2024 CIM Ambassador Team:

David Damron

David Damron

Centennial, CO

Originally from Sacramento, I now live just outside Denver, Colorado. After 13 years of chasing my BQ, I finally earned it at CIM in 2019. I’ve finished 8 CIMs (3 BQs and 1 sub-3), completed Ironman California in 2022, and have been running since 2006. This will be my third year as a CIM Ambassador, and I’m just as excited as ever to help runners train smart, race strong, and soak in everything this incredible event offers. With two young boys and an energetic dog at home, I get plenty of “cross-training” outside of running. CIM will always be my favorite race—it’s where dreams come true—and I’m committed to running it every year for the rest of my life.

Instagram – @DavidDamron
Website – RunnerChecklists.com

Ivan Casillas

Ivan Casillas

Woodland, CA

I’d like to think of myself as a runner of the people and for the people. I’m here for those who are thinking about becoming a runner, currently a runner, or just looking for motivation…or some funny running memes. I enjoy new challenges, particularly those that are running related (5-5-5, 100 miles in a month, etc.) I like to say that if your goals don’t scare you even just a little then you’re not aiming high enough. I’m a 3 time marathoner (all CIM) and you should know that I WILL try to convince you to run a marathon…if I haven’t already!

There’s a lot to love about CIM. Sacramento has often been seen as some city with nothing to offer (aka cow-town) and CIM puts it on the map. Then there’s the CIM runners, you’ll see a hat or a shirt somewhere in public and you can always strike up a conversation with a fellow runner and hear their stories; such as the runner I met during Shamrock’n who shared that she’s ran CIM 13 times and ran it with her husband for their anniversary. There’s also the volunteers and spectators who play such a huge part on race day…The cowbells, the signs, the kind words of encouragement, the fuel and hydration they offer to complete strangers. CIM is a symbol of the Sacramento community and the running community as a whole. 

This year I’m aiming to enjoy more miles with friends. Running has allowed me to meet new people from all walks of life and despite the different locations, races, paces, etc. the one thing that’s a constant is that running with friends is always better. Every personal record I’ve set has been alongside friends so this year I’m going to share as many miles as I can with them and take my own advice by getting out of my own comfort zone whether it be distance, race type or speed related.

Instagram – @simply_thicc

Linnae O’Neil

Linnae O’Neil

Waterbury, VT

After running my first marathon in 2014 at Vermont City, I fell in love.  I’ve since completed 14 marathons, with CIM 2024 being my personal best and most recent, but have found so much more than just new roads.  Running has brought me solace in hard times, countless new friends and opportunities, and the mental fortitude to push for successes greater than I ever thought possible.

My goal for 2025 is to continue meeting runners of all levels and gaining inspirations from those around me.  There is no greater power than the kindness and tenacity of those pushing their boundaries and reaching for new heights. Just watch the finish line of a marathon – the inspiration you witness there is limitless.

I’m thrilled to run this course again with a first-time loop under my belt, and a stronger community of people from being a CIM ambassador.

Instagram – @linnaecaroline @runlinnaerun

Joe Robinson

Joe Robinson

Detroit, MI

Joe Robinson III, co-founder of WeRun313, is a Detroit native passionate about community and the power of running. A seasoned marathoner with 11 completed, he recently achieved a sub-3-hour marathon, ranking among top American-born Black male marathoners. Joe has also run marathons internationally, from Berlin to South Africa. As a lululemon ambassador, he promotes global running, believing it enhances physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. Recognized with the Spirit of Detroit Award and featured in Runner’s World, Joe is dedicated to sharing the benefits of running.

Goal – To get personal best in the marathon, as well as finish my 7 star journey.

Youtube – WeRun313 x StockX Mini Doc
Website – WeRun313.com

Kendall Rose

Kendall Rose

Dallas, TX

I’m Kendall! Fitness enthusiast, dog mom, friend, NASM CPT & RRCA Run Coach based in Dallas, Texas. I have been deeply connected to sports and fitness throughout my life but ventured into the world of marathon training in 2021. I’ve run four full marathons with CIM 2024 being my fourth and holding my current PR- 3:04:51. Can you guess my time goal for CIM 2025? 🙂

Running provides me the opportunity to show up for myself every day before showing up for my other commitments. I hope to inspire others to fall in love with the process of training. Marathon training is a BIG commitment! But when you cross that finish line and look back on the variables YOU manipulated to make your goal happen… that feeling of self-efficacy is how we fall in love with the process and find a sustainable practice.

CIM is my favorite race- smooth logistics, an encouraging community, and a fantastic course. Want to chat race strategy or the course? Here for your questions!

Instagram – @kendallnrose @runstrongwithkendall

Tiara Smith

Tiara Smith

Houston, TX

Tiara is a certified run coach, marathoner, and Pilates enthusiast. For Tiara, running is more than just a sport; it’s a source of community, joy, and personal pride. The passion for running truly blossomed after her first marathon in 2015 and was rekindled during the pandemic. Tiara’s enthusiastic about representing her community and sharing the limitless possibilities that running brings.

