Ambassadors

Bio: Bill Robb was born in Kansas City, Missouri and now resides in Amherst, Ohio with his wife. He started running in 1979 and has run almost 1,155 races. He has run 44 marathons and has a marathon PR of 2:55:07 at the 1990 Glass City Marathon. His favorite race is the Boston Marathon which he has qualified for numerous times. He ran the Boston Marathon three times with the last on being the 100th running where he ran a 3:10:56. His best Boston Marathon time was in 1987 where he ran a 2:58:48. He is most proud of being able to make history running the 100th Boston. Bill enjoys running and racing as many races as he can
each year. Running to Bill is life and he enjoys the friendships that running has given him over the years. Bill’s favorite distances are the 5K and half marathon. He believes that no human is limited and Pre lives on through all runners. He believes in the motto “Just do it!”
A few more things about Bill:
Occupation: Retired Teacher Favorite movie: Chariots of Fire
Favorite running book: Bill Rodgers Marathon Man
Favorite food: Italian and Mexican Favorite thing to have after running or racing: Chocolate milk

Bill Robb’s Personal Records:
1 mile 4:24 2 mile 9:27 5K 16:52 5 miles 26:53 10K 34:59 10 miles 1:01:29
15K 55:18 half marathon 1:19:53 25K 1:35:32 30K 1:35:32 Marathon 2:55:07

Instagram: billrobbruns

Bio: Jesse Knight is a 45-year-old father, high school track & field coach, and world-traveling distance runner based in Cleveland. He began running after a coworker suggested it as a way to lose weight—and after completing his first race, he was hooked. Since then, he’s run over 160 races, including 20 marathons (5 of the 7 majors), 60+ half marathons, Onpace pacer, with his sights set on Boston in 2026 and completing a half marathon in all 50 states. Jesse is also a longtime member of @runwiththewinners and brings passion, experience, and community to every mile.

Fun Fact: Jesse cooked professionally for 27 years before changing careers—and he’s still a serious foodie and gamer on the side.

Running Highlight: 125+ races and counting, including 5 of the 6 World Marathon Majors

Rock Hall Half Connection: The Rock Hall Half was Jesse’s first half marathon—and it was the race’s inaugural year, too. He is a 10 time rock hall runner. He’s proud to be an ambassador and has already helped introduce new runners to the race, with plans to bring even more in 2026.

Instagram: @Jess100milesandrunnin
Run Club: @runwiththewinners
Good Work Gang

Bio: Hi, I’m Allie Barnard! I started running after a medical discharge from the Air Force, and it quickly became a constant in my life. Through anxiety, a kidney disease diagnosis, and a career change from law to finance, running has always been something I can return to. It’s also taught me resilience - how to keep showing up even when things aren’t easy.

After taking a break from the sport, I fell back in love with running when a friend Emma invited me to my first run club with Ready, Set, Run! That run inspired me to sign up for my first half marathon, the Boston Half Marathon, which I completed in November 2024.

Today, I work in finance at a company that decommissions wind turbines. I’m also looking forward to training for the 2026 Chicago Marathon after I recover from an upcoming surgery. The Cleveland running community has been an incredible source of support throughout my journey. Even through injuries and health challenges, they’ve always welcomed me back with open arms—and that’s the same encouragement I hope to share as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Ambassador.

TikTok: alliedanielle

Bio: Hi I am Kat. My running journey started May 12, 2016, but at the time I did not know it. As I was wheeled into the surgery room at St. Vincent Charity Hospital for bariatric sleeve surgery, I had no idea what was ahead. Post recovery I signed up for the gym and a personal trainer. Then my boyfriend bought my first pair of “real” running shoes for my birthday that year.

At the time I remember thinking “RUNNING” but I said thank you and pondered it for a few days. I decided “what did I have to lose, why not try to run”. I silenced my thoughts about why I could not run and decided I would hop on a treadmill. My first run was for 30 seconds, every ten minutes, for thirty minutes. Yes, my first run was less than two minutes total. From there I added fifteen seconds to each run until I eventually hit one mile. Once I hit one mile, I added a quarter mile every run which led me to my first 2-mile race, quickly followed by my first 5k, then 10k, eventually my first half, first marathon, and ultra-relay.

In May of 2018, I attended my first Run with the Winners group run. It did not take long for this group to become a new favorite Saturday morning activity. Over time RunWithTheWinners grew to become more people I ran with, but became family. This eventually led me into leading the group with my running partner DJ Steph Floss who founded RunWithTheWinners in 2014. The many amazing people who are part of this group continue to inspire me to do more.

I also ran my first Rock Hall in 2018 and have run this race several times. This year will be the year I finally run the half marathon to get that bigger guitar medal at the finish line. The memories made during this race and at the finish line have been priceless. I can’t wait to see what this year’s race brings us and all the exciting moments leading up to race day.

If you want to join the team RunWithTheWinners, the only thing you need to do is show up. Whether that means showing up to a group run, a training run, on race day, show up for yourself, it doesn’t matter, we are here to cheer you on. Regardless of where you are at, what you can do, or where you want to go. The key is starting the process, challenging yourself, and enjoying the journey wherever it takes you.

Questions about the race? Reach out on Instagram @kat_ferenz or @#runwiththewinners

Bio: My name is Jessenia and I am honored to be an ambassador for the 2026 Rock Hall Half Marathon! I started my running journey in May 2024 and completed so much by the following May.. including my first full marathon! I can’t wait to show everyone that running is more than just the cardio… It’s the drive, motivation and the community you build around it. I am excited to represent an amazing race for my favorite city. I might not be from Ohio.. but I have learned to it like my own! See you on the course!

