NOA BESNER
New York, NY
IG: @NEVERSTOPPINGNOA
TRE BRAVO
Kearney, MO
IG: @TREBRAV0
ASHLEY CARTER
Camby, IN
IG: @RUNAROUND.WITH.ASH
I started running 7 years ago and have found a love for long distance currently having completed 4 marathons (2 of which were the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon) and 2 50k’s along with countless half marathons. I absolutely love being a part of the running community and the support that goes along with it.
Favorite Race: Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben
MARK DAVIDHIZAR
Wakarusa, IN
IG: @DADDYDIDYOUWIN
I’m a husband, father, and case manager working for the Indiana Department of Child Services. 2026 will be my 13th CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, running my first in 2013. Monumental is my favorite marathon and it keeps me coming back year after year. I will also be pacing again this year (pace TBD).
Favorite Race: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
MELISSA DELONG-COX
Noblesville, IN
IG: @MELISSADELONGCOX
Monumental was my first full marathon, and 2026 will be my fifth time running the course. During this training block, my goal is to work more on all the things that make you a better runner (sleep hygiene, fueling my body, mobility and strength – to name a few!) and worry less about my pace. You’ll usually find me training solo and in the dark, as I love to get my workout done before I start my regular day. Usually I can be found getting miles in around Noblesville (where I live!), trekking over to the Monon, or running around downtown Indy over my lunch break. When I’m not running, I’m watching reality TV, reading, or hanging out with my family, which includes two tween-aged kids and a sometimes-runner dog named Graham.
ELIZABETH ELL
New Albany, IN
IG: @ELLADAMS
I started running in 2012 as a way to stay active after my dad passed. I kept running to keep myself busy and mentally/physically healthy. And I stuck with it thanks to the friends I’ve made along the way. This year’s Monumental will be my 10th full marathon – 7th at Indianapolis Monumental. I’m from Indianapolis but live near Louisville, so at least 90% of my races are in one of those two cities.
Favorite Race: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
HANNAH FAULKNER
Zionsville, IN
IG: @HMFAULKNER, TIKTOK: @INDIANA.HANNAH
I am a full time pharmacist and mom of 2 who started my running journey 4 years ago. When I started, I couldn’t run a half mile without walking. Now I’m heading in to my 6th half marathon (3rd monumental half)! Running has helped my mental and physical health tremendously and has given me a way to show my kids we can do hard things! While I won’t be the fastest on the course, I promise I’ll be cheering you on! I was a cheerleader at Butler waaay back when, where I met my husband. We love the Indianapolis area and Go Dawgs!
CARLEY FLANDERS
League City, TX
IG: @THE_FIT_FLANDERS
JULIAN GONZALEZ CORTES
West Lafayette, IN
IG: @JULI_GONZALEZC
I’m originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and I’m thrilled to be in my second year as a Monumental Ambassador! Running has become a big part of my life—I not only enjoy racing but also love getting my family and friends involved in the running community. I’m passionate about volunteering and helping make races happen.
LAUREN GRINDALL
Brecksville, OH
IG: @LOMO.ON.THE.RUN
As a full-time lawyer and mom, running is my outlet for fitness and resilience. After a decade-long break from marathon training, I was diagnosed with genetic atrial fibrillation (AFib) and told I would likely never run a marathon again. Following two heart surgeries, I focused on recovery and slowly rebuilt my fitness. Less than two years later, I set a new personal record at the 2022 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon.
Returning for the 2023 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon felt like coming home. At Mile 23, a fellow runner noticed me struggling and stayed with me to the finish, an act of kindness I’ll never forget. This race and this city have a special place in my heart—both literally and figuratively. Running has taught me to overcome setbacks and reminds me that movement is a privilege. It is an honor to serve as a Monumental Ambassador and share my love for an event that has truly changed my life.
