My name is Mindy and I'm from Greenwood! I started my health journey back in 2017 but found my love for running in 2018 when my New Years Resolution was to run a 5K. Since then, I've not only managed to shred off and keep off 113 pounds but I've started running more competitively. I'm even planning on running my first ultra at the end of 2025! I can't say the journey has always been easy but I'm always down a challenge and I love seeing others challenge themselves. I love running not only to clear my mind and to stay healthy but because there's such a certain level of comradery in racing that always lifts my spirits. text field ready for your content.

Gerald A. Collins from Dayton, Ohio.  Gerald works as an endurance coach and clinical laboratory scientist while being an active runner.  Gerald has been running for 11 years completing 1-50k, 3 - marathons, 9- half marathons. 9- 10k's, 25- 5k's, 10- 8k's and several other mixed distance events.

I love unique races and themes. This race is a great way to show support for the local community and first responders. This will be the 1st time I've had to get in at the beginning of the race series. 

In May 2011, I lost my mother to breast cancer.  She was first diagnosed in the early 90s and was in remission for over 15 years. When it reared it's ugly head, she fought as hard as she could. Her tumor markers had been decreasing from the chemotherapy. It was a total shock when she told me on Friday, April 29, 2011 that she had been transferred to Hospice care and they had stopped chemo. By Sunday, May 1, she was only able to speak in short 3-5 word sentences. She literally went from full conversations to that in 2 days. By Monday, she was pretty much catatonic.  She passed at home late Monday into Tuesday. The suddenness of her death put me in a very dark place emotionally. The grief was consuming me. My wife gave me an ultimatum on May 2012 to find something to process my grief. I always knew I could walk a 5K but I wanted to run one. I choose running as a way to process my grief.  I remember I spent a month training to run one mile.  I finished training for my first 5K and ran it in August 2012. What was meant to be a one and done turned into a huge passion. I fell in love with the local running community and running itself. It saved me and my relationship. 

I started running in 2014, never realizing how much it would shape my life. What began as a way to stay active quickly became a source of deep friendships, strength, and perspective.

Recently, I faced one of the toughest seasons of my life — a battle with lymphoma. Through treatments, uncertainty, and recovery, I kept moving forward, one step at a time. Even during chemotherapy, running reminded me who I am: strong, resilient, and never alone.

I’m a proud mom, dedicated nurse, and determined runner who believes in grit, gratitude, and the power of community. Every mile now feels like a gift, and every finish line is a celebration of perseverance and the strength to keep going.

I'm Ruby Cline-Eaton known locally as A Runners Mom & More. I was born & raised in Northern Indiana and came to Ky as part of a startup team for work, I retired in 2016. I got into walk/running accidentally because of my daughter. While attempting to go from one spot to another for her running pictures during a race event, I was so out of breath it was terrible! I decided then I had to do something.

I have RA so getting started was a struggle to say the least. I have continued for health benefits, Motion is Lotion!

I began signing up for Virtual race events and was proud of every medal I managed to 'earn'. I then began doing some live competitive events as well several years ago going on Race'Cations with my daughter and her friends. 

While I'm out and about getting in my steps it gives me a chance to mentally reset, enjoy the scenery and the changing of the seasons. 

My recent race was the Norton Sports Health 4-miler placing 2nd in my age group. I go into a race with only the thoughts of 3.1 miles of Healthy Steps, 3.1 miles of Healthy Lifestyle, 3.1 miles of showing & encouraging other older athletes we can do this.

During my Monday morning radio segment on local station WHIR1230AM I talk about all things running/walking/hiking/fitness for all ages.

There's no such thing as perfect weather for races & running but there's always perfect adventures when you attend race events and get to meet new people young & old.