Hi, I’m Crystal, I started running at 39 in 2021 to lose weight but found so much more. Once under-fueled and stuck in a tough cycle with food, running became my path to healing—both physically and mentally. Now, it’s my meditation, my space to grow, and a reminder to run my own race. The connections, community and camaraderie I have found through running are truly unmatched. I mostly enjoy trails but being out in nature creates a connection I crave. I also appreciate and acknowledge the less technical terrain of roads. I’ve raced all distances from 5k, to marathon and even have a couple ultra distances under my belt. I love encouraging others to take on hard things, sharing my journey with new runners, and giving back through volunteering. My upcoming races for 2025 are the Sierra Vista Half, Bataan Memorial Death March, and Grindstone Trail Run Half Marathon.

While my mantras while I’m running may change depending on the race or how I’m feeling. One of my go to’s will forever be “Just keep smiling ”. I’m beyond grateful and very excited for the opportunity to be a Wanderlust Ambassador!

I’m Ryan from Denver CO and am into most things outdoors. I’m stoked to support Shane and the Wanderlust team! I ran my first ultra in 2023 at the deadhorse ultra outside of moab, never having run a marathon before and loved it. I really like doing multi sport adventure races and train/live to be able to do whatever fun thing I or a friend finds including running! I’ve mountain biked and run through the heart of iceland, run the Himalyan 100 5 day stage race, and will dip into the random race around colorado. Sauna/Cold plunges, lifting, and snowboarding are my primary winter activities while its snowy out around these parts. Fun Fact: I have 3 older half brothers twice my age!

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I am a wife, homeschool mom, and ultrarunner.  I entered into my first race, which was a 5k in 2019. My brother helped me train for this race as he’s an experienced runner. Then years later I met a group of local runners. I became friends with one of them and together we signed up for our first 27k . After that, I fell in love with trails and ultras (I never imagined a person can run more than marathon) so I was intrigued and also excited to become one. I now run ultra after ultra, and this year (2025) I completed my first 50 mile event.  I have been blessed to be part of an amazing community.  I have meet many people in the races and we have established solid friendships. I am very grateful for my husband, as he is very supportive so I can do all of these races as well as my training.

This years goals are the Mt. Taylor 50k and to be more available for volunteering at running events

One day in the future  if God allow me to I be the first  Mexican Female to finish The Barkley Marathons.

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Aaron is an avid runner and road racer who enjoys competing in distances from 5K to Marathon. Running helps Aaron keep his mind and body healthy, sharp, and strong; he truly enjoys the training process and lessons learned leading up to a goal race. Aaron feels as though running has helped him become the best version of himself! Notably, he went from the couch to running a 3:17:31 marathon in just 11 months, proving that we are all capable of doing difficult and amazing things when we have a plan and commit to it. Aaron is an ISSA Certified Running Coach, and he hopes to grow and give back to the running community in Las Cruces through his role as an ambassador! 

A native of New York, D.J.’s running career began on the cross country courses and tracks of Long Island and the Hudson River Valley.  Cross country remained his primary sport through college where he ran on courses across New England.  After moving to El Paso in 2015, D.J. became acquainted with the vast landscapes of the southwest through hiking, and later, trail running.  Today, D.J. runs in southern New Mexico and far West Texas with keen interest in the Organ and Franklin Mountains.”

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My name is Michelle Mora and I am from Rio Rancho, NM! I started out my running journey in 2010 when I graduated from high school. I wanted to find a way to continue to be active in sport. I fell in love with both triathlon and running. Since 2013, I have run 4 marathons, 25 half marathons, and 3 half Ironman distance triathlons. I look forward to running State 47 Marathon with Wanderlust Running and getting other people to join in on the fun! Find me at the next Wanderlust Running event in the back of the pack, wearing a bright sparkly skirt, running at “Party Pace,” while truly just loving to run.

After years of being in and out of the gym, Claudia decided to sign up for her first 5k as a goal she set for her 30th birthday. Little did she know she’d fall in love with running, the community, and all the race day excitement! Born and raised in sunny New Mexico – Claudia loves to run, hike, play pickleball, and go on long walks. Claudia wants to continue to improve in the 5k, and then someday race a half and full marathon. Then after she reaches those goals, who knows what’s next!

Hi, my name is Vicky F, I am an El paso native, I am 44 years old, and I am an ultra runner. I am a mother of 2 adult children, 2 dogs, and one cat. I own a small business called Love for Pawsitive Dog training, and I have been a dog trainer for 11 years. I also have a degree in Fish and Wildlife Science and Conservation Ecolgy. I have a background rehabilitating wildlife, and I have aspirations of having a full-time job in my field of study. Meanwhile, I spend a lot of time outdoors in the mountains, which led to trail running.

