Ambassadors (All) | Seattle Marathon

AMBASSADORS

MEET our 2025 ambassador team

ELITE AMBASSADORS

TAYLOR SWANSON

Taylor Swanson is a Paralympic Silver and Bronze Medalist as a T37 (Cerebral Palsy) Track and Field Sprinter. She competed for Roosevelt High School where she qualified for WA State Championships and AAU National Junior Olympics with Seattle Speed Elite Track Club. After a physical therapist recommended she try para athletics due to nerve damage from a knee surgery she ended up racing in Spokane. At that race the coaches and medical staff from Parasport Spokane gave her the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. A diagnosis that she always had and helped her discover the missing pieces that helped her understand the struggles she had as a child. She moved to Spokane, WA in 2023 to train with Parasport Spokane in hopes to qualify for the Paralympics. Post Paralympics she has developed an interest in motivational speaking in hopes of bringing awareness and inclusion about Parasport in hopes of helping youth and adults find a community that can help them fit in and gain confidence. She hopes to continue her Paralympic journey for LA2028 at home where she hopes there will be more awareness and opportunities for para athletes.

ERIN ZACKEY

I’m thrilled to be back as an ambassador for the Seattle marathon family of events. Growing up in the region I have a sense of responsibility to represent this big local race, and make sure people help support it as well! The Seattle running scene is so vibrant and fun! Running brings me both strength and confidence, as well as a better balance in my life. As an elementary teacher, wife to a busy scientist, and mom to teenagers, finding balance, and a fun social outlet is key. I love chatting all things running, so please connect with me anytime! See you out there!

BRANDY SIMIS

I started running thru sprint triathlons in 2004. In 2005 the group of ladies I trained with decided to do the Seattle Half Marathon. Through training for that, I discovered a love of running and the Seattle Half became a November tradition until COVID hit. Running gives me a chance to relieve everyday stress while meeting people from all walks of life. I've discovered a love of running and traveling and am working on running a half marathon in all 50 states.

KARENA PAEK

I started running in 2013 as a way to have some “me” time while raising two young kids. What began as solo neighborhood runs quickly grew into a love for the running community through local run clubs and races. I’ve run multiple half marathons, including the Seattle Half Marathon, and became a marathoner in 2017. After welcoming my third baby in 2024, I’m making my running comeback - building mileage, improving speed, and reconnecting with the community. My big goal this year is a half marathon, with my sights set on another full in 2027!

RICARDO ORTEGA RAMIREZ

My running journey began not long ago, but now it’s a big part of my life. Running is not only a way to improve my physical health, but a good way to clear my head and deal with mental health issues. It can be tough to find a good time to run, and I sometimes have to go through a cycle of finding a new spot each time I run. It’s rewarding to run for me, but I find it hard to start. Once I start running, though, I find it hard to stop!

DOTUN OJELABI

I started long-distance running regularly in June 2023 after finishing the 10k portion of an Olympic triathlon in 52 minutes. Since then, I've completed multiple 10ks, half marathons, and my first marathon (the Cascade Express Marathon in September 2024). I now run to maintain fitness and to clear my head, especially on solo runs. I look forward to meeting fellow runners and supporting SMA events in 2025.

SANDY NAMGUNG

Running has always held a special place in my heart. As a girl, I found joy in the freedom of movement it provided. However, it wasn’t until my late twenties that I truly embraced the identity of a runner. I used to run competitively, but after training for the Boston Marathon in 2020, my perspective on running changed. I no longer prioritize pace or distance. Instead, I run by feel, savoring the happiness each step brings. Beyond the personal gratification, I cherish the vibrant running community. Connecting with fellow runners, supporting their journeys, and inspiring others to embrace the sport has become an integral part of my running experience.

SANDRA MIKULIC

At 43 years old I decided to lace up and start running. Ive run 7 Seattle Marathons and have been an ambassador for 6 years. I've also dabbled in Ultras; completing two 50k races and two 100k races. I started a 5k streak on January 1st 2019 (running or walking) that's helped me heal trauma and self-loathing. I am a self-proclaimed plus-sized runner and now am a magazine publisher of the first ever fitness magazine for the unconventional athlete called 'Run Your Life Magazine.' I'm not shy to talk about 250-pound body size and also help inspire thousands of women on Instagram to move in the body that they have today, and not wait for a thinner body tomorrow.

SHAY MEYER

I ran track in HS (sprinting) to stay in shape for other sports. I started running more years after a significant car accident in 2005. It took years before I could even try to run. It started with one block in my neighborhood. It took a couple more years to “run” a 5k. I think that was in 2012. I slowly built up miles and ran my first “half” (the race director made an oops and the distance was maybe 11.5 miles- I was relieved- ha!). During the pandemic I joined a run club for community (it was only FB at first) and I was kind of scared because I wasn’t a “real” runner. I met so many amazing humans. In 2021 I was talked into putting my name into the NY Marathon lottery. I knew I would never get my name pulled. Oops… it was! I never would have made it through without my epic community. I was hooked. I’ve run Chicago and Boston since. Through it all I have been supported as a nonbinary runner by the Seattle-area running community. I love that Seattle Marathon supports nonbinary runners.

RACHEL TAYLOR

Hi, My name is Rachel and I’m an accountant by day and mom to a very spunky 7-year-old girl, Remi. My free time is dedicated to running, I’m currently training for London this April. I live in Mill Creek and absolutely love our local PNW races. I’m a Ragnar junkie and this will be my 3rd year captaining a NWP Ultra team, and 2nd year captaining a Rainier team, attempting Black Loop with Erin Zackey, my ultimate partner in crime.. I mean running! Rainier has turned me into a trail lover and I’m planning for even more trail this year. My 2025 goal is to run my 1st 50 miler! I have run the Seattle Marathon twice and the half marathon 4 times. I’m ecstatic to be a Seattle Ambassador this year and can’t wait for all the fun!

Instagram: @raesmomruns
Strava: Rachel Taylor

NIDHI HOODA

I started running towards the end of 2023. In 2024, I set a goal of 600 miles for myself and ended up exceeding my own expectations and running ~670 miles, and 1000+ miles if you count walking. It all started as a way to get my dog some exercise, and now it's turning out to be the other way around. Running is one of the most underrated activities that one does for one's own self and it has helped me find my community here.

AMBASSADORS