Meet Your 2026 Ambassadors
Our ambassador team is made up of passionate runners and community members who are here to support you every step of the way during the 2026 training season. Whether you’re training for your first race or chasing a new personal best, our ambassadors are ready to help encourage you, share helpful advice, answer questions, and keep you motivated as race day approaches.
Get to know the incredible people who will be cheering you on, sharing their training journeys, and helping make your path to the Geist Half Marathon even more memorable.
Rachael Broadus
Rachael Broadus started running in 2006 and hasn't stopped. Her first Cross Country team was at Riverside School in Fishers, IN with art teachers Mr. J Johnson and Mr. K Johnson (ironically no affiliation to one another). Her first half marathon was Geist and helped spark a lifetime of endurance racing. She is currently training for her fourth marathon. She started a home-based bakery which stems from her love of baking and loving to see people reach their goals - celebrating all the finish lines we cross on and off the course. Finishline Bakery was established in November of 2025 out of Anderson, IN. A big finish line for Rachael was the Ignite Trail Marathon in December 2025. It was the first marathon after an injury she sustained mid marathon in 2021 and her first marathon after her first child. The success of that finish was overwhelming for her. Rachael thinks it's important to celebrate our wins and finish lines big and small, because that's what helps to propel us forward.
Anthony Burchett
I’m honored to return as a 2026 Geist Half Marathon Ambassador for the second year in a row and to represent a race that brings so many people together through movement and determination. Running has become more than a hobby for me. It’s a way to challenge myself, clear my mind, and connect with an incredible community. As a husband and father of two, running has also become a way to lead by example and show my family the value of perseverance, health, and chasing big goals. Whether you’re running your first mile or chasing a personal best, the Geist race weekend is truly something special.
Cheyanne Chase
I’m a mom of two boys who rediscovered my love for running after years away from the sport while raising my family. Running became my way to reclaim my health, confidence, and identity—my way of “getting my pink back.” My hope is to encourage other moms to believe in themselves, chase goals that scare them, and remember that they’re capable of doing hard things.
Follow me:
Instagram: @thebauerpace
Tiktok: cheyannebauer_
Markus Dennis
Markus Dennis began his running career early, and has continued to enjoy the journey and where it has taken him.
He ran cross country and track in high school (Indiana) and college (Illinois) and continued post-college for 13 years as a sponsored Marathon, Trail & Ultra Marathon Runner. He has added Race Director and USATF Distance Coaching certifications to help better serve the running community.
In 2025 he founded the Westwood Trail Runners (Henry County) & Greenfield Fitness Running Clubs. He raced 19 times in 2025, made the podium in 18 of those races, and today is day #684 of consecutive, injury-free running, averaging 10+ miles per day.
In 2026 he’ll be racing across the United States in the USATF Half-Marathon, Marathon & 50k Road & Trail National Championships.
Markus looks forward to running in the Geist Half Marathon and encouraging the running community to stay fit while enjoying the fellowship and fun factor that can be hard at the same time!
#victorybydefeet is often at the end of his posts, it’s a steady reminder that s-o very many of our running goals will be achieved as we keep placing one foot in front of the other. And a step at a time we will arrive at our goals!
Traci Edmonds
Traci is a runner who believes progress comes from showing up, doing the work, and refusing to quit when things get hard. She’s passionate about encouraging women to challenge themselves and discover their strength through running—no matter their pace or where they’re starting. As an ambassador for the Geist Half Marathon, Traci is excited to support runners and celebrate the courage it takes to step up to the starting line.
Follow me:
Instagram: @theambitiousrunner
Laura Gropp
Laura started her running journey over 25 years ago when her sister talked her into doing a half marathon with her and she hadn’t stopped running since. She’s lived in Fishers for almost 15 years and loves being a part of the Fishers Run Club and past Y long distance running group where she has meant many friends. You will find Laura running the Nickel Plate Trail or cheering on her 2 teenage boys in their activities.
Bethany Hotle
I am a physical therapist who is passionate about movement, recovery, and encouraging those around me to be the best version of themselves. I was in a serious car accident in college that required multiple surgeries and up until now have believed the narrative that my body could not handle a half marathon. Since becoming a mom, I’m determined to challenge myself in new ways and prove to my kids that you can do hard things!
Drezden Johnson
Hi, my name is Drezden Johnson! I’ve been running for the past 6 years (with help from the pandemic). Even though I ran track in college, anything longer than a mile was torture. Since 2020, I’ve been able to complete 3 Marathons, 12 Half Marathons and an Ultra. Running has becoming more than just a hobby but a crucial part to my everyday life. I’m excited to get more people in involved whether it’s for a 10min jog or a 10mile run!
