About Our Ambassadors:
Desiree: Hi, I’m Desiree — a San Diegan stroller mama and firm believer in the power of good coffee and a great mantra (mine is “Mind over matter”). I started running back in 2012 when I was looking for a little “me time” and a way to get in shape. I had no idea then that a few sweaty miles would turn into a lifelong love for the sport. Since then, I’ve run everything from 5Ks to ultras — collecting medals and fun memories along the way. Thanks to my running tribe, Turtle Racing Team. But running has always been more than races. It’s been my therapy, my challenge, and my celebration — especially in this new chapter of life: motherhood. I’m making my comeback to racing just 7 months postpartum, fueled by determination, sleep deprivation, and lots of snacks. It’s not easy, but it’s powerful. Returning to running after having a baby reminded me that strength doesn’t always look fast — sometimes it looks like showing up, starting slow, and refusing to quit. I believe in progress over perfection, laughing through the hard miles, and finding strength in every step — even the wobbly ones. Let’s keep chasing goals, embracing the chaos, and reminding ourselves: You got this!
Mateo: Hello everyone, my name is Mateo Santizo. I’m excited to be part of this team. My running journey started about five years ago. My longest run was one mile, with my sister biking next to me to make sure I wouldn’t faint. I slowly evolved into the runner I am today, going on to complete marathons, ultramarathons, a half Ironman, and recently a swimrun race. A huge thanks to the San Diego running community. I wouldn’t be the runner I am today without them. From my first run club, @pbrunclub, to the run club that made long runs fun, @milestonerunning, to the run club that helped me focus on running mechanics, @sandysundays, to the run club that friends and I created, @ljtrackclub. Looking back, it still feels like the days when my sister was biking next to me because the running community has become like family. Thank you for pushing me to become a better runner and person!
Savannah: Savannah has been a competitive runner since 14 years old and is a two-time first female finisher and the female course record holder of our PB 5K. She’s passionate about running and loves inspiring others to chase goals, push limits, and achieve their best!
Ella: Hey, I’m Ella! Growing up I competed in track and field, as well as cross country, where I found my love for running. Going to college I found that running was my favorite way to work out and allowed me to take a break from the chaos. Since, I have competed in a few 10ks, 5 half marathons, and one full marathon. I’m excited to work with San Diego Running Co to build a strong running community and share my love of running!
Brian: I reignited my running journey during COVID when the gyms were closed. Post-pandemic, 1 run club a week turned into 7 per week. When races started up again I bought a GoPro because I thought it would be fun to film my friends’ run, and it became a thing. I now film at least one race per month (5K to marathon distances) with a GoPro in hand and post the reels on my IG @br1anv, including the PB Half for the last 3 years. I am also an ambassador for Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego, Binational Race, Excelarace, Vegas Marathon, Honey Stinger, and Garmin. I manage the @milestoneruncrew IG and compete with the team at USATF’s San Diego Road Series and Cross Country Series every year. I applied to be an ambassador here because I love this race and love building the running community. When asked which fall race I’m running, this race is always the one I promote!
Rachel: I’m Rachel — my friends call me Ray. Running has changed my life. I’m passionate about movement, mindset, and making running fun. I’m training my 1st world major this fall to run the Chicago Marathon this fall. I want to show others how fun and accessible running can be—especially here in beautiful Pacific Beach.
Alex: Road or trail, I run for the challenge, the calm, and the community. I love the speed and simplicity of road runs, and the beauty and grit of trails. Running brings me joy, connection, and a reason to get outside and push my limits.
Jenn: I started running when someone asked me why I didn’t run and I couldn’t think of a reason. I’ve been running ever since, from 5Ks to Ultras.
Katie: What started as a New Year’s Resolution is now one of my greatest passions. Just 30 minutes on the treadmill every day turned into 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, and marathons. As a runner with ulcerative colitis, my journey has never been easy, but it helped me become the resilient person I am today.
Virginia: I’m Virginia, the Co-Founder and Vice President of Santa Mujeres Running Club. I was born and raised here in San Diego, CA. I’m a running coach and personal trainer working in the fitness industry. I started running back in 2013 and fell in love. I ran alone for years before starting SMRC in 2020 during the pandemic. Our mission? To provide a safe space for women of color to show up and run, free of judgement. We’ve been growing strong for almost 5 years and it’s been the ride of a lifetime! I’ve completed 7 marathons, countless half marathons, and every distance in between. Catch me leading runs every Thursday evening at 6pm in Balboa Park with my SMRC crew!
Keondre: My name is Keondre Williams (Dre). I’m a runner amongst various communities in San Diego, particularly as a leader of the Pacific Beach Run Club (PBRC) and athlete of LSKD. When I’m not out running throughout PB, you can likely find me at Handel’s!
Yaya: Runner for 10 years & first-time mom. I’ve completed a marathon or half on each Hawaiian island. Running is my reset and a way to explore. Our running community keeps me grounded so I can care for my family and support others on their health journeys.
Jim & Riley: We’re Jim and Riley, a father-son duo from San Diego who believe that running is all about pushing boundaries and embracing joy. Riley, who lives with cerebral palsy, has always loved movement—and together, we’ve turned that love into a shared mission. In 2023, we completed the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in record-breaking time, setting a new Guinness World Record for fastest marathon pushing a wheelchair duo. For us, races are more than finish lines—they’re moments of connection, strength, and celebration. Whether we’re training around Mission Bay or lining up at a race start, we run to show what’s possible when you lead with love, determination, and a little PB sunshine.
Khothatso: My name is Khothatso, South African based in San Diego, I started running as a way to stay grounded through big life transitions, and somewhere between the shin splints and sunrise runs, I found joy, resilience, and community. Running has taught me discipline, courage, and how to keep showing up for myself; it’s my protest and proof that I’m still here, still moving.
Nathan: My name is Nathan and I am a Pediatric ER Nurse that loves everything outdoors! In my free time, I enjoy triathlon training, reading, hiking, and conflict resolution. I’m excited to share my love of running and cannot wait to explore PB with you!