I have been running for a little over three years, but I’ve enjoyed the trails for over a decade. When I first heard about trail running, I was extremely intrigued. My love of the Franklin mountains was enough curiosity for me to attempt a trail run.

Then, I signed up for my very first race. The Franklin Mountains Trail Runs 27K. After that, I completely fell in love with the sport, and I was hooked. In an effort to engage more with the community, I started hosting trail runs over the weekend and created “Queens of the Mountain Trail Runners.” My goal is to inspire others to conquer their fears and anxieties they might have about the mountains and help them realize they can be Queens and Kings of the Mountain as well.

It is an honor to be part of the Wanderlust ambassador program, and I’m looking forward to sharing good times, having fun, making long-lasting friendships, and conquering some mountains together.

Running isn’t just a sport for me—it’s a passion and a lifestyle. In 2016 I ran my first 5k and I fell in love with the challenge and the sense of accomplishment that comes with every mile. Two years later I completed the Authentic Marathon in Greece and quickly realized my preferred distance was the half marathon. This year, I look forward to running the NYC half, Bataan Memorial Death March, San Diego Rock and Roll half, Ruidoso half, and Disney Halloween half.

Whether I’m training for my next race or exploring new trails, I strive to spread positivity and motivation. I am proud to represent Wanderlust Running and be part of a community that believes in the power of running!

Hello  my fellow Wanderlust Running Ambassadors! My name is Larry and born in Seattle Washington. Then moved to Hawaii for the first 6 years of my life as a toddler where my dad was in the navy. That’s probably why I love water & sand. But without the goatheads! And previously lived in Tacoma,Wa until a year and a half ago. My wife (Tori) and I moved here to be closer to her parents, Just 3 houses away. So I’ve always been in athletics all my life. But always hated running long distance. Except the sprinting around in team sports. But my two true loves were water skiing and snowboarding. I even competed in the local tournaments. I did both almost everyday. Good ole Washington state being surrounded by water & mountains. Yes even in winter. Water skiing in the morning then hit the slopes a little while later. And then in 2008 I entered my first 2 official 5k races. A St. Patrick’s day themed race in Tacoma on that Saturday then on Sunday another St. Patrick’s race. And I haven’t stopped since. Last year was the most races I’ve done, 58 total. Almost every weekend. Which included some mountain bike races here in NM & Texas. I’m a 5k specialist you could say, cause that’s just my jam! And I’ve been doing sprint triathlons since 2016. And moving forward I met Tori about 4 years ago in a weekly 6am Wednesday morning run group. Then bam! We got married at a Halloween themed 5k race almost 2 years ago. Tori ran in her wedding dress and I ran in my tux. Both of us had brand new Nikes! Lol! We’ll show pics sometime. It was a blast! And I’ll be racing the 5k Sunday at the El Paso marathon 2025
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See you all soon!

Hi there, I’m Kelli! Originally from Memphis, TN, I’ve been happily calling El Paso, TX my home since 2020—and have no plans to leave! I truly love the vibrant community here.

I began trail running over ten years ago as a way to meet new people, and it’s grown into a passion that fills my life with so much adventure and amazing friendships, and has helped me to create strong roots in this new city I call home.

When I’m not exploring the trails, you can find me spending time with my husband and two little girls, volunteering with local animal rescues, or working full time as a software developer.

I’m excited to be part of the Wanderlust Team this year and look forward to meeting you out on the trails!

Fun Fact: I absolutely love jelly—a good PB&J is my ultimate trail snack!

Liz is your typical person who never thought she would be a runner! Liz started running in 2024 as a way to incorporate more movement into her weight loss journey, which she started in 2023. Liz took on a personal challenge to complete a 5k and from there she fell in love with the challenge of pushing for more miles after each run. Besides running, Liz also likes to stay active by going to the gym where she has been learning CrossFit. Liz enjoys running 5ks and working on improving her pace and time, one race at a time. Liz hopes to encourage those who want to start running but have self doubt. One of Liz’s biggest running accomplishments is finishing her first half marathon this year. Up next, full marathon! ¡Sí, se puede!

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My name is Tim R. I started running back in 2016 on the street and dabbled in trial running to begin with. I really picked up trail running over the last couple years and have run multiple marathons and ultra marathons. I really enjoy watching baseball and hockey as well. Always looking for the next challenge in running! Next goal is a 100 miler. Keep running and living life to the fullest! See you on the trails and the street sometimes too!

Everything started in San Antonio during my college years, one of my classes required for me to volunteer at a Cross country event on a wet, cold day of November. It was probably the endurance of the cold or the kids going all out that inspired me to sign up to my first half marathon taking place in the next two weeks. I could not walk for the following 3 days but I had found my new passion! Many 5k’s, later and back home in El Paso Texas. During 2020 our city needed an injection of life and with my wife we created a weekly run club that has now grown to be “Liv3 Athletics”, our fitness family.