Rush Running Race Team

I’m Daniel Becker (married to Stephanie). I started running in 2009. I’ve been on the race team as long as I can remember. I have run races from 5K’s to marathons. I was the race director for Larry’s Run for Cystic Fibrosis for 10 years. I enjoy volunteering with the half marathon training group and helping others reach their goals.

I’m Stephanie Becker, married to Daniel Becker (also on Race Team). I used to fake being sick to get out of running in school. Fast forward to my 30’s and I started running to lose baby weight. I’ve run 5K-50K distance and will be running the Boston Marathon 2024. Running has given me so much confidence and even though I have lupus, I’m in the best shape of my life. My favorite race is the Bentonville Half Marathon. My favorite running memory is when Mike Rush officiated our wedding. Although I wasn’t running a race, I was running to the altar to marry Daniel. Rush Running gives back so much to our community and I am so proud to be a small part of that.

Hi, my name is Gretchen Brewer. I started running later in life after some weight loss to continue a more healthy and active lifestyle. I joined the Bentonville half marathon training program and ran my first half in 2014. I have been on the race team since 2019. I have participated in distances from 5K to 50K. My favorite memories include completing my first marathon and my first 50K! Rush running is not just supportive to the race team family but highly supportive to the greater running community of NWA. I am proud to be a part of that!

Not sure when I became a member. While purchasing shoes at the 2nd store, Mike-Alison Rush told the girl, "He's on the Race Team." I replied, "I am?" I started running in the late 80's because you had to in order to finish a triathlon. I was introduced to trail running in the mid 90's and got bored with triathlon. I've run every distance from 5K-100 miles. I was a talented sprinter swimmer through college, I've never been a talented runner. I love the Rush's because while they love the gazelle's, it's more about friendships than speed.

My name is Janet Cantwell and my husband is Chris. I have no idea when we joined the Race Team. One day we were just on it. I started running at the age of 45 when we became empty nesters and Chris encouraged me to train for the first Bentonville Half Marathon in 2010. This was before the training program existed so I showed up at Speed one night and Rush and all of the runners were so encouraging. After that I was introduced to trails at the War Eagle Run that same year and that's all it took to get me hooked. Trails are where my passion lies. I'm happiest in the woods. I have run every distance from 5k's to 100 milers. It's hard to say my favorite running memory because I have so many. I would have to say running my first 100 miler which was Arkansas Traveler at the age of 51 would be at the top of the list. What I love about Rush Running is that they meet each runner where they are. It's not about being the best and the fastest. It's about getting out there and enjoying what makes you happy about running. For me, it's about the support, the encouragement and showing me that it doesn't matter your age....just get out there and enjoy it.

I’m Hannah Carter. I think Trey and I joined the race team in 2016ish? It’s SO hard to pick a favorite running memory because so many awesome trips and memories have happened, but finishing my first 100 miler in Memphis with my whole family right there was pretty epic. My husband was the best crew chief/pacer, my oldest son stayed up all night to help crew for me, my youngest son provided comedic relief for everyone around, and my parents came out and fed my crew and pacers a few times! The Rush crew is my framily! The family I’ve chosen. The store feels like home and I love coming in to pick up my newest pair of shoes, socks, nutrition…whatever. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and I am so very grateful for all Rush Running has poured into our running community in Northwest Arkansas. I’m not sure you’ll find a more supportive running community than right here, and it’s all because of the love poured in by Rush Running.

Trey Carter here…what Hannah said about joining the team ... I hold down the Clydesdale section of the team…have run 5k-50k, with a full and a few half Ironmans in the mix. Stopped running for a bit, but have started back and planning on running the half…my favorite running memory is either crewing Hannah for her first 100, multiple pacing/crewing duties with Jarrod or helping out at the best aid station at War Eagle!

Hi! I’m Paige Combs. I started my running journey in college as a walk on at Arkansas - Go Hogs! I joined race team sometime in 2021 when I gained an interest in marathon training. My favorite running memories are getting early miles and laughs in with my 5:15am group. Rush Running has blessed my life incredibly - introducing me to a community of people who enjoy the same things I do and support each other’s goals. My favorite experience in my rush jersey so far has been racing the 2023 Boston marathon!

