Erika Whinihan

I have participated every year in an SMA event since 2006 (except for one year when I had a baby). I've run the full marathon twice (2009, 2011) and the half marathon probably 15 times! I lost count on how many half marathons I have run. I've also participated in the kids marathon with my daughter. I am excited about giving back to the Seattle running community. I want other runners to get excited about the SMA Thanksgiving weekend and grow the participation in my home-town marathon. I have a lot of racing experience to share over my 28 years of running and want to help other runners try new things and achieve their goals. I started running in 1997 when I was 17 (I am nearly 45 now!) so I have been running for most of my life. Running has brought me so many wonderful friends and joyful memories. It has gotten me through a lot of hard times as well. Whatever life brings, running has been there for me and offers me the solitude and routine I need. It has improved my mental and physical health and I have met amazing people through running. After achieving most of my running goals, I feel like I am ready to see what else I can do for running through volunteering.