Name: Paul Karlsen
Self-described age group: I will be a Masters runner by the end of this year.
Residence: Bethesda. Previously London. Originally Scotland.
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Name: Brian Murphy
Self-described age group: 30-34M
Residence: Silver Spring
Occupation: Aeronautical Information Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration
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Volunteer roles in the running world: I am the coordinator of Montgomery County Road Runners’ Sunday Long Run (Meets at Ken-Gar Park every Sunday at 8:00). I volunteer often in many roles at the College Park parkrun – including Run Director. I am the newly formed Pub Run co-coordinator for MCRRC (meets at local pubs for social runs 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month). I’ll soon help as co-coordinator of MCRRC racing team. I’m also a regular fixture as course marshal, race packet stuffer, or packet volunteer at a lot of MCRRC races.
Why I run: I run because I love it. I love to see how much I can push myself to hit new goals. I also love the running community. I’ve met some of my best friends though the running community.
When did you get started running: I started running about 9 years ago as a way to get fit.
Name: Jenn Dietz
Self-described age group: over 30 club
Residence: Arlington
Occupation: Program manager for a nonprofit and head cross country coach at West Potomac High School
![Photo: Brian W. Knight/Swim Bike Run Photo](https://s26562.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20160917_Clarendon_Day_1906-640x427.jpg)
Name: Mike Tosto
Self-described age group: 30-34
Residence: Springfield, Va.
Occupation: Mechanical & aerospace engineer
Volunteer roles in the running world: I coordinate and lead the Saturday Long Run group for DC Road Runners Club, which meets every weekend year-round in Arlington, VA, across the street from the Iwo Jima Memorial. Everyone is always welcome to join us if you’d like some company on your long runs!
![Amanda Marr with daughter, Claire](https://s26562.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/GOTR-5k-640x413.jpg)
Amanda Marr
Self-described age group: 44 years old
Residence: Washington, DC
Occupation: Communications VP at an aging services association
Volunteer participation in running: I’m the chair of the board of directors for Girls on the Run – DC, a nonprofit organization that runs 10-week programs for girls in grades 3-5 that teaches them important life lessons, while also training to run a 5k. It’s an incredible program. We serve girls in all wards of the city.
Name: John Ausema
Self-described age group: masters
Residence: Greenbelt, Md.
Occupation: high school science teacher and cross country coach
Why I run: I enjoy exploring on foot, communing with woods and trails, and of course the “runner’s high”. Running keeps me fit, and it’s become so much a part of my routine that I would have difficulty if I stopped.
Name: Susan Pereles
Self-described age group: 50-54
Residence: Potomac, Md.
Occupation: Director, Field Development, Autism Speaks (creator & race director for July 4 Autism Speaks 5k in Potomac for last 17 years)
Why I run: I run for two primary reasons–because it feels so good when I’m done and it pretty much allows me to eat whatever I want…and I do LOVE to eat!!