I'm Drew. I've known Mike and Ali Rush since 2002, before there was a Rush Running Company...and I can confirm that they've always been psycho about running, supporting others in their running adventures, and building community. So them owning and operating a running store just makes a ton of sense. I was one of their first employees, starting in August of 2008...and helped them grow an incredible business for 14+ years. I'm proud of that...and proud to continue to have Mike and Ali as friends after all these years. To say that Rush Running has changed my life for the better would be a vast understatement. I like to run A LOT. My happy place is 100+ miles/week. Racing is fine. 5k? Sure. 50-miles? Sure. It's all fun. But the training, hard work, and sharing miles with friends is what I love most. Hit me up...let's run together!

Hi! I’m Jennifer Faddis. I was a competitive runner in Jr High School and continued with some 10ks through High School, but didn’t pick running back up until 2016 when my oldest started running XC. Since then, all of my family have become runners! I joined the Rush Running Race team in 2020. My favorite running memory has to be completing War Eagle 50k with my husband who wasn’t a runner until a couple years before. He came over to the dark side! Ha! The community that Rush has fostered is nothing short of family. And when you walk into the store you feel that. They care about each runner no matter where they are in their running journey. And the wealth of knowledge by the staff will help you accomplish what ever your running goals are! I’m so proud to be a part of this team!

I’m Adam Fortin, let me take you on a wild journey down memory lane! Picture this: back in 2014 or 2015, there I was, seamlessly morphed into the team without a grand entrance or confetti showers. Nope, just one day, bam! I'm on the team, ready to conquer the world. Now, when it comes to races, I've got a need for speed, but nothing quite tickles my fancy like a good ol' marathon. Give me those endless stretches of road, and I'm in my element. But don't get it twisted, I'll chase down any road race like a cheetah after its prey—just keep me away from the off-road shenanigans! Speaking of off-road shenanigans, fast forward to the legendary 200-mile race Outback in the Ozarks. Ah, the memories! We assembled the ultimate dream team, AKA the Dominators. Picture us in a van—Mike, James, BG (or as we affectionately called him, BJ), Matt, Drew, and Craig—ready to tackle anything the road throws at us. Trust me, folks, if you haven't experienced the thrill of 24 hours with this crew, you're missing out on life's greatest adventure! And we went ahead and set the course record for them. Rush Running, the beacon of light in our running community. Seriously, without them there would be less camaraderie, fewer epic races, and hardly any groups to train with. So, here's to Rush Running, the reason behind so many of our running memories.

Hello! I’m Kelly and my running journey began in 2011. My husband was training for a half marathon when we started dating and I vividly remember thinking he was crazy and saying “I’ll never do that”! Fast forward 13 years and running has become a source of joy, friendships, stress relief, and a way to sustain a healthy lifestyle! I joined the race team in 2012 after learning about them from a friend from work (Janet Cantwell). I was drawn to it by the sense of camaraderie between its members as well as the friendly, helpful people that I met in the beginning of my running journey (looking at you Matt Blaty and Robert E Standridge)! I love how inclusive and involved Rush Running is and how they are synonymous with the running community. I have run races in Tulsa, Orlando, and OKC and have been called out because of the “R”! One of my favorite running memories is from the Chili Pepper Festival in 2013. It was POURING and felt more like a run/swim than a 10k! We were all crowded in the Rush Bus waiting for the lightning delay to end! I just remember thinking “Maybe runners are a little crazy…and I’m okay with that!”

Hi! I’m Margaret Griffing. I did my first half marathon in San Francisco 16 years ago and have been hooked since. I have four kids ages 5-12 and when I’m not running with my 4:15 group, I’m running them around town. I have lived in NWA since 2013 and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I have been part of the race team since 2017 and I’m so inspired by Rush Running. We have THE BEST running community! I look forward to the Bentonville Half every year where I get to see all my running friends in one place.

