Meet Your Marathon Pacers
Check back for updates to the 2024 Marathon Pacer Page.
Want to be considered for a pacer spot? Email race director Greg racedirector@backyourbadge.org
Meet Pacer Stephanie Woods (3:50 Marathon)
I'm Stephanie (Steph) Woods- been a runner for over 13 years. I got into running after adopting an overweight black lab named Pongo. He introduced me to running as a way for both of us to stay healthy. Since then, I've run anything from 5ks to 50ks with marathons and trail running being my favorite. Pongo has passed away but I run with two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Lanta and Leander, who keep that spirit of dog/human bonding alive. I qualified for Boston in 2021 and ran it in 2022. Came back from an injury in 2023 to finish 4th overall at Tecumseh 50k. Now, I'm gearing up for a 100k in spring of 2024. When I'm not running on trails, you'll find me sipping on some Athletic n/a brews, reading and socializing with my other athlete friends. I'm so excited to be pacing Back the Badge and look forward to getting you to your goal!!
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Meet Pacer James Atkinson (4:00 Marathon)
I have been running since 2015. I have completed for full marathons including New York City last year in 2022. I also completed several ultramarathons as well. I currently team lead for a training program in Kalamazoo Michigan. I am looking forward to helping runners achieve before our goal. I am supporting the fire department with my miles at the back your badge marathon!
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Meet Pacer Jeff Mires (4:15 Marathon)
I am retired from then US Navy. I am continuing to work at my local running store. I coached middle school boys cross country and track for 6 years. I have ran 50+ road and trail marathons with a road marathon PR of 2:49. My half marathon PR is 1:18. I have run Boston and Chicago and Marine Corp marathons as well.
I have also run probably 40+ ultras. My 50 mile PR is 6:36 and a 100 mile PR of 17:50. I was also on the 2024 Team RWB relay.
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Meet Pacer Traci Falbo (4:30 Marathon)
Career Highlights:
128 marathons (21 wins), 67 ultras (25 wins)
48 Hour American Record, Six Days in the Dome 242.093 miles
48 Hour Indoor Track World Record, Six Days in the Dome 242.093 miles
100 mile American Trail Record (held 11/14 -2/15), Tunnel Hill 100 miler 14:45:26
2018 100 mile Road National Champion, 17:03
2017 24-Hour Team, Team Gold
2016 100k World Championship, Team Bronze, 1st Masters 100k (45-49 AG) 8:10
2016 100k National Champion, 1st place 8:27
2015 24-Hour Team, Silver Medalist 148.9675 miles, Team Gold
2013 24-Hour Team, 4th place 142.730 miles, Team Gold
Runner-up at 50 mile Road National Championships in 2010 (7:09:18)
Voted Runner-up IAU Athlete of the Year 2014
Voted Masters Ultra Road Runner of the Year by USATF 2014
Voted Masters Ultra Road and Masters Ultra Trail Runner of the Year by USATF 2015
Grand Slam Ultra Running (Western States, Vermont, Leadville, Wasatch 100's 2013
Completed sub-4 marathons in all 50 states
PR’s: Half Marathon: 1:27:23 (marathon split) Marathon: 2:59:02, 50 mile: 6:45:22
100k: 8:10:23 100 mile: 14:45:26 24-Hour: 148.9675 miles 48-Hour: 242.093
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Meet Pacer Jason Hargrave (5:00 Marathon)
I'm Jason Hargrave. I’ve lived in Plainfield over 30 years and started running in 2008 as part of my exercise plan. I ran my first half marathon, the Indy Mini, May 2, 2009 and my first full marathon, the Monumental, November 2, 2013. Through April 2024 I have completed 94 half marathons in 30 states + Washington D.C., 16 Ultra Marathons, and countless other races. The 2024 Back Your Badge will be my 14th full marathon.
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Meet Pacer Karin Hand (5:45 Marathon)
My name is Karin Hand and I started running in 2015 for my health . It gave me such a boost mentally and physically. I ran my first 50k in 2017 and then my first marathon in 2018. I continue to challenge myself and each year take on bigger goals. To date , I have finished 7 - 100 mile races. I am seasoned marathon pacer and love helping runners reach their goals .
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Meet Pacer Melissa Inmon (6:45 Marathon)
Melissa started running in 2018 to stay healthy for herself and her family and decided to celebrate a year later with her first half marathon in 2019. Despite the obstacles of 2020, she ran her first road marathon that November, followed by her first trail marathon that December, and she's been hooked on distance running ever since! Melissa is a seasoned pacer and enjoys helping others cross the finish line!
