Ashleigh “Born and raised in the Buckeye State, Ohio, I developed an affinity for running as soon as my feet made contact with the ground. As early as I can remember, I demanded that my father time me while I sprinted around my childhood home attempting to quicken my time with each lap. Since then I have continued to make an effort to become stronger and faster. I ran both cross-country and track in high school and never thought of taking the distance further than a 10k. However, while attending college at Miami University, I lost my mother to lung and brain cancer. In an attempt to run as far away from cancer as possible, my interest in marathons surfaced. My first stab at marathons was Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon in 2001 and 14 marathons later I just completed the ING NYC Marathon in November (2011).” Visit Ashleigh's webpage for updates and more!

David “Approximately 7 years ago my wife Amanda and I were sitting on the couch watching the television. She turned to me and asked if I wanted to go out for a run. Neither of us were runners at this time, but from that very first day I loved it. I enjoy the physical activity and the ability to challenge myself to try to continually improve. I also really like getting out for quiet time by myself and being able to lose myself in my thoughts. After running for a while just "for the fun of it," I developed a goal of running a marathon before I turned 40. I was able to attain that goal, and even though it was very difficult to complete, the night that I got home from that first marathon I signed up to run 3 more. So far, I have run 10 marathons and one 50-mile race. After having to take much of 2011 off due to injury, I am very excited to think about the upcoming goal race: Ragnar Chicago, a 200-mile relay race from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois in June of 2012. The challenge of completing this relay race with two of my good running friends is as thrilling as it is daunting. To be able to do it in support of the Shining Stars Foundation will make the journey all the more special. We hope to not only raise money but also awareness to this great cause and the people it supports.” Visit David's webpage for updates and more!



Tracey “For the last 20 years of my life, there has been a significant constant in my life, and that is running. From the time I was in middle school cross country I was hooked. I loved the physical challenge, the fresh air of all four seasons, and the personal way you interact with nature. As I grew in my running I began to race beyond 5 and 10Ks to half marathons, 5 full marathons, and my first ultramarathon last September. These races have taken me around the country from the city streets to oceans to mountains. Running has provided me with an outlet to truly be myself and be connected with my body, but what I find even more significant is the way running can bring people together and make a truly substantial impact. Many of the races I have run were fundraisers for charities, and with the Ragnar Relay in June 2012, I am excited for my team to take on a personal fundraising effort to benefit the Shining Stars Foundation.” Visit Tracey's webpage for updates and more!