No clue when I joined the race team, feels like 2014. Dad of two beautiful boys Dunning & Breck. Fav running Memory: 5:00 am daily training runs with Dave, Adam, BG, Mike or Ali, Jarrod, and Dave & Weekend trail runs with James and Jarrod. Been on the bike for a few years after small knee procedure and now picked up running again. I love the Rush family and all it stands for. Some beautiful moments and life long friends made.

I’m Ty Hoffine. I joined the Rush Running Team in 2019. I was never a runner until I took a desk job and decided I needed to do something so I trained for my first 5k. From there I’ve run distances up to marathons and even a few triathlons. Even though I’ve only officially been a part of the Race Team since 2019, I’ve been running with Rush at Monday Night Speed since 2008. Rush Running has been an integral part of the running community over the years and continues to this day.

Team newbie here, but no stranger to running. I've been running since college (back when Chicago's marathon medal was the size of a quarter - lol). I started to run as a cheap way to stay in shape (now it's an expensive hobby). As life took me to live in other states, I landed in Bentonville in 2014 and fell in love with the running community, really family. Since then, I finally made it to Boston 3x's, finished Chicago and New York and heading overseas to hopefully claim London and Berlin this year.

My name is Matt Johnson and I'm new to the team. I ran my first half (Bentonville) in 2018. Then War Eagle 25K a month later where I found a love for trails. I spent many lunch hours at Rush getting free advice from James, Mike, and Drew. As many of you can relate, my life is better because of running but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have persisted through the learning curve without the support from Rush Running. Now you'll find me on gravel or trails. My favorite running memory is probably finishing Traveler 100. I never knew something like that was possible and it opened up a whole new world to me of things I never knew I could accomplish. Since then I’ve completed the Cowboy 200 and Katy 225 (which ended up being 247 miles). I love big goals, small races, and countless hours running with my friends.

Hi, I’m Allie Kaminski. I joined the race team in 2018. I started running in 2016 after my college volleyball career ended and needed a way to stay active and set/achieve new goals for myself. I very anxiously joined my first Rush speed workout (literally did not know which direction you ran around a track) in 2017 and the rest is history. My favorite running memory is October 2021 when I Boston Qualified by six seconds. Running down the finish shoot with the crowd screaming at me to sprint to BQ was a moment I will never forget. I got to run Boston the following spring while 6 weeks pregnant with my daughter. Rush Running has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Mike & Ali have built a community here in NWA that is like no other and I am so thankful for that.

My name is Justin Kaminski, or as most people know me, “Allie’s husband.” Been part of the race team since 2018. I’m convinced they keep me around to get the average height of the team up. When I run it’s mostly because I love my wife and it makes her happy. I’d like to consider myself a part time runner, part time stroller pusher these days. My favorite running memory was the first 8 miles of my 3rd Bentonville half. Allie ran with me extra slow so that I wouldn’t have to run it by myself. The second part of that race is simultaneously my worst running memory where I pushed too hard down Walton and blew up 5 minutes later, ending in the medical tent at the finish. Mike and Ali have been so good to my family and I am very appreciative of all they do for NWA. Our lives would not be the same without them.

Kevin Kelly here. Started running consistently around 2012, got invited onto the race team around 2014. Love the fact that Rush and the race team is a big family that would do anything for each other. Won't ever be the fastest but so far have run everything from 50k's and down. Never ruling out going longer at some point though. Favorite races would be: 1st marathon just because it was Maui and beautiful the whole race; Revel Vegas because who couldn't have fun when almost all of NWA run community took over Vegas and everywhere you went you knew people; And War Eagle and Back 40 because whether it's running or helping I love the trail races and it's always a party in the woods with the best people around.

Hi! My name is Steven Ko. I have been running since July 2015 and have run every race distance from a 5K to 50 miler. My favorite running memory is watching my friends come crew and offer support for me all day so I could cross the finish line for my first 50 miler. What I love about Rush Running is how truly inclusive they are. They meet runners where they are, from the brand new runners just getting out the door for the first time, to the seasoned veteran ultrarunner. Rush Running is just a wealth of knowledge from friendly employees that helped get many of us started on our running journey!

Hi! My name is Bobby Le. I have been running since April 2013. I have run races from 5k to 100 miles and almost everything in between. I’m the guy who once ran 69 miles in his cul-de-sac. My favorite running memory is finishing my first 100-miler with my family around me. Rush is a tremendous running store, but I love that they give back to the local running community.

Hey hey, I’m Ben! I’m a husband, dad of 2 girls, work at Rush Running and coach XC/TF at John Brown University. I’ve been on the race team since I started working at Rush in 2022. I’ve been running since the 7th grade. 17 years later and I’m still putting myself through the wringer of training. Looking back over all these years, I think the best moment of my running life is the first time my oldest daughter wanted to race a mile cross country race with me. The best thing about Rush is how involved and caring they are for the local community. I haven’t experienced a more open group in all my years of running!

Hi everyone! Kayle and I joined the race team several years ago but not sure exactly which year. We both started running around 2001 for a healthier lifestyle and quickly found a running community that encouraged us to keep pushing and challenging ourselves to reach goals that we never thought possible. We both have ran many marathons and our favorite race was the Disney Dopey challenge. Running that challenge was great, but the best part of it was the memories from all the group training runs and the amazing times we had during the races with all our friends. Kayle had a cycling accident a few years ago that has limited her activities and she spends her time volunteering at races. I can be found on the roads and trails running almost everyday of the week.

Hi, my name is Keri! I have been on the Race Team since 2013. I started running again in 2008 and ran the occasional 5K here and there. In 2011, on a whim, I signed up for the very first Half Marathon Training Group and ran my very first Bentonville Half that spring. That was the start of my true running journey! I've run every distance between 5K and Marathon since then. My favorite running memory is setting my half marathon PR at Winslow (If you know, you know....) I love our running community and I love working at Rush and helping everyone on their running journey!

Hi there! Aly Lyles here! The Lyles fam has officially been part of the race team since 2021. We were inspired by many of the other runners in this group to serve our community, support Rush running, and inspire a love for running in others. One of my favorite running memories is one of my besties (Allie Kaminski) showing up at my house, after having my baby, and saying “How far are we going today? Are we walking or running?” This is in addition to the runs I get with my husband, Taylor Lyles, every once in a blue moon now. Rush is a breath of fresh air. Whether it is at the store, at a race, or out on the trials, the big red R is always accompanied by a smile, a wave, and a “go get em”!

Taylor Lyles, husky section runner here. Rush running helped me turn something that I hated and viewed as punishment into a joy and hobby where I have made lifelong friends. My wife, Aly, and I joined the team in 2020 but have felt like part of the family for much longer. You won't catch me running in the dirt but will find me on the pavement.

My husband Mark and I joined the team around 2010. I was forced to run as cheerleader at the University of Memphis so didn’t do a whole lot after that until being part of the team. Since then I have embarked on a journey that has stretched my limits, from races encompassing up to 50 miles to completing a couple Ironman triathlons. I love the camaraderie that Rush Running brings to the community. It’s like one big huge family. My family has also run at Disney a lot and it all started when we were in Rush Running (in 2010) and asked what the Goofy Challenge was. Well, what seemed so daunting then has become something our family and friends have completed numerous times now, including 3 Dopey Challenges!

Hi, I’m Stephen O’Neal. I have been on the racing team for a few years. I have been “Running with Rush” as far back as I can remember. Mike and I both grew up in NWA so our running calendars would often align. I have a multitude of great running memories but my favorite runs these days are typically the first ones back after an injury. I am constantly inspired by runners new and old that are brave enough to lace up their shoes and chase big goals! The staff at Rush Running can ensure you have the gear and knowledge needed to cross the finish line!

Hey all! I’m Mandy Ozimek … aka MandO. I’ve been part of the Rush Team since its inception around 2008 and have had the privilege of knowing Mike and Ali since they opened their first shop in Bentonville. I’ve run everything from 5ks to 100 mile races and I’ve met some of my best friends because of the NWA running community. I’m a wife, dog-mom to the 2 best Vizslas around, daughter to ultra marathoners (shout out to my parents) foodie, wine lover and world traveler. If you wanna talk about dogs, drink wine, plan a trip or run some miles… let’s chat… but know that I’m probably bringing the pups. See you on the trails!

It’s your boi, Jarrod here. Not sure exactly when I joined the race team, but I’ve been in therapy for the last 6 years. Too many awesome memories to list just one, so here are a few, running my first marathon back home in Cincy, all the training miles in the woods with Reeves as I trained for my first 100, having Fortin and Carter as pacers, running the harder Bandera 100k than Mike-Alison, but if I really have to boil it down to just 1, anything War Eagle related. Favorite thing about Rush Running Co. is meeting the different folks and those folks turning into fam over the years.

Jen Pate here! When our second baby was about 9 months old in 2012, I realized it was time to retire the maternity jeans and get my rear in gear. I was the student in school who avoided running in PE at all costs, so I used Couch to 5K to literally teach myself how to run, and I fell in love with how it made me feel. Then, Jarrod and I slowly became involved with the local running community and it's been amazing. My favorite running memories are when I came up the Crystal Bridges hill during my second Bentonville Half Marathon and saw Jarrod waiting for me halfway to give me a kiss, and then pushed me to finish the race; my third Bentonville Half Marathon, when Jarrod and I ran the whole race together (a rare event) and he helped me beat my goal time and accomplish a 16 1/2 minute PR; and when HE ran his first 100 miler and I got to be a part of the experience and hug him at the finish line. Rush Running has played a huge part in our running story, and I just adore how committed the Rush family and staff are to NW Arkansas. It doesn't matter how far or how fast you run....they are your biggest fans. We're so lucky to have such support in our community.

Hi, I’m Sarah Paulin! I grew up watching my dad run marathons and caught the running bug myself doing XC and track in high school. After taking many years off (and a couple kids later), I signed up for the training group and ran my first half marathon in 2016. Then my first marathon, which I swore I’d never do, later that year. When I’m not on a marathon training cycle, you’ll often find me at Monday night speed, which is my favorite workout of the week. Rush Running cares so genuinely about helping each runner be their best selves and are always willing to give advice, connect you with other runners, and build community. They helped me revive my love for running and I know I’ll keep moving one foot in front of the other for as many years as I can. It was important for me to be part of that community and pay it forward, so I joined the race team in 2018. Helping with the training group is one of my favorite things! Some of my best running memories: earning my first BQ with Rush teammates and friends at Mt. Charleston marathon, negative splitting the Bentonville half up that bleeping hill, running races with my dad, and passing the torch to the next generation by running with my kids and watching them gain a love for the sport.

Hi, my name is Grant Pledger! I started running in 2011 to get back into shape, and lose some weight after college/several years of a desk job. I ran my first half marathon in 2012 and felt like garbage due to poor training after which I decided to get more into running which led me to Rush. Since then I have run races up to a 50 miler. I started running with the Sunday crew in 2014, and joined the team in 2015. Mike introduced me to my wife Katie who is also on the race team in 2016 at the track during Monday night speed then married us in 2018. Running with this team has improved my life in so many ways, and I'm thankful everyday to have been able to be a part of it.

I’m Katie Pledger! I started running in college to stay in shape after years of gymnastics and soccer. I ran my first half marathon in 2010 and fell in love with the sport. I joined the race team in 2016. I love being apart of this amazing running community that is so inclusive, welcoming, and encouraging where friends have become family and have helped us through tough times and good times. Mike introduced me to my husband Grant who is also on the race team in 2016 at the track during Monday night speed. Grant proposed to me at the finish line of the Goblin Run in 2017 and Mike married us in 2018. Grant and I look forward to having our son join the family love of running!

I started running when I was a kid with my dad, who was an old school marathon runner. Back before marathons were cool. I moved to Bentonville with my family in 2010 and joined the race team shortly after. In the last 10 years, I have trained for and raced distances from 1 mile (5:12.17) as a 45 year old to 100 mile trail races. This is me at my first 100 miler stuffing my face with a sandwich. Pacing and crewing at Bighorn 100, the Arkansas Traveler, Hardrock 100, Moab 240, racing the 200 mile Outback in the Ozarks with the crew, Square to Square and countless training runs with friends. It really is about creating memories and stories. That's what I love best about the team. The next best thing is being provided a platform to share the gift with others. This community changed my life.

Hi! I’m Laura Scudder. I was a college gymnast. I completed my first marathon a few months after I graduated when I needed to find something new to do. I joined the race team last year. I ran 40 miles when I turned 40 but favorite running memory was the Boston marathon in 2023 running side-by-side with other Rush Running team members. I have lived in many cities in my adult life and I have never found a place like NWA when it comes to the running community. The Rush community has become our family supporting not only the race team members, but our second generation racers (our children) as they begin their journeys to love running and racing. It is amazing to be a part of this group.

I’m Kelly Sikorski and I joined the race team in 2017ish. I ran sporadically in my 20’s and completed my first marathon in 2004. I did not really start running consistently until 2016 when I joined the Bentonville half marathon training group. Since then I’ve run countless other races, mostly half marathons, a handful of marathons and one 50 miler (thank you Steven Ko). My favorite part of being part of the race team and a volunteer for the training group is the annual run we do every year in honor of my twin sister Jen who died while on a training run. The running scene in Bentonville is like no other and that is due in large part to Mike and Ali Rush and the community they have fostered.

Brittney Skelton (Aka the crazy picture lady) here! My husband Grant and I have been on the team since 2016. I was a dancer growing up and didn’t start running until my mid-20s. It escalated quickly. Shortly after we started endurance running, we moved from Springdale to Bentonville and plugged in with Rush Running. It was a game changer for our love of running. Qualifying for and running Boston seemed like a distance dream but learning to incorporate speed work, consistency with a solid training plan and accountability of Rush teammates and community made Boston a reality, followed by other exciting races all over the world! Traveling to Europe to represent Rush at the Berlin Marathon with Grant & friends is one of my favorite running memories. A moment where I really soaked in where all running has taken us! Cheering on our two kids, Grahm & Reese, competing in and coaching youth in triathlon, painting & supporting this awesome community are a few of my hobbies outside running.

I’m Grant Skelton, I want to say we joined the race team in 2016, but it feels like a lifetime ago! The Rush community is the glue that holds us all together and makes this epic journey amazing. My favorite running memory would have to be when a group of 12 of us did the Outback in the Ozark 200 mile relay.

Hi my name is Robert but call me Dridge. I’ve been on the race team since 2008. One of my favorite running memories is finishing my first marathon, which was the Hogeye Marathon, and said I would never run another one… two days later I signed up for the Tulsa Marathon. Rush Running is an awesome store! Mike's love and passion for running has made the NWA running community what it is today. Thanks for letting me hang around.

Brandon and I joined the team a couple of years ago but both got our start with the half marathon training program. I absolutely love that Rush started this to help new people love to run. We both love volunteering and helping others find that love for running as well. We love to run out in the woods and have lots of fun adventures. Running has helped us both do things we never thought possible. This running team is full of amazing people who inspire us all the time.

I am Dave Weston. I joined the Rush team shortly after they opened the Bentonville store. My running distance of choice is the marathon. I was challenged to run a marathon in 2000 by a coworker. After running five different marathons, in 2002 I set the goal of running a marathon in all 50 states - still in progress. I love the camaraderie and community of running spirit that Mike and Ali have built. I have met so many wonderful people throughout the running community. My favorite rush running memory are the 5:00 run group runs and all those marathons I have run with other rush runners from the Dopey Challenge with the Mohler’s, Cantwells and Leonharts, Fargo marathon with Shannon McFarland, Jason Knight, Jesse Eaton and Tony Matthews, the NJ marathon with Mike Rush and DK as well as the Thunder Road Marathon with DK.