EBONY HUBBARD
Plano, TX
IG/TIKTOK: @EB_HUBBS
I’m a Houston, TX native with a love for God, family, and sports. I played NCAA Division I basketball in college and have worn many other fitness hats over the years. I’ve boxed, done CrossFit, recently got into Hyrox, and continue to consistently strength train, but I fell in love with running in August 2019 and haven’t looked back since! I’ve completed 5 half marathons so far and am looking forward to the CNO Financial half being #6 in November.
SAMANTHA JOHNSON
Mount Holly, NC
IG: @SMJOHNSON25
CRISTINA LUANGA
Houston, TX
IG/TIKTOK: @CRISTINA.IN.MOTION
As a full-time engineer and realtor, movement helps me stay balanced through running, strength training, and Latin dancing. I started running during COVID and joined ZFT Run Club in 2021, never imagining I’d go from thinking 3–4 miles was impossible to completing my first marathon in 2026. Along the way, I’ve loved sharing my running journey and encouraging others to find a form of movement they enjoy, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see friends and followers become more active because of that inspiration. As a Monumental Ambassador, I’m excited to connect with the running community, inspire others to start their own journey, and continue growing as a runner. This will be my second marathon, and I’m chasing a sub-4-hour finish.
NICOLE MANNOR
Osceola, IN
IG: @NICOLE.MANNOR
ALLISON MARTIN
Fishers, IN
IG: @ALLISONJOY00
I’m an Indy-native and have loved running the Beyond Monumental series. Most of my race PRs come from these races, so they hold a special place in my heart! I’ve been a cross country and track coach for 13 years, so have seen athletes I coached in 6th grade later finish the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and Half Marathons. It’s awesome to achieve personal goals, but even more rewarding to watch your athletes and friends do it.
Favorite Race: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
BRIDGET MCGAHEN
Gloversville, NY
IG: @BRIDGETMRUNS
Chasing a personal record and a time that will get me back into Boston, which I ran in 2018. I’m a homeschool mom, a pastor’s wife, and an online run coach. At 36, I still think my fastest times are ahead of me!
Fun Fact: I really like thrifting fabrics (shirts, napkins, curtains, tablecloths, etc.) and turning them into clothes for my daughter’s dolls. Learning to sew has felt like gaining a superpower.
TIM MCMAHON
Perrysburg, OH
IG: @TABLE4TIM
I made a conscious effort to change my physical, mental, and emotional health in 2020. This led me to connect with nature via hikes, tree climbing, rock climbing, and mindful travel adventures – such as a week-long meditation canoe trip of the Penobscot River in Maine. In 2025, with the encouragement of my brother and a welcoming training group at Fleet Feet Toledo, I returned to running. 2026 marks my first half-marathon and (soon) my first marathon at Indy!
EVONNE MERKEL
New Orleans, LA
IG: @HEYEVONNERUN
STEPHANIE MORALES
Indianapolis, IN
IG: @S.MORALESSSS
I started running in middle school, track and field, and continued in high school and did cross county my senior year. Running has always allowed me to push myself, proving I can do hard things, and formed a space for me to be able to relive stress. I ran my first half marathon in 2024 and have ran seven since! This year I will be running my first marathon, something I never thought I would do. I love being a part of the running community, I have met so many inspiring runners and received so much support from them. My favorite thing has been getting family and friends to join me on races or runs. This is my first year being an ambassador and I’m so excited!!
EDDIE NIZIOLEK
Granger, IN
IG: @IRUNNOW, TIKTOK: @STIMMINGRUNNER
I’m a runner, traveler, husband, and proud dad to five amazing kids. I believe life is meant to be experienced fully. Whether that means training for a marathon before sunrise, exploring a new city, or walking through the gates of Universal Studios Florida with the excitement of a kid all over again. My life is built around balancing family, work, personal growth, and adventure, and I enjoy sharing the moments in between:Running has become one of the ways I stay grounded, it is my greatest means of stimming for someone on the spectrum. Outside of training, I love traveling, there is nothing like a spontaneous road trip, not always the destination, but the travel. Whether I’m planning the next adventure, working toward a new goal, or simply enjoying everyday life with the people who matter most, I try to approach life with curiosity, consistency, and a sense of fun.
