Meet the 2026 Pink Gorilla Events Ambassadors!
We’re excited to welcome ten fun, friendly, and inspiring runners to our ambassador team for the 2026 race season. These passionate athletes are all about encouraging others, sharing their love for racing, and spreading good vibes on and off the course. You’ll see them training, racing, and repping Pink Gorilla Events all year long—online and in real life. Get ready to be motivated, because these ambassadors are here to help you run happy!
Maddy Sladky
Maddy is back for year #2 as an Ambassador and is excited to kick off the 2026 Pink Gorilla Events season! Her competitive and determined spirit drives her passion for running. You can find Maddy at almost every Pink Gorilla Events race or getting her long runs in on local trails, and Lincoln run groups. If she is not running, she loves spending time with her family and her husband!
Libby Sadd
Hi! I’m Libby! I’m a 26 year old living in small town Nebraska working as a legal assistant. Almost 4 years ago, I got sober and started running. I have completed over 100 races including 15 half marathons and 3 full marathons. My mantra is Outrun Addiction – don’t shy away from, hide or fear hard things… face head on, overcome and defeat. My favorite Pink Gorilla race is Market to Market! I love to see all the people, in costumes, running with their friends! My instagram is Libby26.2
Richard Lumpkin
Richard is from Omaha and is excited to start his Pink Gorilla Ambassador journey. Over the years, he has developed a passion for fitness and running as a way to challenge himself both mentally and physically. This season, he is registered for a wide range of events, from 5Ks up to 2 marathons, & every distance in between. He is especially excited to use his journey to motivate others to start running, get into fitness, and believe that progress is possible at any stage.
Liz Larsen
Liz is excited to join the Pink Gorilla Events Ambassador team and inspire other runners to discover the same passion she has for running and the excitement of Pink Gorilla events. Her favorite race each year is Market to Market, where she runs alongside her cousins and siblings as part of a big family team. She has set a personal record at every Good Life Halfsy she has raced and looks forward to chasing another PR in 2026. Outside of running, Liz works as a speech-language pathologist and loves spending time outdoors with her fiancé, enjoying activities like snowboarding and hiking.
Nat Ogura
Meet Nat — an Omaha-based runner from Japan whose running journey kicked off at the Good Life Halfsy in 2016. She’s always chasing PRs at every distance, but fun will always come first. When she’s not running, Nat is a food photographer who eats a lot and loves capturing delicious moments just as much as finish-line smiles. Don’t be shy if she snaps a selfie with you on the course — give a big smile, because we’re all friends here! She’s beyond excited to be a Pink Gorilla Ambassador and can’t wait to have A LOT of Fun with all of you. Let’s get the party started!
Marie Woodford
Hi I’m Marie! I am excited for this year as a Pink Gorilla Events Ambassador – it combines two of my favorite things, running and social media! I have participated in several Pink Gorilla Events including 3 half marathons, Market to Market, and the Leprechaun Chase. My favorite thing about running is its positive impact on my mental health. It allows me to unplug and get outside. Challenging my physical limits gives me self-confidence that pours into other aspects of my life.
Alexander Meza
Alex is excited to start his pink gorilla ambassador journey by showing his love for running! Big on building and supporting a growing running community through group runs and events! Ready to create lasting memories at each race this year with new/old friends! Locked in for the Good Life Halfsy with one goal- PR!! When I’m not racing or training, you can catch me on the soccer pitch playing or coaching!
Anna Jeseritz
Anna is pumped to be a part of the Pink Gorilla Ambassadors this year! She’s a busy working mom of 2 and found her love of running as an adult to keep her grounded. She’s been running in Pink Gorilla events for 10 years and is usually the one volunteering to run the longest legs on her M2M team (her favorite race!) This year Anna is looking forward to running some new races including her first Early Bird Run and setting some PRs!
Nicole Martindale
With experience across all race distances, including 15 half marathons and one marathon, Nicole loves running miles with others and soaking up the outdoors. A former Iowa State women’s soccer player, she now enjoys running with local clubs, headphones in and music fueling her stride. The Good Life Halfsy is her favorite race, thanks to its energy and community vibes. By day, she’s a civil engineer specializing in water and wastewater, balancing her love of running with a passion for problem-solving and teamwork.