Brendan Kelly
I'm here to compete, connect, and grow — not just as a runner, but as a husband, dad, and member of my community. Running has given me discipline, but community has given it meaning. Geist brings that small-town heart to the starting line, and I'm proud to be part of it.
Follow me:
Instagram: @bkstride
Facebook: Brendan Kelly
TikTok: @bkstride
Michael Menafee
Michael has been a runner for over twenty years and has ran nine half marathons and six marathons. Michael is a member of Black Men Run, Indianapolis chapter. The purpose of the Black Men Run organization is to promote healthy black men and prevent health disparities that are prevalent amongst African-Americans such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Running is one of Michael's passions, and he hopes to inspire new people to start their running journey and register for the Geist 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Michael is looking forward to representing as one of the Ambassadors for the 18th Geist half marathon.
Follow me:
Instagram: @themikeman555
Tiktok: @mm180215
Katrina Robinson
Hi! I’m Katrina Robinson — a mom, beginner runner, and memory maker.
My running journey started with my son when we ran our first 5K together, and it quickly became something special for our family. What started as stepping outside my comfort zone turned into a passion for creating memories, building confidence, and growing stronger together.
I love encouraging other moms to step out, lace up, and join the journey — whether they run or walk. It’s not about speed, it’s about showing up, building community, and making memories along the way.
Bri Qualizza
As a nurse, fitness trainer, and longtime runner, I’ve dedicated my days (and many early mornings!) to helping others live stronger, healthier lives. I’ve participated in more races than I can count, and each finish line has only strengthened my love for the sport and the incredible community that surrounds it. Being an ambassador allows me to share that passion even more—cheering people into their first mile, guiding them to train with purpose, and celebrating every victory along the way.
The Geist Half Race Series celebrates resilience and connection—two things I believe in deeply. Running keeps me grounded and energized, and it inspires me to set a positive example for my two toddlers, who motivate me to live healthfully and wholeheartedly every day.
Brandon Reed
Hi, I’m Brandon! Running for me started as a personal challenge for me, but it quickly became something much bigger. Through
early morning miles, tough training days, and long runs that test both your body and mind, I’ve learned that consistency matters more than motivation. Some days you don’t feel like running, but those are often the runs that end up meaning the most.
Running has taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of showing up. I’m excited to be a Geist Half Marathon ambassador and to help encourage others in the Fishers community to lace up, challenge themselves, and experience the incredible energy that comes with race day.
Follow me:
Instagram: @brandon.reed.12
Instagram: @b.reedfit
Lindsey Robertson
Lindsey lives in Anderson, Indiana and discovered a passion for running after starting in October 2024. In the past year, she has completed four half marathons along with multiple 5K and 10K races, and is currently training for her first full marathon. She is also a mom to a 6-year-old boy and helps lead a local moms group in Anderson called The MomCo. Outside of running, Lindsey enjoys strength training, hiking, camping, photography, and spending time with her family. She’s excited to be a Geist Half Marathon Ambassador and hopes to encourage others to get out there, challenge themselves, and experience the joy of running.
Caitlin Walsh-Johnson
I am originally from Pennsylvania and played Division I field hockey at Old Dominion University before moving to Indiana in 2021 to become the Head Field Hockey Coach at Ball State University. After moving here, I discovered a love for competitive running and have embraced the local running community ever since. When I am not coaching field hockey, you can find me coaching classes at Orangetheory. I am extremely excited to be a Geist Half Marathon & 10K ambassador and I will be running the 10K this year!
Aiesha Williams
I am marathon running for several years as well as a CrossFit athlete. Fitness is one of my passion. I also love traveling abroad. I am a mother of 3 and married to an amazing man.
Emily Wright
There’s something beautifully honest about lacing up your shoes and showing up, even when you’re not the fastest one out there. I am a slow runner. It can be easy to be discouraged, but I am living proof that anyone can be a runner! Every mile—no matter the pace—is a celebration of persistence, courage, and choosing to keep going. When you commit to the journey and draw support from others in the running community, you discover just how far you can go. Together, we lift each other, cheer each other on, and prove that running isn’t about speed; it’s about heart. I look forward to cheering you on!
Leah Testa
My name is Leah Testa. I was born and raised in Rochester, NY but now reside in Carmel, IN. I was a D1 collegiate pole vaulter at Syracuse University and got into distance running after graduating. I’ve raced a variety of distances, including a handful of half marathons, and completed my first full marathon last fall! I love the running community, including my current group - the Carmel Runner’s Club. I am currently training for the Carmel Half Marathon, Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati, Geist 10K, and Wineglass Full Marathon in upstate NY!