Instagram: jesseniajax

Bio: Nick Slattery is a Northeast Ohio runner, powerlifter, and real estate professional who believes endurance sports build both physical strength and mental resilience. He began running as a personal challenge alongside his strength training and quickly developed a passion for long-distance racing. Nick now trains regularly for marathons while balancing work and raising his son. For him, running is about discipline, consistency, and pushing past limits that once seemed impossible. The running community has been a major source of motivation and support in his journey. Outside of training, Nick has spent over a decade in real estate, helping hundreds of families buy and sell homes.

Instagram: Nickslattery_

Bio: Stacy is an Ohio native who’s passionate about sharing her love for Cleveland’s running community. She ran her first half marathon in high school when the distance felt intimidating—but now, it’s her favorite. She’ll be toeing the line for the half again this year, drawn to the balance of endurance and quick recovery. Stacy used to chase PRs, but now she runs for joy, connection, and community. As a pacer, she loves helping others hit goals and celebrate their running journey—always reminding her pace group to reflect on why they run, even if the answer is beer and pizza. Stacy is thrilled to be coming back as an ambassador again this year!

Instagram: speck3

Bio: I've been an athlete for as long as I can remember, but it was in Cleveland where running truly became part of my life. What started as a way to stay in shape for high school sports turned into something much bigger — a source of joy, challenge, connection and a little bit of adventure along the way. As a result, I've proudly completed 4 marathons, 11 half marathons (including the Rock Hall Half a few times!) and more 5Ks and 10Ks than I can count.

I consider myself a “runner for funner” and genuinely believe the running community is for everyone, no matter your pace, distance or experience level. For me, the best part of running isn’t just the finish line; it’s the people, the encouragement on the course and the feeling that everyone belongs out there.

As a mom of two, brand marketer and Girls on the Run coach for our local district, there's nothing I love more than helping others discover movement that builds confidence - whether that’s running a race, strength training or dancing in the kitchen after a long day. I'm excited to return for my second year as a Rock Hall Race Ambassador and help more runners experience the incredible energy and community of race day in Cleveland.

Instagram:
@jennmcelhatten

Bio: Hi, everyone, my name is Nandi, and I'm so excited to be an ambassador. I started running in
8th grade in 2020, after my mom encouraged me many times to try cross country and track, and
I haven't stopped since. I love how running is relaxing, but at the same time it isn't. I never
stopped so much that I got runner's knee, which I'm currently trying to fix. Since I graduated
high school two years ago, I haven't run as much because I felt as if I didn't have it, which I
actually do. This is my motivation to fall back in love with running. While I'm in college trying to
earn my degree, I have been looking for new friends who also love running, which is hard. I'm
excited to be in a new running community and share my running with others. The longest races I
have run have been 5ks while doing cross country, and a few others in Cleveland, such as the
Inside The Park Home Run 5k race. I can't wait to meet new people and watch my pr time drop!

Instagram: Barbie_Nandi

Bio: Running has been part of my life since I was 10 years old, when I fell in love with track & field. What keeps me coming back is the balance between the individual grind and the power of the running community—we’re all chasing our own goals but doing it together.
This year’s race means even more to me as part of my comeback story after having a craniotomy last year. Being back out there running past the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be a full-circle moment.

Fast Facts:
Must-have gear: A picture of my run pacer Benzei (my 11 lb. PomChi Terrier), my Shockz Open Run Bone Conduction Headphones, and my sunnies from Goodr.

Just a girl from the 513 chasing goals one mile at a time. 🏃🏾‍♀️

Instagram: Deerae616

Bio: Aka Dee T, Dee is a 37-year-old fiancée, mom of two, and lifelong lover of running. What started with 200-meter sprints and Kids Dashes has grown into a passion for long-distance running and goal setting. After never running beyond a 5K before 2023, she set a 2024 goal to earn a medal every month—but a fractured leg in January forced her to reset. That setback became motivation, and by spring she was back on the course, running her first half marathon relay at the Rock Hall Half. Now training for her first full marathon in November 2025, she brings determination and joy to every race.
Favorite Distance: Still discovering, but embracing the challenge of longer races
Running Highlight: Completing her first Half Marathon Relay at the Rock Hall Half in 2024 after recovering from injury
Rock Hall Half Connection: The Rock Hall Half was a turning point in Dee’s running journey, where she felt the electric energy, support, and love that made her fall even deeper in love with the sport.

Instagram: @DenishiaT

Jeff moved to Cleveland from The Bronx in 2018 and has been running consistently for the past five years. What began as a fitness routine has grown into a passion for long-distance racing, with 10 half marathons and 7 marathons under his belt—including a sub-4-hour marathon finish. Jeff is a musician at heart, and when he’s not running, you’ll find him playing guitar or blasting metal to get hyped before a race. He runs for clarity, growth, and that unbeatable feeling of progress—on and off the course.
Fun Fact: Jeff is a guitarist who listens to metal to fuel his long runs and race-day mindset.
Running Highlight: Breaking 4 hours in the marathon and training for his 11th half—his second Brooklyn Half.
Rock Hall Half Connection: The Rock Hall Half was Jeff’s first-ever half marathon and remains one of his favorite races for its rhythm, energy, and electric Cleveland vibe. He’s run it four times and is proud to represent a course that continues to challenge and inspire him.

Instagram: @Jeff.sev