to-run clinics for women, led girls run groups, as well as started a pace inclusive weekly run group in Calgary. Christine loves witnessing the transformation that comes about through the power of running - seeing people's self-confidence grow is magical! She is looking forward to using her professional skills to give back to the running community that has had such a positive impact on her own life.
Neil Barss - Secretary
Neil is a municipal lawyer at the City of Calgary. In his off-time, he is an avid runner who can often be found out on the river trails. As a legally blind person, Neil finds independence in running and has successfully completed three marathons and one ultra-marathon. To him, the longer the distance the better. He is excited to bring his love of running and his perspective on accessibility to the Run Calgary Board.
Arielle Fitzgerald - Member at Large
Arielle is an avid runner and obstacle course racer who has competed in a wide range of endurance events both locally and internationally. After years of experiencing first hand the power the running community can have on one's life, she believes there is a place and 'pace' for everyone! Arielle is excited to help the Run Calgary team continue to innovate and strengthen their mission of enriching lives through diverse, fun and inclusive fitness experiences.
Chet Anand - Member at Large
Chet is an engineer working for the energy sector. Being a sports addict he can't get enough of tennis, golf, cycling etc. But it's running that transformed his life. Having picked running few years ago, he has completed several marathons and ultra marathons - locally and overseas. One of his favourite race was running from one temple remains to other through rural Cambodia and finally finishing at Angkor Wat. But his biggest achievement is seeing a similar passion for running develop in his two boys. Chet is excited to be part of Calgary Marathon Society and give back to the sport he loves.
Rafael Lopez - Member at Large
Rafael Lopez has a background in marketing and earned his MBA from the University of Calgary. He is the founder of YYCRunCrew, which has been connecting Calgary’s running community for 14+ years. As a board member, Rafael is excited to bring his experience in running, community, and partnerships to Run Calgary and looks forward to helping the organization continue to grow as an inclusive and welcoming series of events.
Robert Lazorko - Member at Large
Robert Lazorko is an engineer and project manager working in the energy industry. His passion for running has grown continuously since it was first sparked at the Calgary Marathon in 2011 - evolving from fearfully struggling through casual 5Ks, to cheerfully enduring 100K trail ultramarathons. Robert is deeply grateful for the friendships, places, challenges, and fitness which running has brought to his life - and is excited to pay that experience forward through his role on the Run Calgary board.
Ruhee Ismail-Teja - Member at Large
Ruhee Ismail-Teja is an executive leader in public affairs, currently serving as Vice President, Policy and External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, overseeing public policy, media and communications, and government and external relations. Ruhee’s other community contributions include serving on Board of Directors of the Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons), McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, YMCA Canada, ParticipACTION, and others. She holds a Master of Public Policy from McGill University, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Queen’s University and a Governance Essentials Certificate from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).
Sarah Itani - Member at Large
Sarah Itani joins the Run Calgary Board of Directors with a background in development and commercial real estate, holding degrees from Stanford University and the London School of Economics. Her running journey began in high school and has since become a source of health, strength, and body acceptance. Passionate about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Sarah is excited to help make Run Calgary’s events—and the organization itself—even more vibrant and inclusive.
Sonja Kuehnle - Member at Large
Sonja Kuehnle is a CPA, CA and the Owner of S. Kuehnle Consulting, where she provides fractional CFO and financial advisory services with over a decade of experience in accounting, finance, and governance. Sonja began her running journey in 2020 with the Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge and has since participated in numerous Run Calgary events, embracing the city’s strong running community. As a board member, she is excited to combine her financial expertise and passion for running to support Run Calgary’s mission and future growth while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle in Calgary.