BRANDON ODOM
Darlington, SC
IG: @B_ODOM96
I’m Brandon, a South Carolina runner built by hard miles and harder seasons. Running helped me lose over 100 pounds, rebuild my life, and find out what I’m really made of. I’m coming to Indy Monumental to chase the next version of myself, one relentless mile at a time. My goal for 2026 is to complete Indy in sub-5 hours and also completing my first ultra, a 50K one month later!
RON PICKENS
Columbus, OH
IG: @RONSTAGRAM247
I am a passionate runner who believes in the power of movement, community, and personal growth. From completing 5Ks to marathon races, I have embraced every mile as an opportunity to inspire others to pursue their goals. As an Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Ambassador, I am excited to share my running journey, encourage new runners, and help build connections within the running community.
ABBY PRENTICE
Brownsburg, IN
IG: @ABBY_PRENTICE
I’m 30 years old and live in Brownsburg with my husband, DeSean, and dog, Nala. The Monumental Half Marathon was my very first in 2021 and I’ve been hooked ever since! I love any distance from the 5K to the Marathon – so if you’re looking for a friend to sign up for a race with, it’s me! I also love to travel and try new restaurants, and am the founder of Indy Social Run Club (@INDYSOCIALRUNCLUB).
Favorite Race: Indianapolis 5K & Monumental Mile
ROBERT ROLLER
Indianapolis, IN
MONICA ROOSE
Indianapolis, IN
IG: @MONICAROOSE
You can usually find me running along the canal in downtown Indy, one of my favorite spots in the city. I ran my very first half marathon at the Monumental in 2011, and I’ve been hooked ever since. When I’m not logging miles with Indy Runners or working, you might catch me roaming the aisles of my favorite stores, or taking a class at the Turner gym at the Athenaeum. I’m thrilled to be back as an ambassador for the Beyond Monumental races and excited for the chance to inspire others to join me on the run!
Favorite Race: Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben
STACI SCHROEDER
Hamilton, OH
IG/TIKTOK: @STACI_VLR
I started running a few years ago after years of my mom trying to get me into it. She has been my inspiration as a coach and Boston Marathon Qualifier. I am a part of the Hamilton Run Club in Ohio, which also keeps me motivated! I am a small animal / exotics veterinarian and outside of work and running, I spend my time scuba diving with my husband and taking care of all the critters we have at home.
ROSE SCOVEL
Indianapolis, IN
Rose started walking and running in August 2008, and finished her first half marathon in May 2008. She has finished the 5K, half marathon, or marathon at Monumental every year since 2010 except when she had a fractured tibial plateau and volunteered instead. In 2018, Rose finished Ironman Louisville. She has ridden her bike across Iowa three times and finished the Ride Across INdiana (RAIN). She has completed the 8.2 mile Mackinac Island Swim. Monumental remains her favorite local race. She finished her 100th half marathon at Monumental in 2024.
Favorite Race: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
RACHEL SINDERS
Carmel, IN
IG: @RACHELMICHELLERUNNING
I live in Carmel, Indiana with my husband, our three kids (14-year-old boy/girl twins and a 11-year-old daughter), and our dog Boston. I’m convinced that all those years of pushing a jogging stroller made me a stronger runner! For over 20 years, running has been a constant in my life. I love the challenge of pushing myself beyond what I once thought possible, the mental escape it offers, the sense of accomplishment it brings, and of course, the endorphin rush.
Having lived in the Indy area my whole life, the Indy Half at Fort Ben and the Monumental Half Marathon have long been staples of my fall race schedule. But more than the races or the miles, I’ve come to deeply love the running community itself. There’s something special about the way running brings people together, and over time, I’ve discovered that my greatest passion lies in sharing this love of running with others, building connections, and helping people chase down their goals together.
Favorite Race: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon