Runner of the Month: Ben Clark

Ben Clark started running just over a year ago and consistently laced up his shoes and made it a habit. People often underestimate what they can do in one year’s time, but Ben is a great example of how dedication and consistency pay off.  Last year the Colorado Run was his first 10k and he finished in a time of 1:14:51. Just 12 short months later Ben was back, this time setting a new PR and finishing in 1:06:56, taking an impressive 7:55 off of his time! Much of his improved time was because of his increased strength on the hill climb going from completing the uphill 5k portion of the course in 41:45 last year to 36:18 this year. Ben is also the lead coordinator for the Kessel Runners Couch-to-5k Training Program through the Fort Collins Comic Con. The training program runs from March through “May the 4^th be with you” Star Wars Day and he led a regular group of 50 runners strong! You might have even spotted him on several occasions running in costume in one of their themed Hero Runs.

Volunteer of the Month: Matt Morgenstern

Every race day the Green Events team and a crew of volunteers arrive at the event three or more hours before the start of the race to setup, and after the race has finished there are more hours for tear down and packing everything up. About a year ago Matt Morgenstern started volunteering for Green Events and he has volunteered at every race we have put on since. He arrives in those early morning hours with a smile and a simple question “what do you need me to do?” and then works non-stop until just before the start of the race. Next thing we know he has transformed into a runner and is ready to start the race. He runs the race and a few minutes after he has finished running he is back ready to help again! Matt is a volunteer we love to see on race day because his help makes everything run smoother and all the heavy boxes easily get to where they need to go in his arms. Thank you Matt for always volunteering to make it a great day for the runners and Green Events!

Ambassador of the Month: Lynelle “Nelly” Lopez

Meet Nelly, the always smiling, donut loving, running goddess, who balances Boston qualifying training and performances with being a rock star full time working Mom of two elementary school aged kids. New to the Green Events Ambassador team this year Nelly is not new to running. She has been an off and on runner since high school cross country but started her adult running career in 2012 a few months after her youngest was born. “I wanted to get in shape and I ran my first marathon in 2013” Nelly remembers as she thinks about what inspired her to start running again. Her first race with Green Events was the Sweaty Sweater 4 miler in 2015 and she has been a regular at our races ever since. Her favorite race is the Fall Equinox running down the Poudre Canyon. She says the best part about being involved in the running community is for the fitness and making friends that keep her accountable.  Her goal for 2019 was to run 2 marathons and she has already finished one, the Revel Mt. Charleston in Las Vegas, where she not only secured another BQ but also a 2 minute PR with a 3:15 official time!!