Steve Dowler - Member at Large
Steve is a Staff Sergeant with the Calgary Police Service and has been part of the Calgary Police Half Marathon since 2010. He has a variety of experiences through work, community engagement and volunteerism and appreciates how well organized events can have a positive impact on participants and the community. Steve is excited to serve the running community by joining the Run Calgary Board and can't wait to celebrate all runners when they cross the finish line.
| Adrianna Donato | Information Ambassador Program Lead 1 |
| Alice Daszkowski | Awards Lead |
| Alida Nanjee | Package Pick-Up Lead 1 |
| Amy Li | Pace Team Lead |
| Anita Sterna | Medical Team - Medical Coordinator |
| Ashlin Morrison | Volunteer Centre Lead - Enmax Park |
| Brent Smith | Venue Road Crew Lead 1 |
| Bri Tibbatts | Charity Block Party Lead 2 |
| Carissa Willis | Package Pick-Up Lead 2 |
| Ceilidh Price | Festival Zone Lead 2 |
| Charles Ng | Volunteer Centre Lead - Start Zone |
| Christopher Partridge | Course Marshal Lead 1 - Sunday |
| Connor Griffiths | Venue Road Crew Lead 2 |
| Damian Olson | Venue Navigation Lead 2 |
| Daniel Burridge | Medical Team - Nursing Lead |
| Danny Cescon | Course Signage Lead 2 |
| Darcy Chalifoux | Run of Show Production Lead 2 |
| Dave Foo | Finish Line Fluids Lead 1 |
| David Clarke | Course Marshal Lead 1 - Saturday |
| Dorrie Fasick | Venue Dispatcher 1 - Start Zone Dispatch |
| Dr. Chris Beavington | Medical Team - Medical Director |
| Elaine Mew | Information Ambassador Program Lead 3 |
| Erik Franke | Finish Line Lead 1 |
| Garrett Dewey | Event Equipment & Logistics Lead 1 |
| Gavin Matiowsky | Event Equipment & Logistics Lead 3 |
| Greg Buccini | Package Pick-Up Lead 3 |
| Hayley Kearney | Bag & Bike Check Lead 2 |
| Heather Ferns | Course Dispatcher 1 and Radio Management Lead |
| Herm Kraus | Course Cyclist Team Lead |
| Hunter Schellenberg | Event Equipment & Logistics Lead 2 |
| James Kyle | Course Signage Lead 3 |
| Jamie Henry | Finish Line Lead 2 |
| Jarrett McRitchie | Medical Team - Canadian Ski Patrol Lead |
| Jessica Marks | Kids Race Lead |
| Jessica Van Schothorst | Volunteer Centre Lead - GMC Stadium |
| John Ottaviano | Bag & Bike Check Lead 1 |
| Josh Websdale | Finish Line Food Lead 2 |
| Justin Petkau | Venue Manager 1 |
| Linda Foo | Finish Line Fluids Lead 2 |
| Lindsey Hayden | Charity Block Party Lead 1 |
| Pascal Mean | Information Ambassador Program Lead 2 |
| Rachel Nadler | Course Entertainment Lead |
| Raymond Yong | Venue Navigation Lead 1 |
| Rick Wilson | Course Signage Lead 1 |
| Rob Stichbury | Start Line and Corrals Lead 2 |
| Roberta McCombie | Package Pick-Up Lead 4 |
| Sarah Ridley | Venue Dispatcher 2 - Enmax Park Dispatch |
| Scott McArthur | Course Dispatcher 2 |
| Shannon Moncrief | Course Logistics Lead |
| Sharon Higgins | Medical Team Support Lead 2 |
| Stephanie Symington | Run of Show Production Lead 1 |
| Steve Dowler | Forward Command Lead - Operations Section Chief |
| Tamara Stichbury | Start Line and Corrals Lead 1 |
| Tanya Scanga | Venue Manager 2 |
| Tim Sokurenko | Course Marshal Lead 2 - Saturday |
| Tom Higgins | Medical Team Support Lead 1 |
| Tracy Prokopetz | Finish Line Food Lead 1 |
| Trevor Beckman | Festival Zone Lead 1 |
Please email Kirsten@calgarymarathon.com if you are interested in board or race committee opportunities.