Pursuit 5K Training program

Meet our coaches & volunteers

Karen McDaniel

I has over 30 years of competitive running experience. I’m a former title holder for Masters Women's Indoor 3000 meters, member of National Champion Women's Cross Country Team, top 10 female finisher in the Utica Boilermaker , and 2 time Boston Marathon qualifier. I’m an RRCA Certified Coach, level 1. Currently training for the 2020 road racing season.

Joan Kane

I've been involved with fitness and wellness since the 1980s, but did not lace up my first running shoes until 2012. Since starting, I've run everything from 5Ks to half marathons, and I added sprint, Olympic and 70.3 distance triathlons to the mix. I love the training process and the healthy lifestyle that go along with it. I am an RRCA Certified Coach, and as a coach, my goal is to help others achieve their goals and have fun doing it!

Sharon Scala

I was never a runner until my kids were older and that was something we could do together. Since then I've run races I never thought possible. I really believe running should be fun and running with the friends I've made along the way is part of that.

Alejandro Gonzalez

My name is Alex, a transplant from Florida and happily living In NY state with my wife and 4 dogs. I fell in love with running since i moved up here, and really enjoy the community attached to it, I dont take myself very serious and I make sure running its always fun.

Alyssa Fanelli

I started running about 3 years ago as part of gym workouts and worked my way up to 5Ks and beyond. Since I ran my first Boilermaker 15K in 2018, I haven’t looked back. This year I completed my first half marathon! A major part of what keeps my feet moving is the great running community we have. I don’t have any specific plan for next year (except to keep running) but I’m excited to see what’s in store! (Pun intended?!)

Morgan Belisle

I started running with my first Boilermaker in 2011. After a few years of summer running and some time off with babies, I’m back at it and LOVING getting out in the winter - who knew?! I tackled the half-marathon distance for the first time this year and hope to run a full marathon in fall 2020. I’m excited to work with this program because I know how nerve-wrecking it can be to show up when you feel like you’re the newest or slowest.

Jessica Ott

Summer 2017, a friend pushed me to run a 5k. I haven’t stopped since. Summer 2019 I joined the Sneaker Store Run Club. I’m a work in progress as a runner. Future goals are to complete Boilermaker 15k and a half marathon. Eventually a marathon.

Be Our Next Volunteer!

We’re always looking for enthusiastic, active, encouraging people to join our team. Are you interested? Click here to apply