2025 Ambassador Program
We’re thrilled to introduce the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Ambassador Team — a bold, passionate, and diverse group of runners who represent the spirit of our race weekend.
Since launching in 2018, the Ambassador Program has been the heartbeat of the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, connecting our race with vibrant running communities across the U.S. and beyond. These 13 Ambassadors are bringing energy, encouragement, and powerful stories that unite us all under one shared love for running in Philly!
From different cities, backgrounds, identities, and paces, they reflect the inclusive, welcoming nature of our race. From now until Race Weekend in November, they’ll be sharing training updates, a peak into their journey to the start line, and helping us spread the word about why Philadelphia is one of the best race weekends in the country.
Meet the 2025 team soon and follow along as they take on the road to Race Weekend.
Got questions about the race? Want to connect with someone in your city? Reach out — our Ambassadors are here to help!
I am so excited to be back for year 2 as a PMW Ambassador AND for my second marathon (Philly was my first in 2024)! As a "slower" runner, I love advocating for inclusion of all paces and am so excited to show everyone why Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is one of the best race weekends around! Living in Philly and getting to train on the course is also so special and I cannot wait for November!
I’m Maris Rodríguez, founder of Hechos para Más RunClub, a team where all Spanish speakers—no matter their abilities—are welcome. Running saved my life, and now I want the whole world to run. Philadelphia holds a special place in my heart. We run for health, joy, and transformation—because we were made for more.
My name is Ayo Akinmoladun, proud principal of Mastery Harrity Elementary and passionate runner. I run to empower others, for liberation and to inspires others. It’s more than a sport—it's a tribute to my late mother and a commitment to my family, students, and community. The Philly Half was my first race; and I will be running the Patriot Challenge at the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.
I'm a long-distance runner, an online running coach, and a freelance sports journalist specializing in the sport of running. From the community I come from, in Kenya, running is a means to achieving almost anything in life, including education (think of scholarships), earning a living, staying healthy, and creating a good name in society by becoming an Olympic Champion. I'm running to motivate.
I am originally from New Jersey but am currently living in Austin, TX! I got into triathlon (specifically Ironman 70.3) during COVID and made the transition to marathons in late 2023. My first marathon was the Philadelphia Marathon! I love running because it has allowed me to meet some of my best friends and explore the country. I'm running the full marathon again with a goal of sub 4 hours!
I grew up in Bethlehem PA and turned to the streets as a teenager. After making various mistakes, I was able to turn my life around into a corporate career and my version of success. Running has helped me change my life and build community. I'm running to inspire others and show them they can make positive changes regardless of their past. We are the authors of our own stories.
I'm a long-distance runner, an online running coach, and a freelance sports journalist specializing in the sport of running. From the community I come from, in Kenya, running is a means to achieving almost anything in life, including education (think of scholarships), earning a living, staying healthy, and creating a good name in society by becoming an Olympic Champion. I'm running to motivate.
I'm an avid marathoner who resides and runs in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Self-described as an adult-onset runner, I trained for my first 5K in 2010 and never looked back! Running has transported me to incredible places, introduced me to amazing people, and as luck would have it, I happened to be in Philly last fall as a spectator and felt it was my destiny to return. I am beyond stoked!
Running has always been where I feel most like myself. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m running the Patriot Challenge to raise awareness and show that cancer doesn’t define who we are or what we can or can’t do. This race is my way of proving myself, both as a runner and a fighter.
My name is Sophia and I am a Philadelphia based creator and community builder. I only started running for the first time in my life last July, but it has been transformative in the way I approach life and my capabilities. I am very excited to share my journey running a half marathon every month this year, and finishing off the year strong with my first full at the Philadelphia Marathon.
I'm a certified run coach, personal trainer, and Visual Merchandiser at Lululemon with a passion for endurance and community. I ran my first marathon in Philadelphia, and I’m so excited to return—ready to chase new goals and see all the smiling faces that make race day so special. I love blending creativity, coaching, and connection to inspire movement every day.
I am so grateful to have been chosen as a return ambassador for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. 2025 will be my 4th year running this wonderful marathon. I am so excited to share my experience over the upcoming months and can’t wait to be back in Philadelphia for this magical weekend.
I’m a nuclear physicist and research leader with a career in nuclear nonproliferation. I’m driven by purpose and inspired by being part of something bigger, which is why I’m thrilled to be back on this team as a returning Ambassador! Running connects me to the community and reminds me of my strength and resilience. Running or volunteering, Philadelphia Marathon Weekend never fails to inspire.