My goal for the last 2 years has been to qualify for Boston. I believe that dedicated running should be enjoyable and balanced with life’s other joys. My main goal is to prove that you can be serious about your passions while embracing the fun of the journey.

Instagram – @tiaramoves

Tony Sosa

Tony Sosa

San Diego, CA

Running has always been part of my life, having grown up with a very athletic background. I was always a “good” runner but I did not start taking running more seriously until after I was diagnosed with lupus in 2017. After my lupus diagnosis, my whole world changed and for almost 2 years, life came to a complete halt, including running. Because of how lupus was ravaging my body, never did I believe I’d be able to run again, considering how, simply walking 5ft, felt as though I ran 2 marathons. But through much trial and error with medication, diet, lifestyle and really leaning into my faith and the support of my friends and family, SLOWLY but surely lupus began to get better managed and I finally began relearning my body from walking to eventually running. I would go on to run my first half in 2021, first full (CIM) in 2022, first BQ in 2023 and completed my first Boston in 2024. Lupus has changed my life completely but it has changed it for the better, and it has taught me to never give up, we are always stronger than we believe, and life along with running are team sports.

A goal for running that I have, is to continue to stay humble and inspire others to make the most of running and their health through my experience and life with lupus. Most lupus and autoimmune patients I know would give anything to walk without pain, let alone run, so if one person could benefit from my story, then it’s all been worth it.

I love CIM because it was my first marathon in 2022, five years post lupus diagnosis and I unknowingly ran 5min shy of a BQ then (didn’t know what a BQ was at the time). So this time around, I feel will be just as emotional as the first time but it will be my 3rd time back and 2nd time “racing” with an audacious goal of 2:40-45. 

Instagram – @a.sosa_ii

Lindsay Walter

Lindsay Walter

Charlotte, NC

I am so excited to be a CIM Ambassador this year! I love running marathons and ultras. Running has taught and given me so much. Through the sport I have levered to love, accept and embrace my Alopecia and bald head. I love the challenge of running and the way it makes me feel.

I am excited to be running CIM for my first time. It has been high on my list and my schedule finally works out. I can’t wait after all the incredible things I’ve heard about this race, from the course, community and city! I am looking forward to the opportunity to run this race and for everyone I get to meet and run alongside. I am so honored.

Goal: Run fast, have fun! There’s nothing like 26.2

Instagram – @lindsayhannah3

Justin Williams

Justin Williams

San Bruno, CA

I was always involved in sports growing up so running has always had a place in my life (just not as enjoyable) but after my college football career ended running was something I leaned on to stay in good health and find community. When I started I definitely was the person who said they’d never run a marathon; not because I thought I lacked the ability, but really had no motivation because I just loved showing up and running the streets with my friends. Now after completing 9 marathons, moving cities and starting Unseen Run Club two years ago I can definitively say that love of community and racing do actually co-exist. It’s been amazing to connect with like minded individuals and see the representation in the sport grow as well and proud to do my part.

The general public doesn’t give CIM the same respect as world majors and to me that adds to its appeal by making CIM truly a “runners” race. With running being as mainstream as it’s ever been, having something that’s niche to the culture is important and exciting. The reputation of the course and race day conditions attracts people of every ability level but there’s a buzz in the air because everyone there is focused on their goal and very little else. if done right you can feed on that energy and have it carry into a very special race day.

In this current phase I’m all in on growing community and representation in the running space.

Instagram – @this.jvstin

Xavier Venegas

Xavier Venegas

Sacramento, CA

I was born and raised in Sacramento, and attended Sacramento City College, where I ran cross country and track. Unfortunately, during 2020, my sophomore college track season was cut short due to the pandemic, which also disrupted my plans to transfer and continue my collegiate athletic career. That setback was tough, but it pushed me to explore other running opportunities. I eventually found my way to road racing and discovered Sacramento Run Club (SRC), where I connected with an incredible community of passionate runners. Being part of SRC has given me the motivation, accountability, and camaraderie I needed to take my training to the next level. After running CIM 2024 and finishing in 2:51:50, I’m more determined than ever to push my limits and chase bigger goals.

I love CIM because it feels like my home court. The familiar streets, the electric crowds, and the fast course make it the perfect place to chase a PR. I can’t wait to come back and give it my all this year! My goal is to break 2:45 at CIM 2025 and to help others reach a personal running goal they have for this year.

Instagram – @xavier_venegas  @sacramentorunclub

2025 CIM Ambassador Program

Do you enjoy meeting new people, sharing your passion for marathon running, and CIM? Consider applying to be a CIM Ambassador! Applications are now open.

CIM Ambassador Benefits:
  • Complimentary entry into CIM
  • CIM apparel package
  • Gifts from our sponsors
  • Featured on our website
What does a CIM Ambassador do?

CIM Ambassadors help spread the word about CIM to their community!

Ambassadors should be:
  • Passionate and active runners
  • Outgoing and friendly people
  • Able to make a one-year commitment (February – December 2025)
One-Year Commitment Includes:
  • Active on personal social media accounts posting about CIM
  • CIM Instagram posts during local large events
  • Involvement with local running clubs
  • Organize a community fun run to promote CIM in August

The 2026 CIM Ambassador application will be available in December.