Urban Bourbonites
The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon’s Urban Bourbonites serve as race ambassadors, encouraging participation in the 2026 Urban Bourbon Half Marathon & 5K by engaging with runners throughout Louisville and the surrounding region. Representing diverse running backgrounds, Bourbonites help spread the word to friends, family members, and fellow athletes while also serving as a valuable sounding board for our race management team. Their insights and ideas play an important role in shaping the runner experience and ensuring it is the best it can be.
Our 2026 Urban Bourbonites are featured below, where you can learn more about why they chose to become a Bourbonite, what inspires them to run, and their advice for first-time UBHM participants.
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Angelica Bibin
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I’m a Bourbonite because I ran the UB5K last year and loved it. The atmosphere, the vibe, the course, and the volunteers—it was all so much fun. It was my 33rd race of 2025 (out of 43), and by far my favorite. From communication and parking to packet pickup and the after-party—everything was great. - Why do you run?
As an Army combat veteran and mom of five, running is my “me time.” It’s the only time the noise shuts off and it’s just me and the pavement. Running is my therapy. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
If you have any doubts—don’t. Show up, run at your own pace, stay for the party, attend the events, explore the bars, make friends, take pictures, and have fun.
Mary Cardoza-Lane
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I like my races the way I like my bourbon—strong, honest, and with a little burn at the end. Urban Bourbon is my favorite race so far. It’s where I set my half marathon PR, and it rewards smart running. Respect it early, and by mile seven it starts to roll. If you’ve paced it right, you can really fly late. Hearing “Call to the Post” before the race gives me chills every time. And finishing at Fourth Street Live with that post-race party? You earn the miles, then celebrate them. - Why do you run?
Running clears my head and reminds me I can do hard things. At 51, as a grandma training for my first full marathon, I’m proving it’s never too late to chase something big. I’m not the fastest—but I’m steady. And steady is powerful. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Run smart early. Stay patient so you can take advantage later. Fuel early, stay calm, and when it clicks late—that’s your moment. And when you hit Fourth Street Live, take it in. You earned it.
Ruby Cline-Eaton
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I enjoy spreading the joy of friendship, fellowship, and running—and showing “older” athletes we can still do hard things. - Why do you run?
It gives me reflection, clarity, and peace. It’s therapeutic and keeps me healthy. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Have fun. Take it one step at a time, soak in the crowd energy, stay for the after-party, and celebrate your accomplishment.
Jennifer DeLarm
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
This will be my first time running the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon, and I’m excited to be part of it. - Why do you run?
I run for my health and for charity. Years ago, I set a goal to run one race per month for charity, and I’ve kept it going. Racing keeps me motivated and pushes me to improve. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Trust
Michelle Doepke
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
The UBHM blends everything I love—community, challenge, and fun. It’s welcoming, spirited, and uniquely “Louisville.” Running through the city with crowd support and music makes it unforgettable. - Why do you run?
Running gives me clarity and balance. It helps me reset, challenges me, and reminds me that progress doesn’t have to be fast—just consistent. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Take it all in. Don’t get so focused on pace that you miss the experience. Trust your training, stay flexible, and be proud when you cross the finish line.
Delana Gilkey
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
Running became meaningful to me after completing my first half marathon at UBHM last year. The energy, the people, and the after-party made it unforgettable. - Why do you run?
It challenges me and builds confidence. The running community is supportive, and it helps me stay mentally clear. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Focus on time on your feet, train consistently, incorporate cross-training, don’t skip hills or stretching, listen to your body, and fuel and hydrate properly.
Elizabeth Kostrub
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
This race brings together community, purpose, and heart. It’s a chance for Team Jaycee to raise awareness for Rett syndrome and run for something bigger. - Why do you run?
Running gives my purpose motion. Every mile supports families affected by Rett syndrome and reminds me that small steps create meaningful change. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Trust your training and your “why.” Start conservatively, follow your fueling plan, and soak in every moment.
Brandon Linder
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
It combines two of my favorite things—distance running and bourbon. I’m excited to meet new people and experience the race. - Why do you run?
I run to test my limits, meet people, and explore new places. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
I’m a first-timer too—looking forward to learning from the veterans!
Jonathan Lynn
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
After my first UBHM, I knew I wanted to run it again. Being a Bourbonite is a great way to help grow the race and share how fun it is. - Why do you run?
For physical health, stress relief, and the motivation that comes from improving over time. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Push through the long, humid summer training—those miles will pay off in October.
Crystal Mahoney
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I’m passionate about sharing trail running with BIPOC communities and creating more inclusion in the outdoor space. - Why do you run?
For my mental health, lifelong mobility, and to show my daughters that strength exists at every age and stage. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Build your mileage gradually to prevent injury.
Tammy Marvin
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
It gives me the chance to run in a city I love and share that experience with friends. - Why do you run?
To stay healthy and remind myself that age is just a number. It’s also quality time with my husband. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Believe in yourself. When it gets tough, remember your “why.” It’s okay to walk if needed—just keep moving forward.
Stephanie Miller
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I ran last year after receiving a friend’s bib, and it was incredible. The crowd, volunteers, and organization made it unforgettable. - Why do you run?
As a mom of three active kids, running helps me keep up and gives us something to share together. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Just breathe. When it gets tough late in the race, remember it’s a privilege to be there. One step at a time—you’ve got this.
Nicole Minott
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I love running and bourbon—so combining the two just makes sense. - Why do you run?
For clarity, friendships, and the experiences. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Take it all in—the sights, the energy, and the experience.
Will Nevin
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
Louisville is my happy place—the bourbon capital and home to a fantastic race. I’d promote it either way, so I might as well be a Bourbonite. - Why do you run?
It’s social, challenging, and adaptable. Running can be whatever you want it to be. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
You can race it hard or just enjoy the ride—but don’t miss the post-race party.
Jessica Rizzo
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
UBHM is my favorite race. Running through Cherokee Park and finishing with bourbon makes it special—and the after-party is unmatched. - Why do you run?
Running brings me joy and balance. The Louisville running community is incredibly welcoming. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Don’t fear the hills. Start conservatively, save energy, enjoy Cherokee Park, and don’t skip the after-party.
Jacqueline Schreiver
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
The course showcases the beauty of Louisville—from downtown to Cherokee Park. I travel often for races, and this is always my Kentucky recommendation. - Why do you run?
For physical and mental health, and for the friendships and travel opportunities it brings. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Run your own race, take in the scenery, and save energy for the after-party.
Victoria Staton
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I fell in love with the course and the people. It’s a race and celebration unlike any other. - Why do you run?
For my physical and mental health—and inspiration from family. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Train for hills and enjoy the scenic course.
Melinda Wofford
- Why are you an Urban Bourbonite?
I love sharing this quintessential Kentucky race with others. It offers a great course and an even better post-race celebration. - Why do you run?
To challenge myself and invest in my personal growth. - Advice for first-time UBHM runners:
Relax, trust your training, and enjoy the full experience.
